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FundingA range of funding is available to housing associations wanting to improve their environmental performance. The funding sources available relate mainly to energy efficiency and waste minimisation, and are set out below. The Energy Saving Trust?s Funding Database is the most up-to-date record of funding available to the public sector, and Green Street links to this. At June 2003 it contained 55 sources of funding, of which 18 relate specifically to housing associations, and 3 to assist residents. Other sources of funding may be available depending on your circumstances. Partnering with utilities can also generate revenue for energy efficiency. Energy Efficiency CommitmentThis is the main source of funding available to housing associations for general energy efficiency improvements. Energy suppliers are committed to making energy efficiency improvements over the next few years, but need to do this by supporting improvements to homes. This is likely to equate to over ?500 million worth of improvements. Insulation and heating systems are the most popular measures supported by this scheme. At least half the measures should benefit ?priority householders? (those on certain benefits or tax credits). The Housing Corporation has supported the development of energy efficiency consortia around the country to maximise funding available to housing associations. The Housing Corporation and the Energy Saving Trust is also supporting consultants to provide free expertise and advice to individual organisations to identify the maximum amount of funding available. For more informaiton on this click here For information on EEC and EST's funding database click here Innovation ProgrammeThis is an Energy Savings Trust (EST) programme, funding innovative projects that reduce carbon emissions. Partnerships are very important and the programme allows other appropriate agencies to lead on innovative projects, as long as there is at least one local authority or one housing association actively involved. Funding is available for feasibility and implementation. Grants are available until 2005. For more information from EST's funding database click here Transco Affordable WarmthThis programme underwrites operating leases for housing associations. This enables them to borrow money more cheaply to install efficient gas central heating and other energy efficiency measures. For more information from EST's funding database click here Community Energy ProgrammeThis scheme supports the refurbishment of existing, or the provision of new, community heating schemes. ?50million is available until 2004. Funding is available for feasibility studies and the capital costs of refurbishing or installing a system. For more information from EST's funding database click here Clear SkiesThe ?10 million Clear Skies Initiative aims to give homeowners and communities a chance to become more familiar with renewable energy by providing grants and advice. Housing associations working with the local community can receive up to ?100,000 for grants and feasibility studies. The type of initiative likely to receive funding includes solar hot water, wind, biomass and water for energy or hot water production. For more information on EST's funding database click here Solar Grants Programme?20million of grant is available for the integration of photovoltaic energy in housing through a DTI-run scheme until March 2004. Housing associations are eligible for up to 60% grant aid towards the cost of installing photovoltaic (PV) equipment to generate electricity from sunshine. The large-scale programme considers schemes generating 5?100kWp of electricity. Applications can be made at any time. Grants are considered on a three-monthly cycle. A simpler system is available for smaller schemes generating 0.5?5kWp of electricity. A guide to developing PV schemes has been developed by Generating Solar Homes, for the Housing Corporation and EST. This sets out how PV can be successfully installed by housing associations and, importantly, highlights ways to fund a scheme. For more information from EST's funding database click here Grants for ResidentsWarm FrontProvides up to ?1500 to meet a package of improvements for insulation, draughtproofing, heating, lighting and advice. For more information from EST's funding database click here Waste fundingCommunity Recycling and Economic Development Fund (CRED)The CRED Programme, managed by the Royal Society for Nature Conservation (RSNC) and eight consortium partners, distributes National Lottery money on behalf of the New Opportunities Fund under its Transforming Waste funding programme in England. Launched in January 2003, the CRED programme aims to guarantee that ?35.2 million of lottery funding, available for local recycling, reuse and composting, is delivered to meet the needs of disadvantaged communities in England, to improve their quality of life and achieve sustainable management of resources. The grant programme offers project funding in England of ?50,000 to ?300,000 between January 2003 and September 2006. Applications are welcome from local community groups, voluntary organisations and not-for-profit community businesses. The programme will support a wide range of community-based projects that:
see www.rsnc.org/cred for more information. Social, Economic and Environmental Development (SEED) ProgrammeThe SEED Programme is funded by the New Opportunities Fund, a National Lottery 'good cause' distributor, through its Green Spaces and Sustainable Communities initiative. The programme is managed by the Royal Society for Nature Conservation and awards grants to communities throughout England before the end of December 2004. Environmental grants are available from SEED for projects requesting between ?500 and ?4,999 for smaller community projects. Applications are welcome from local community groups, voluntary organisations, not-for-profit community businesses and local authorities in partnership with community groups. Priority is placed on helping disadvantaged communities and projects that actively involve local people in making a real difference to their environment and to their quality of life. The projects should promote sustainability and local economic development and demonstrate they will have lasting benefits for communities. SEED Selection Panel Meetings for 2003 are to be held in August and November 2003. Due to SEED?s popularity, applications are not certain to go to the next panel meeting. see www.rsnc.org/cred for more information. European fundingSeveral European funds are available. Access to them will depend on your project and location. Main sources include the European Social Fund (ESF) and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). European funding can require strict reporting and monitoring, and you may wish to seek further advice before embarking on this as a funding source. Regional fundingThe London Community Recycling Network provides a comprehensive source of information on funding in the London area. For more information: Hugh Carr-Harris on 020 7665 1536 or email hugh@londonremade.com
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