Councillors Agree local access to Carbon CLEVER Funding

25th February 2015

Members of The Highland Council's Resources Committee have today agreed proposals to localise the Carbon CLEVER Community Grant Fund in 2015/16.

The Carbon CLEVER Community Grant Fund, agreed in June 2014, is a £200,000 capital fund which aims to provide communities with financial support to implement relevant and innovative projects to tackle climate change.

In order to localise the fund and ensure it has a Highland-wide reach, each Area Committee will be provided with a funding allocation, allowing Members to fund projects which support the aims of Carbon CLEVER at a local level. There is already significant interest in the fund from local community groups across Highland, and it is expected that it will be fully subscribed.

Energy efficiency improvements, low-carbon transport options and creating community growing spaces are examples of the types of projects that the fund can support. There will be a call for applications from 2nd March 2015 onwards with variable closing dates for applications, from 24th June onwards, depending on the date of individual Area Committees.

Leader of the Council, Drew Hendry, said: "It is so important that the opportunity is given to community groups across Highland to be able to implement their own projects which tackle climate change and support Carbon CLEVER. The fact that Area Committees will be given their own allocation of funds means that successful projects will really benefit each community's needs."

He added: "Highland Council is committed to reducing carbon emissions through its Carbon CLEVER initiative and will always be pleased to hear of the new and innovative ways people are doing this. I look forward to hearing about these projects when they are reported to Committees."

Carbon CLEVER is a Highland Council led initiative with the aim of a carbon-neutral Inverness in a low-carbon Highlands by 2025. This will be achieved by encouraging Highland businesses and residents to reduce their carbon emissions in a variety of different ways, whilst supporting, promoting and building upon the good work already being conducted across the region.

If you would like to know more about the Carbon CLEVER and the Community Grant Fund, please contact a member of the Carbon CLEVER team at carbonclever[AT]highland.gov.uk