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

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

Today : Local Authority

Council Tax Reform: Just How Many Scots Took Part in the Debate?

Council tax is one of those bills that most households know only too well.   It arrives every month or in a series of instalments, and it helps pay for services ranging from rubbish collection and roads to schools, social care and other council services.  

19/9/2026 : Local Authority

Why Scotland Is Reorganising Public Services – And Why Highland Could Feel the Impact More Than Most

Something important is happening in Scotland's public services, and it goes considerably further than another round of annual budget cuts.   The Scottish Government is now talking about changing the way public services themselves are organised.  

18/9/2026 : Local Authority

Highland Council's £2.1 Billion Investment Plan: Could Higher Interest Rates Put the Squeeze on Future Budgets?

Highland Council is planning to spend around £2.1 billion over 20 years on schools, roads, housing, community facilities and other infrastructure.   It is an ambitious programme, and one which could bring considerable benefits across the Highlands.  

17/9/2026 : Local Authority

New Industry Connect Highland programme to strengthen links between schools and employers

Secondary schools and employers across the Highlands are coming together through a new partnership programme designed to connect classroom learning with future career opportunities and help develop the Highlands future workforce.   Industry Connect Highland, developed through My Highland Future and Workforce North, will run throughout the 2026/27 academic year with an initial focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).  

15/9/2026 : Local Authority

Help Shape Highland's Future: Call for Ideas Extended Until November

Communities, businesses and residents are being given extra time to share ideas that will influence future development and land use across Highland.   The Highland Council has an open Call for Ideas survey, which is inviting people to share ideas on future development and long-term land use in Highland.  

12/9/2026 : Local Authority

Caithness This Week A Region Facing Big Decisions on Energy, Money and Its Future

Caithness has had a busy week, although the individual stories might not initially appear to have much in common.   Look a little more closely, however, and a pattern begins to emerge.  

10/9/2026 : Local Authority

 
Highland Council welcomes funding boost to support households struggling with fuel costs

The Highland Council has welcomed an increase of £750,000 of funding from the SSE Renewables Highland Sustainable Development Fund to support private householders experiencing extreme fuel poverty in Highland.   The two-year grant will support the delivery of the Council’s Energy Efficient Scotland: Area Based Scheme (EES:ABS), funded by The Scottish Government, which funds energy efficiency home improvements that can help lower fuel costs and improve living conditions for Highland residents.  

9/9/2026 : Local Authority

Councillors set to challenge huge Highland powerline plan

Highland councillors are set to reaffirm their opposition to a massive new 400kV powerline stretching across the region when they meet today.   The North and South Planning Committees are joining forces to consider the proposed Spittal–Loch Buidhe–Beauly transmission project, one of the biggest electricity infrastructure schemes ever proposed in the Highlands.  

9/9/2026 : Local Authority

 
Why Are Scottish Pupils Falling Behind England? The PISA Results Demand a Rethink

There are few subjects more important to parents than the education their children receive.  It determines not only what they know when they leave school, but increasingly their opportunities throughout adult life.  

9/9/2026 : Local Authority

From Abeyance to 18 Candidates: What Has Happened to Latheron, Lybster & Clyth Community Council?” 18 Candidates For 6 Seats

Following the close of nominations on Monday 7 September noon, the statements of persons nominated for each community council have been published on the council’s website.  Now able to confirm that out of 20 Community Councils seeking membership, 15 have formed, 4 have not formed and 1 may require an election as they exceed the number of available vacancies.