Council funding on offer to support community buildings in West Norfolk

A new scheme has been launched to help reduce carbon emissions at community buildings throughout West Norfolk.

The Community Action Norfolk group is supporting West Norfolk Council with the Go Green Communities project, funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The project’s goal is to help reduce the carbon emissions and environmental impact for as many of West Norfolk’s community buildings as possible by improving energy efficiency and reducing subsequent energy needs for these community assets.

Cllr Jo Rust, cabinet member for people and communities, said: “This initiative will really help support our local communities to take steps to reduce their carbon emissions.

“Many in our communities are keen to do so, but lack the knowhow or means.

“This scheme will help overcome that so that the community buildings which are at the heart of our areas and contribute such a lot to benefit local residents, can get on board and embrace working towards carbon reduction as well as saving money on utility bills.”

There are three elements to this project:

Support sessions: Free sessions will focus on two areas - energy efficiency measures for community buildings, and funding for community building energy efficiency projects.

These sessions are ideal for groups trying to decide what energy efficiency options might suit their property best, or groups who know what improvements they want to make but would like to know more about building a robust application.

To book a place on September 10, 12, 18 or 19, contact office@communityactionnorfolk.org.uk

Funding: Go Green Grant funding of up to £8,000 per community building to cover up to 75% of energy efficiency improvement projects.

Find out more about how to apply at this link.

Understanding the needs of our community buildings: People involved with community buildings are being asked to share their current circumstances, future plans, and needs.

You can fill in a survey by following this link.

Insight from this survey will be valuable in shaping any future funding streams that become available, as well as helping to develop resources and support.