Southwark set to fund more energy-saving projects, with bids now invited

Southwark council has launched a new round of funding for community groups, schools and faith groups to make green improvements to their buildings.

After a successful first round in 2024, the Southwark Community Energy Fund is now open for applications from all groups with charitable or not-for-profit aims which are based or work within Southwark.

The fund will provide grants of up to £50,000 to support community energy projects that reduce carbon emissions or save energy. This could be through renewable energy (such as solar panels or heat pumps), measures to improve the energy efficiency of buildings, or workshops or training that tackle fuel poverty.

There is also funding available to help groups of residents or neighbours come together and form a community energy group or cooperative.

In total, 22 projects were awarded funding in the first round. These included new renewable heating systems at Westminster Youth Club, using infrared technology, a whole building LED lighting upgrade at Bermondsey Central Hall and a series of fuel poverty workshops that deliver education and awareness around energy issues.

Cash also went to pre-feasibility study into low-carbon technologies and energy saving measures for Kingswood House and feasibility studies for a community owned rooftop solar project.

The application window will close on April 6, and advice is available from council officers by emailing communityenergy@southwark.gov.uk

For interested groups there will be an online information session on Thursday at 6pm. This will be a good opportunity to hear from council officers, experts in the sector and ask questions.

Councillor John Batteson, the council’s cabinet member for climate emergency, jobs and business said: “I am delighted to launch the latest round of Southwark Community Energy Fund, which will provide more vital funding to our community groups, schools and faith groups to help them make their buildings more environmentally-friendly.

“The success of our first round showed that there is a huge appetite for community-led climate action. With another round of funding we are continuing to support this ambition and helping our community groups to tackle carbon emissions, save money and reduce fuel poverty.”

Westminster Youth Club were awarded funding for a new infrared heating system in their Nunhead youth centre. The club’s Director Katie Worthington said: “This funding has been crucial for us to upgrade our youth club with a new heating system that will help us to keep ourselves warm more efficiently.

“We’ve been able to replace our old boilers and now we can use energy from our solar panels to power our infrared heating system and keep our bills down.”

The council will be holding open surgeries with council officers on four different dates. This will be a chance to get feedback on a project idea ahead of an application. If you have a project idea, you can book a 20-minute slot through Eventbrite.

The sessions will take place online on March 13 and 24 (3.30-6.30pm) with in-person sessions available at 132 Queens’ Road on February 27 (12.30-5m) and at 160 Tooley Street on March 19 (12.30-5pm).

Pictured top: The Westminster Youth Club, early beneficiaries of the green grants (Picture: Southwark council)