Climate Action Top Ups

Introduction

This research examines extra funding provided to community groups not normally associated with environmental activity, encouraging them to make environmental improvements and respond to the climate emergency. The findings aim to inform those interested in funding or making environmental improvements.

Findings

The research showed that groups used the funding to make energy and water efficiency improvements for buildings, carry out awareness raising activities, improve green spaces, and install electric charging points.

As a result, some of the groups saved considerable amount of energy and money, others enhanced their local environment while others noted benefits for the residents’ health and wellbeing.

The research also found that:

• communities need little persuasion to take part

• advice is important, boosting confidence and helping groups prioritise the most important areas

• funding accelerates climate action, or makes it possible in the first place

• some groups felt that the £10,000 funding was “about right”, while others wanted to do more