Low Carbon communities challenge

Overview

The Department of Energy and Climate Change has launched the Low Carbon Communities Challenge, a two-year programme to provide financial and advisory support to 20 ‘test-bed’ communities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland that are seeking to cut carbon emissions, support inward investment and foster community leadership.

The Challenge is focused on communities already taking action, or facing change, in the area as a result of climate change - they may be a Warm Zone, eco-town or low carbon community, or a potential candidate for a wind farm, electric cars or community-scale retrofitting of homes - and with an interest in using this to spur an ambitious, integrated programme of carbon reductions in the area.

The Challenge offers:

• Capital infrastructure funding for carbon emissions reduction (up to £500,000, or more in exceptional cases) to stimulate partner and community investment in the area. The funding comes from the Low Carbon Investment Fund (LCIF)
• Introductions to potential third, public and private sector services through a new partner consortium offering free advice and support.
• A common framework and practical support across the 20 communities to share learning and evaluation.
• The challenge also offers a profile that comes from being part of a large-scale, multi-partner and government-backed initiative.

Who can apply?

Applicants are eligible to apply if they :

• Are a local authority/council, local strategic partnership or legally constituted third sector organisation;
• Are applying on behalf of a community in England, Wales or Northern Ireland that is already taking action, or facing change, as a result of infrastructure development or behavioural measures that could achieve carbon reductions;
• Have the skills and resource to build on this action and develop integrated proposals for carbon reduction
• Have demonstrable support from grassroots community leaders and local partners in the area,
• Are fully committed to evaluation and the role that research and co-inquiry will provide in assessing both the carbon impact of the initiatives and the valuable learning that can be gained and spread to others.

How to apply

The Challenge will be run in two phases. Applicants may apply in either one of them. Phase 1 'first
mover' applications are for green 'exemplar' communities that already have integrated community
plans to tackle climate change. To this end, £5 million is available for applicants who put forward
bids to support capital expenditure for existing projects in this financial year. Most applicants will
receive up to £500,000, but in exceptional circumstances applicants may receive more.

Phase 2 'second mover' applications are for communities already taking some action or facing
change in the area, and with an interest in developing integrated plans for cutting carbon
emissions. Around 12 communities will be selected to share the funding of £5 million available over
the financial year 2010/11, with applicants being able to apply for up to £500,000.