Islington Council's Community Energy Fund (ICEF) has concluded its final round of applications, supporting six new projects aimed at reducing carbon emissions across the borough. The fund, which has provided over £760,000 in grants to 59 projects since 2017, is set to save nearly 34 tonnes of carbon per annum with these latest initiatives.
The six newly supported projects include four solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, one project focused on optimising heat pump performance with solar PV, and a project involving secondary glazing and LED lighting for a listed building. These projects build upon the success of previous ICEF grants, which have collectively saved approximately 208 tonnes of CO2 annually.
The Environment, Climate and Transport Scrutiny Committee reviewed the progress of the ICEF as part of its wider discussion on the council's climate emergency response. The committee heard that the fund plays a crucial role in empowering community-led action on climate change, enabling local groups to implement renewable energy and energy-saving measures.
Islington Council's commitment to supporting community energy initiatives was highlighted during the meeting, with officers noting ongoing efforts to direct organisations to other funding sources and provide advice. The ICEF's impact underscores the council's dedication to fostering a greener, more sustainable future for the borough through collaborative efforts.