Nine local organisations in South Cambridgeshire are celebrating after securing funding from the Net Zero Villages grant scheme. Over £360,000 has been awarded to support climate-friendly initiatives, empowering local communities to reduce carbon emissions and enhance sustainability.
The funding comes from the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, supplemented by South Cambridgeshire District Council. This initiative aligns with the council’s commitment to tackling climate change by supporting voluntary groups, parish councils, and community-led businesses in reducing their carbon footprint.
The Net Zero Villages scheme focuses on reducing carbon emissions from community assets like village halls and implementing nature-based solutions to future-proof buildings against extreme weather. It also supports low-carbon transport initiatives, such as e-bikes and community shuttle buses.
Key Projects Receiving Funding
- Oakington Parish Council: £20,395 for solar panel installation on the village pavilion, a key social and sporting venue also used for repair cafes.
- Horningsea Parish Council: £20,682 for an electric cargo bike, solar panels, battery storage, LED lighting, and energy-efficient handwashing facilities.
- Over Community Association: £30,039 to install solar panels on Over Community Centre, reducing its running costs and carbon footprint.
- Shepreth Parish Council: £62,080 to improve energy efficiency at Shepreth Village Hall with insulation upgrades and double-glazed windows.
- Ickleton Lion Community Pub: £22,258 for energy-saving measures, including new radiators, loft insulation, and secondary glazing.
- Cottenham Community Centre: £75,000 to transform an underused studio into an energy-efficient community space with insulation, double glazing, and LED lighting.
- Friends of Histon & Impington Community: £55,000 for a new electric community minibus.
- Fen Drayton Village Hall: £26,644 for solar panels, battery storage, and a suspended ceiling to improve heating efficiency.
- St John the Evangelist Church, Waterbeach: £64,945 to replace its expired roof with a green roof and rainwater recycling system.
Cllr Brian Milnes, Lead Member for the Environment at South Cambridgeshire District Council, highlighted the impact of the initiative:
“It’s fantastic to see over £360,000 awarded to local projects making a real difference in tackling climate change. The Net Zero Villages grant has empowered our communities to take meaningful action, helping to create a greener, more sustainable future.”
Strong Demand for Climate Grants
The scheme received 20 applications totaling £780,909, far exceeding available funds. To fully fund the top nine projects, the District Council contributed an additional £15,000. This high level of interest reflects the enthusiasm of local groups in driving climate action.
For those who were unsuccessful, applications for the Zero Carbon Communities Grant open in May, offering up to £15,000 for projects focused on carbon reduction and sustainability awareness.
South Cambridgeshire District Council continues to support grassroots environmental efforts through funding, a quarterly climate newsletter, and events like the Local Climate Action Conference. More resources are available on the council’s website to help communities develop climate action plans.
