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Welcome to your monthly Climate Change update.
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Northumberland County Council is committed to making our county net zero by 2040 and we need everyone to do their bit to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
How can you help make a difference? 👇 |
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We’ve been nominated for two energy efficiency awards
We’re thrilled to announce that we've been shortlisted as finalists for two national awards thanks to our Warmer Homes initiative. These include the Best Climate Action or Decarbonisation Initiative at the APSE Awards 2024, and the Best Council and Best Vulnerable Support Organisation at the National Energy Efficiency Awards 2024.
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Milestones hit as Northumberland Line nears completion Key milestones have been achieved on the Northumberland Line project, including the opening of the Newsham Roadbridge and the Palmersville underpass, and the installation of a cycle bridge in Blyth. Passenger trains are set to begin test runs for the first time in 60 years, with a full service expected by December 2024. |
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Next phase of Blyth cycle improvements
The next phase of Blyth's cycling improvements is set to begin in September, enhancing safer, greener travel options for work, education, and leisure. The £1.9m project will extend from Bondicar Terrace through several key areas, with completion expected by May 2025. Funded by the Department for Transport, the scheme supports Northumberland’s push for more sustainable travel under the Big Northumberland Gear Change campaign.
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Going Green Together funded for three more years
VONNE’s environmental project, Going Green Together, has secured funding for three more years, following a successful two-year pilot that has supported over 200 voluntary sector organizations in becoming more environmentally sustainable. Funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, County Durham Community Foundation, and Tees Foundation, the project aims to help more organisations reduce their carbon footprint, adapt to evolving environmental requirements, and prioritise climate action. Plans include revamping the project’s website and launching new events and training in Autumn 2024. |
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New tool to help charities and social enterprises navigate energy retrofits
Good Finance has launched a tool for charities, social enterprises or community organisations who are exploring energy retrofit for their building. The tool is designed to empower social enterprises and charities in making informed decisions when selecting providers for retrofitting energy efficiency measures.
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Royal Countryside Fund
£250,000 is available to support rural community-led activities in Northumberland. Organisations can apply for up to £30,000 over a period of 18 months to deliver activities along the themes of powering up rural communities and increasing environmental sustainability.Deadline: 12 September |
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Community Energy Fund Round 3 now open for applications
The Community Energy Fund (CEF) is accepting applications for urban and rural energy projects aimed at saving, managing, or generating clean energy. The fund supports the feasibility and development stages of projects, including small-scale wind, solar partnerships, battery storage, and EV charging points. Grants of up to £40,000 are available for feasibility studies, and up to £100,000 for project development.
Deadline: 13 October
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Northern Powergrid Foundation open for applications
As an independent charity serving the North East, Yorkshire, and northern Lincolnshire, the Northern Powergrid Foundation focuses on empowering communities through projects in three key areas: community resilience, fuel poverty innovation, and net zero networks. Grants of up to £20,000 are available for projects that align with these priorities and benefit the communities served by Northern Powergrid.
Deadline: 14 October
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North East Community Foundation
Up to £500,000 is being made available to community organisations across Tyne & Wear and Northumberland for environmental and climate-related projects. Re-wilding programmes, recycling and repurposing projects, raising awareness in communities, and improving the energy efficiency of a building are examples of activities that would be considered. The max grant Size is £10,000.
Deadline: 31 March 2025
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Gas safety grants Grants of up to £500 are available for replacements, repairs, and servicing of gas appliances to provide vital gas safety interventions for vulnerable people in their homes. There can only be one intervention per household per year which may include more than one measures such as gas safety checks, gas servicing, gas boiler repairs, gas boiler replacements, gas boiler combustion analysis, gas cookers, gas fires, gas pipework, gas meters, gas water heaters.
Who can apply:
All applicants must live in privately owned accommodation and be one of the following:
- 60 years old or over and have low household income and/or a disability
- Under 60 and have a low household income and/or a disability or
- Considered exceptionally vulnerable by the HIA (This is reviewed on a case
- by case basis)
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Community Energy Surgery Sessions
The North East & Yorkshire Net Zero Hub is offering free online surgery sessions for Community Energy Groups and Local Authorities throughout September to consult with a range of professionals and receive free advice on their local energy projects. These 1-hour, 1:1 consultations provide tailored advice on four key themes:
- 11 & 23 Sept – Commercial Case Development
- 13 & 27 Sept – Low Carbon Technologies
- 24 & 25 Sept – Net Zero Project Planning and Development
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This email has been produced by the Northumberland County Council Communications team. |
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