Whether you’re an individual looking for a way to save on your energy bills, you work for a business that wants to reduce its carbon footprint, or you want to get a renewable energy project off the ground, you’ll probably need some advice or funding to get started.
Good news. There are a number of organisations which can help eco-minded people in the UK get to grips with green energy. I’ve highlighted three – the Energy Saving Trust, the ScottishPower Green Energy Trust, and the Government.
Visit these organisations online for more information.
Energy Saving Trust
The Energy Saving Trust is a social enterprise which offers green energy advice for those in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It was founded in 1992.
Its website is full of important information, covering topics like home heating and insulation for individuals, and technology, transport and corporate responsibility for organisations. It always offers impartial advice.
It also runs a blog and a monthly newsletter, as well as having a presence on Twitter and Facebook. Sign up or follow them for the latest news and tips about green energy.
You should also look out for ‘Energy Saving Trust Recommended’ stickers on household products, which show you that a product is as energy efficient as possible.
The ScottishPower Green Energy Trust
The Green Energy Trust gives grants to renewable energy projects which have powerful benefits for communities, and are also educational. It was created by ScottishPower, one of the UK’s ‘big six’ energy suppliers, but the trust remains independent.
Obviously, this isn’t the place to go if you’re a homeowner looking to save on energy. But if you’ve got a bigger project in mind, the Green Energy Trust could be a very good resource.
The trust can grant up to 50% of the costs of a renewable energy project, with a maximum grant of £25,000 per project.
Previous projects which have received funding include an eco-friendly farm visitors’ centre, and solar panel installation in a sports and community facility.
The Green Energy Trust also puts out a magazine twice every year, with details of its projects, as well as energy efficiency advice.
The Government
The UK Government has a number of schemes in place for individuals and businesses that need financial help to go greener, and save money.
The Green Deal, for example, is a loan which can help you pay for heating, double glazing, insulation, draught-proofing, and even heat pumps and solar panels. You’ll need to sign up for a Green Deal assessment to find out if you can benefit.
Bear in mind, though, the Green Deal is a loan, not a grant – so you’ll have to pay the money back.
There’s also a scheme called the Energy Company Obligation. This means energy companies are obliged to help qualifying people pay for the costs of insulation in their lofts or cavity walls, or for new boilers.
To qualify, you need to receive certain benefits, and may have to meet certain other conditions too. To find out if you can get help, you can contact the Government’s Energy Saving Advice Service.
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Louisa Jenkins blogs on many subjects, including green energy issues and technologies. She is passionate about sharing energy efficiency advice for businesses and indiviuals, including subjects like the green energy trust funding, for people who want to save energy and save money.
