News Article

Organisations in the region could be eligible for as much as £1m each as part of a £40m funding pot to raise awareness of the benefits of renewable energy technologies.

As part of the second phase of the Low Carbon Buildings Programme, North East England could be rewarded if its businesses ‘go green’ – by obtaining and installing renewable technologies including Solar PV and thermal, wind, ground source heat pump and biomass.

The funding, courtesy of the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (DeBERR), is only available for a limited time so organisations are urged to attend an event in Newcastle on Wednesday June 25th to find out how they can apply.

Alex Fowler, One North East’s Energy Analysis and Policy Specialist Advisor, said: “This funding has been allocated to encourage organisations around the country to think more about their energy use and the affect this has on the environment and we want to make sure this region gets its fair share.

“The event One North East and our partners have organised is for the benefit of the region – we want organisations to see the benefits of applying for funding and we’ll even help them identify collaborative bids to maximise the chances of securing funding.

“We’re trying to promote the benefits of being more ‘green’ and energy aware, as this will not only help the environment but the organisations themselves, as their bills will be reduced, leading to more investment and money put back into their communities. In turn this will benefit the region’s economy.”

Grants of up to £1m per site are available to help organisations gain the benefits of renewable energy technologies. Those eligible include:
• Local authorities
• Housing associations
• Schools
• Hospitals
• Charitable bodies
• Community organisations

The cash is awarded through BERR’s Better Regulation Executive (BRE).

To register for the event in Newcastle, log onto -  www.lowcarbonbuildingsphase2.org.uk/events.

For more information please contact Leanne English in the press office at One North East on (0191) 2296738, 07917 232678 or email Leanne.English@onenortheast.co.uk.