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Sustainable Communities

This webpage is designed to share information regarding what various communities in the District are doing to improve both their local and the global environment.  Hopefully this will encourage you to get involved and  inspire you to come up with a few ideas of your own.

Get Inspired!

Presentation of John Sweeney Award to Holt Hall 'roots & shoots' project North Norfolk District Council's Environment Awards wepage provides information about projects which have won and been shortlisted for these annual awards.  These include projects such as setting up a community composting scheme, creating allotments and managing natural habitats.

The Energy Saving Trust have recently created an online resource for communities which contains case studies and a projects database of activity across the country.  It is a great place to see what others are doing and for coming up with ideas of your own. The Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) also have a 'Community Energy Portal' which contains a range of information for community groups developing community energy schemes.

The Upcher Community Partnership have recently formed a Sustainable Communities Group and have been accepted onto the Energy Saving Trust's 'Greener Communities' support programme.

The Unity Wind project aims to develop a community windfarm just outside North Walsham.

The North Walsham and Dilham Canal Trust is restoring the canal so that it can be enjoyed by future generations.

If you are involved in a project that you would like to feature on these pages please contact the Sustainability Team at sustainability@north-norfolk.gov.uk

 

Potential Sources of Funding

There are a number of potential sources of funding for community based environmental projects. This list will be updated regularly so make sure you check back for changes and new schemes:
  • A 'community low carbon heating scheme' was recently launched by the Department for Energy & Climate Change and aims to support communities installs domestic renewable heat installations in privately owned homes. Visit the Energy Saving Trust site for details on how to apply.
  • The PURE Community Energy Fund has been set up specifically for non-commercial organisations to provide cost effective financing for community renewable energy projects in the UK. The scheme provides low-interest loans for small scale renewable technologies which can be repaid over a term that suits the cash flow for each individual project up to a maximum of five years.
  • A number of energy supply companies offer grants for community projects. Find out more about these by contacting energy companies directly. One example is EDF's Green Energy Fund.
  • The Norfolk Coast Partnership operates a Sustainable Development Fund.
  • Under the new Feed-in-Tariffs, also known as the 'clean energy cashback scheme', a payment is available to householders and communities who generate their own electricity from renewable or low carbon sources, such as photovoltaics and wind turbines. The Energy Saving Trust has a webpage explaining the scheme.
  • The Norfolk Rural Community Council  and the Energy Saving Trust's 'Finding Funding' page provide more funding ideas.
  • North Norfolk District Council's Community Development Worker may also be able to offer advice and assistance.
  • The Sheringham Shoal Community Fund, funded by Scira Offshore Energy ltd has been set up to support mainly environmental or sustainability-focussed projects and initiatives from community groups, charities, educational institutions and parish and town councils in North Norfolk. Contact the Norfolk Community Foundation for more information and to apply for funding.
  • The Broads Authority has a 'Sustainable Development Fund' which is available for distribution to local communities, businesses and other groups located near to the broads, including parts of the North Norfolk district.
  • The EnergyShare grant fund has recently launched with up to £500,000 for community renewable energy projects.
  • The Department for Communities and Local Government has produced guidance on funding for community green spaces.
  • The Futurefriendly award scheme.
  • The Ashton Awards for sustainable energy.
  • Salix loans are available for public sector energy efficiency projects in England. For further information see www.salixfinance.co.uk

Resources and Information

Your Local Area Partnership is a good source of information and advice.  Other sources that may be worth checking out include:

For rural communities interested in generating renewable energy locally, the Commission for Rural Communities along with a number of partner organisations have produced a guide called ‘Get Generating: A Renewable Energy Guide for Rural Communities’. You can download the document here.