The first beneficiary of a new scheme aimed at helping communities save energy and reduce their carbon emissions has been announced by the Bath & North East Somerset Council.
Energy Efficient Widcombe has become the first recipient Local Energy Champions Award and as a result will receive £400 to use on activities that are likely to benefit the local community as a whole.
The group has stated that it intends to use the money to upgrade its inefficient lighting system in St Marks Community Centre and replace them with LED illuminations.
It will also run a community workshop on the benefits of low energy ceiling light fittings for local residents, as well as create a display about saving energy at the centre itself.
The Local Energy Champion Award was first launched in September last year and it builds on the success of the council's scheme of the same name, which has been running since 2010.
In its current guise, the scheme provides support, training and equipment to groups working on energy efficiency or renewable energy projects.
The overall aim of the scheme is to support groups to contribute to the target of cutting carbon emissions in the community by 45 per cent in 2026.
Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council Paul Crossley said the authority is delighted to have awarded the first recipient of the prize the money to go towards further reducing their carbon footprint.
Local communities must be encouraged to play a significant part in ensuring the carbon emission targets are met in time, according to Mr Crossley.
Chair of Energy Efficient Widcombe Ozzie Field commented: "We are delighted to secure this funding for the community facility in our area. These LED lights are a great way of reducing energy demand and saving money year after year, especially for the many organisations that use St Marks Community Hall."
Every three months, there will be £400 awarded to a group that is seeking to reduce carbon emissions in their community.
