Community action for climate change
The only way we're going to reduce carbon emissions, minimise the adverse effects of climate change and achieve a better quality of life is if we all take action.
As part of its commitment to Scotland's Climate Change Declaration the council is committed to working in partnership with Scottish Government and local communities to tackle climate change. We are working hard to reduce waste and promote sustainable choices to achieve a better quality of life.
For more information on what you can do as an individual to reduce your carbon emissions and save energy see the Climate Change section of the council's website.
West Lothian Development Trust
The West Lothian Development Trust fund is money received from windfarm developments in West Lothian. The West Lothian Development Trust was set up to administer and manage the funds. The trust comprises of members from the communities within 10km of the developments, West Lothian Council and the windfarm developers. West Lothian Council provides administrative support to the trust. More information can be found at the West Lothian Development Trust section of the council's website.
Local Energy Scotland
Local Energy Scotland (opens new window) administer and manage the Scottish Government's Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES). They help communities and rural businesses with:
- Free advice and support to develop renewable energy schemes or to secure and manage income from renewables,
- Advice on funding streams,
- Support to access CARES (development and pre-planning loans),
- Support to access the Renewable Energy Investment Fund (post-consent loans).
Community and Renewable Energy Scheme
CARES has been established by the Scottish Government to encourage local and community ownership of renewable energy across Scotland and to help maximise the benefits to communities of renewable energy systems - whether commercial or community-owned.
CARES aims to accelerate progress towards the Scottish Government's target of 2GW of locally owned energy by 2030, and to assist with delivering the Scottish Government's Energy Strategy (opens new window) through the provision of loan finance, grant funding and specialist advice.
Funding available to decarbonise community buildings
New funding is now available from CARES. The Let's Do Net Zero Community Buildings Fund aims to support community organisations to reduce their buildings' energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
Funding is available for many types of community buildings, including:
- Community cafes
- Community hubs
- Faith buildings
- Public halls
- Community halls and centres
Grant funding is available for up to 80% of eligible costs, up to a maximum of £80,000.
Home Energy Scotland
The Home Energy Scotland programme, delivered by the Energy Saving Trust provides information, advice and support for communities and organisations that want to reduce energy, cut costs and lower their carbon footprint. For more information, visit Home Energy Scotland - Funding (opens new window).
Community Energy Scotland
The Scottish Government's Community Energy Scotland aims to maximise local ownership of renewable energy generation projects, and increase the benefits for communities that these projects can provide. Loan funds are available from Local Energy Scotland (CARES (opens new window)) to support the development of community projects which harness renewable energy. Interest free loans are also available from the Scottish Government through the Energy Saving Trust to help you install a renewables system.
The Co-operative Community Fund
The Co-op supported 25,000 local causes in 2021 and continue to support thousands more through the Local Community Fund. They also run the Community Partnerships Fund targeted at communities that need the extra help the most.
Scotmid
Scotmid co-op provides grants of up to £500 for local projects, more information can be found here (opens new window).
