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Climate Challenge Fund
07/04/2009
Over 100 communities across Scotland have now made successful applications to the Climate Challenge Fund.
In the latest round of grants, 33 projects have been awarded a total of more than £2.2 million to help cut their carbon footprint and save residents cash in the process.
This takes the running total to 120 communities that have benefitted through £8,399,976 million worth of investment in just nine months.
Local communities are encouraged to come forward with their own creative solutions to make a significant reduction in carbon emissions. It is a key driver in helping to achieve the Scottish Government's target of an 80 per cent reduction in emissions by 2050.
Successful applicants in round four include:
Deaf Connections - £16,850
DEAFinately Greener will ensure Deaf people in Scotland have Equal access to information and advice about climate change in sign language. It will empower deaf people so they can help the wider community to reduce their carbon footprint by at least 30 per cent
Church of the Sacred Heart - £136,666
The 100 year old Lauriston Hall in Edinburgh's West Port is a large City centre community space. The funding will help to introduce natural light and provide insulation to reduce carbon emissions by up to 80 per cent
Perth & District YMCA - £122,052
The Three C's Project (Community Carbon Champions) will involve local unemployed young people working with families to grow vegetables in their gardens. They will also create an educational DVD around Carbon Emission Reduction which will be distributed at local community events
Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said:
"I am delighted to see that we have broken through the 100 barrier - a significant milestone. The volume of applications being received is further proof that our communities are determined to come forward with their own innovative solutions to drive down carbon emissions.
"This initiative has been a real success story, offering savings for individuals, showcasing simple energy efficiency measures, creating new jobs and greater investment in renewables, and educating and empowering the public to take decisive action."
Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth, John Swinney, said:
"Climate change is undoubtedly one of the most serious threats we face globally and locally. It's therefore very heartening to see that the public want to play their part in helping ensure a cleaner, greener Scotland for future generations. "
Patrick Harvie MSP, co-convenor of the Scottish Green Party, said:
"In these difficult economic times, it's great to see the Climate Challenge Fund backing projects to reduce Scotland's carbon emissions, cut people's bills and support local jobs. Some would have us believe our communities have to choose between strong local economies and a clean environment. As these schemes illustrate, the two must go hand in hand.
"From Aberdeen to Ayrshire and Assynt, meeting in school halls, youth clubs and churches, people have come up with diverse and imaginative ideas to reduce their carbon footprint. These are our true pioneers and innovators, and their communities will be best placed both to weather the storms around us and to help Scotland make a responsible contribution to global efforts to tackle climate change."
John Speirs, community services manager at Deaf Connections said:
"Deaf Connections is delighted to be awarded funding to promote our DEAFinately Greener project which will ensure Deaf people in Scotland can access information and advice about climate change in British Sign Language (BSL).
"Achieving reductions in our carbon footprint is critical and Deaf people will now be better equipped to succeed in our aim of a 30 per cent reduction both individually and by working together as a community."
Ian Marr, chief executive of Perth YMCA, said
"We are absolutely delighted to have received funding from the Climate Challenge Fund for the Community Carbon Champions Project. This is such an exciting opportunity for our young people and communities to make a real and lasting change for themselves and for our environment. This funding creates a unique opportunity to make real and tangible differences in peoples lives."
Father Chris Boles from the Church of the Sacred Heart project in Edinburgh, said:
"We are thrilled and delighted to receive funding from the Climate Challenge Fund to assist with making the Lauriston Hall a low carbon community space for the next century. It means a great deal to us to be able to model for others that it is possible in an older building to be environmentally responsible, and we are most grateful for the grant that will help us take on this task."
Launched by the Scottish Government with the Scottish Greens in June 2008, the Climate Challenge Fund totals £27.4 million available over three years (2008-2011). The fund is open to applications from organisations including local voluntary bodies, not-for-profit organisations and schools to fund projects which demonstrate a significant reduction in emissions. It is part of a wide range of efforts by the Scottish Government to reduce Scotland's carbon emissions by 80 per cent by 2050.