A host of organisations supporting vulnerable communities across Scotland have been awarded vital funding in the latest round of SP Energy Networks’ Transmission Net Zero Fund.
The groups will receive grants to help decarbonise and reach their net zero targets sooner – with projects ranging from the installation of low carbon technology in community event spaces, to electric community transport solutions and retrofits of community-run 19th century buildings using historic techniques.
SP Energy Networks’ £5 million Net Zero Fund was launched in 2022 to help communities to advance their net zero plans and projects, prioritising those at risk of being left behind on the country’s journey to net zero emissions. The fund has been established through SP Transmission, a subsidiary of SP Energy Networks, to support communities across central and southern Scotland.
Since its launch, the fund enabled communities to develop their project ideas and plans through 16 tailored community workshops and 16 project feasibility reports. Over £3.7m has been awarded to 27 community organisations and charities. The investment to date is predicted to save a combined 28,904 tCO2e - the equivalent to driving around the Earth over 7,000 times in an average car.
Guy Jefferson, Transmission Managing Director at SP Energy Networks, said:
“The progress already underway across central and southern Scotland thanks to our Net Zero Fund is testament to the drive and ambitions of the communities we’re supporting, and it’s great to take that even further with this latest round of funding.
“From innovative low-carbon heating and energy solutions which will reduce electricity bills and help tackle fuel poverty, to electrification of community transport, these projects support the most vulnerable members of our communities and enable a more inclusive pathway to net zero. I can’t wait to see these projects come to life.”
To celebrate the funding milestone, recipients of the Transmission Net Zero Fund gathered at Glasgow’s Civic House to share insights from their own projects and gain valuable advice from those already underway. The venue is run and developed by Agile City, a community interest company with a mission to provide work and event space for social and cultural enterprise to thrive.
As part of the latest funding round, Agile City has been awarded £188,000 to undertake an ambitious renovation of another former industrial site. The project will see the group bring Glasgow’s Glue Factory building back to full use, with the installation of thermal improvements turning the space effectively into a ‘micro-power station’, so-called as the retrofit means the building will now generate more power than it uses.
The concept of a 'micro-power-station' is the ambition to retrofit post-industrial buildings to become energy positive - generating more energy than they consume by reducing demand via thermal improvements and generating power via photovoltaic (PV) panels.
The 20,000 sq. ft site will now be utilised as an affordable, multi-purpose use space for community-led retrofit and energy projects. Agile City will also partner with Built Environment - Smarter Transformation (BE-ST) and City of Glasgow College to launch a net zero training programme to help other organisations get started with their own net zero ambitions, with plans to support and engage as many as 4,500 people over the first two years through training, events and workshops.
Rob Morrison, Director of Agile City, said:
“Our retrofit of Glue Factory will breathe new life into a building steeped in history - demonstrating the buildings that once supported the industrial revolution in Glasgow can be at the heart of the green revolution through retrofit and community-led energy projects.
“We are proud to collaborate with BE-ST and City of Glasgow College to introduce a net zero training programme. This initiative will equip thousands of people with the skills and knowledge to achieve their own net zero goals. Agile City is on a mission to create the space and facilities that turn green ideas into action - to create a positive future for Glasgow.”
The latest funding round will see East Ayrshire Council receive £215,400 to create a new electric car club that will support vulnerable communities across Cumnock, New Cumnock and Muirkirk. The project will provide members of the community with access to solar PV car charging hubs, a digital booking app and a number of electric cars, along with inclusive e-bikes that have been specially adapted for people with a range of disabilities.
The plan is also set to create employment and training opportunities by upskilling local mechanics to help with fleet maintenance, as well as establishing new roles to support with the design and construction of the electric charge points and digital app.
Diarmid Turnbull, Project Lead at East Ayrshire Council, said:
“With the support of SP Energy Networks, we’ll be able to transform sustainable transport options for vulnerable residents in Cumnock, New Cumnock, and Muirkirk.
“This project not only promotes green travel, but also aims to foster community engagement by creating much needed local job opportunities. We will be training local mechanics to maintain these electric vehicles and hiring staff for the development of charging infrastructure and our new technology, ensuring that our community benefits from both environmental and economic growth. We are committed to making East Ayrshire a leader in sustainable, inclusive transportation solutions.”
Building Futures Galloway has received £80,000 to support the retrofit of a 19th century town hall in the heart of Whithorn, a royal burgh in the historic county of Wigtownshire. The renovation plans include the installation of an air source heat pump along with using specialist lime to insulate the walls - a technique that has been used throughout the area for centuries.
The charity will recruit members of its youth employability scheme, which offers young people the chance to train in traditional construction skills, to carry out the lime-based insulation. The project will not only safeguard the future of a historic building, but also upskill the next generation in traditional building methods.
Speaking on the support, Julia Muir Watt, Chief Executive at Building Futures Galloway, said:
“With this grant we’ll be able to protect a beloved town landmark and simultaneously provide invaluable training opportunities for young people through our youth employability scheme.
“By incorporating traditional construction skills, such as the use of specialist lime insulation, we are proud to blend heritage preservation with modern sustainability. Our project reflects our commitment to both preserving Dumfries and Galloway’s rich architectural history and investing in the future of our community.”
More information about the Net Zero Fund is available at: www.spenergynetworks.co.uk/pages/the_net_zero_fund_t2.aspx
