More communities rise to Climate Challenge

The latest round of Climate Challenge Fund (CCF) awards will see 23 community-led projects share £2.63 million.

Environment and Climate Change Minister Paul Wheelhouse has confirmed the 16th round of CCF awards, supporting communities right across Scotland to take action to cut carbon emissions themselves.

Among the applications receiving financial support are:

• the Killandean Community Allotment Development Association in Livingston (£101,370) to develop a community growing space allowing people to enjoy the benefits of growing and consuming their own fruit and vegetables
• the Happy ‘n’ Healthy Community Development Trust in South Lanarkshire (£272,360) to increase bike journeys around Cambuslang and Rutherglen, encouraging more people to leave the car at home
• Oban Phoenix Cinema’s See the Change initiative (£47,270), where the cinema will become a central hub for volunteer champions to work with the wider community to reduce carbon emissions
• a Furniture Re-use and Recycling project run by Connect Community Trust in Glasgow (£132,893) aiming to reduce the amount of furniture and household waste going to landfill
• Announcing the latest CCF awards, Mr Wheelhouse said:

“Climate change is a serious issue both here in Scotland and further afield and all work carried out to limit the impact of this global issue is to be welcomed.

“Some of the best initiatives to reduce carbon emissions are devised and delivered at a local level. Here we have another 23 community-based projects from around Scotland, each with creative ideas to help make our carbon footprint smaller.

“The Climate Challenge Fund is a unique scheme providing financial support for communities, both urban and rural, to reduce emissions and make Scotland more sustainable. Those receiving support this time have demonstrated a real desire to make a positive impact on our collective efforts to make Scotland greener, with projects that are both innovative and inclusive.

“Earlier this year, we extended the terms of the CCF to encourage initiatives aiming to support climate resilience activity alongside carbon reduction. I’d like to remind communities throughout Scotland that there is still nearly £11 million of Climate Challenge Funding available for future projects.”

David Gunn, Keep Scotland Beautiful Climate Challenge Fund Manager said:

“I should like to congratulate the 23 community group projects awarded Climate Challenge Fund grants in this latest round of funding. Their hard work and effort has really paid off and there are some fantastic projects now in receipt of funding. We look forward to working with them in the implementation of their projects.

“Grants up to £150,000 per year, per project are available through the Climate Challenge Fund and completed applications under £30,000 benefit from streamlined monthly funding decisions. We urge community groups to apply for grants now and help make their local areas more sustainable places to live and work.

“The Climate Challenge Fund has been important in supporting 635 community group projects that have been awarded grants totaling more than £54.7 million. Keep Scotland Beautiful is very proud to be managing and developing the Climate Challenge Fund on behalf of the Scottish Government.”