Energy efficiency projects receive community benefit funding

SHETLAND Islands Council’s energy efficiency team has been awarded £200,000 via Shetland Community Benefit Fund (SCBF) for carrying out work on fuel poor households.

It comes as Shetland Community Benefit Fund has awarded total funding of £453,673 across its grant schemes, bringing the total distributed to £1.5 million since 2021.

The organisation is taking in £2.2 million a year in community benefit money from Viking wind farm developer SSE Renewables, which then goes towards community projects.

During Viking’s construction phase £400,000 a year was on offer for local projects.

Insulation works which were supported by the community benefit top-up funding. Photo: SIC

Insulation works which were supported by the community benefit top-up funding. Photo: SIC

The new funding for the council is both top-up grant funding for energy efficiency works and funding for new windows and doors which are not currently covered, as a primary measure, under the Area Based-Scheme (ABS).

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Local authorities are awarded ABS funding from the Scottish Government to develop and deliver energy efficiency programmes to households in fuel poverty.

Where the grant does not cover the cost of all works either the number of measures are reduced or the owner pays the balance.

The top-up funding will be used where there is a shortfall to ensure whole house, fabric-first measures can be carried out where the occupier is unable to fund their contribution.

New doors and windows reduce heat loss and infiltration particularly in exposed island areas, and where suitable, can be primary measures delivered by this project.

Shetland Islands Council’s environment and estate operations manager Carl Symons said: “With Shetland’s cold and windy weather we regularly receive requests for help with new windows and doors.

“This additional energy efficiency funding is welcome and will provide further help to households living in fuel poverty.”

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Hjaltland Housing Association has also received £10,000 towards training costs for retrofit energy efficiency works.

A total of £32,770 is also going to the Royal Voluntary Service for its three-year wheelchair accessible vehicle with driver project.

SCBF fund manager Eleanor Gear said: “It has been great to see such a positive start to the main funding, particularly on projects which focus on energy efficiency measures.

“SCBF recognise that long-term strategic projects do not happen overnight and early engagement with the Shetland community, through its community groups, organisations and businesses is crucial to the success of the fund.”

Under the main £2.2 million a year Viking scheme – went went live around six months ago – there is a new “strategic” fund.

The priorities of the strategic fund include encouraging more younger people wanting to stay and/or come back to Shetland, better transport links, improved broadband and housing supply, and reduced cost of living.

Gear added that “local organisations involved in the delivery of projects are best placed to plan, develop and deliver them”.