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The Mayor's Climate Change Fund 2020-2024

The Mayor's Climate Change Fund 2020-2024 can provide up to 50% match funding (up to £20,000) for improvements that reduce carbon emissions and energy costs of community buildings within Bedford Borough. Projects can be made up of multiple building improvements up to the maximum grant available.

An up-to-date building energy certificate is required which will also help provide ideas for building improvements that give the most benefits, The Mayor's Climate Change Fund can contribute 50% towards the cost for a new certificate.

Discover if your building has a current certificate and details of qualified assessors who can provide a quotation for a new one here.

Any building improvements that reduce carbon emissions will be considered and might include; solar panels, low energy lighting, upgrades to windows and doors, loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, natural daylight systems, rainwater harvesting systems, external and internal wall insulation, heating systems upgrade, boiler replacement, secondary glazing, solar thermal systems, wind and hydro turbines, and ground or air source heat pumps.

Local case studies

Who can apply?

  • Voluntary and community groups 
  • Not for Profit organisations
  • Public sector including schools and parish councils 
  • Registered charities 
  • Social enterprises 

What is the funding available for?

  • 50% match funding for eligible projects
  • 50% funding for the issue of an Energy Performance Certificate for buildings with eligible projects
  • 50% funding for pre-application planning advice for eligible projects

Register an interest

If you think the Climate Change Fund could benefit a community building your group or organisation uses, please register an interest here (Word) and we will be in contact to discuss further.

Ready to apply for funding?

Step 1 

Review an up to date building energy certificate

Step 2 

Obtain quotes for building improvements that deliver best value for reduction of carbon emissions, and be able to demonstrate that half the funding is in place 

Step 3

Complete an application for the Climate Change Fund 

To apply for funding you will need:

  • A current energy certificate for the building such as an energy performance certificate (EPC) or a display energy certificate (DEC)
    • Check if your property already has an energy certificate and find a qualified assessor who can provide a quotation for a new one a quotation for a new one here.
    • The Mayor’s Climate Change Fund can help with 50% of the cost of a new building energy certificate once you have a quote, apply here - CCF Building Energy Survey Application (Word).
  • Proof of the legal status of your organisation
    • For example, a copy of your constitution, registered charity number or bank statement
  • Three comparable quotes that are currently valid for each building improvement in the project
  • An estimate of the annual reduction in carbon emissions and energy costs that the project will deliver
  • Confirmation of any permissions needed for the work such as planning permission or permission from building owner.
    •  Find advice and information from the Bedford Borough Council Planning team at Planning and Building. 
    • The Mayor’s Climate Change Fund can provide half the cost of pre-application planning advice from Bedford Borough Council that is specifically for your project, apply for this funding here -  CCF Pre-App Planning Advice Application once you have confirmed any charges with the Planning department
  • Evidence that 50% of the funding is already in place
  • A declaration of bank accounts, savings, and assets for the last accounting year and/or bank statements from the last three months in the organisations name
  • A signed copy of acceptance of the terms and conditions

How to apply

Complete the Mayor’s Climate Change Fund application form (Word).

Please read and complete the declaration for the terms and conditions (Word) before applying.

If you are applying for funding for Solar PV and/or Air Source Heat Pumps, please read through this Building Regulations Renewables Guidance (PDF).

What next?

The Environment Team will make an initial assessment of your application, applications that pass this stage will then be reviewed by a panel of Councillors for a final decision, applicants will be notified of the decision within thirty working days.

If successful you will be asked to sign the Council’s Funding Agreement, provide monthly progress reports until the project is completed, complete a case study template following completion, and submit an annual monitoring report at 12, 24 and 36 months from the date of project completion.

Further enquiries

To find out more and for further enquiries, contact us at climatechangefund@bedford.gov.uk

Useful resources

We’ve put together this collection of resources for community buildings and schools that we hope you find useful. If you have any suggestions for resources that could benefit other Climate Change Fund projects, please do let us know.

For community buildings

For schools