Local projects benefit from Sustainable Development funding

As global leaders prepare to reveal their updated plans for reducing carbon emissions at the COP26 summit at the end of this month, great strides have already being taken in Pembrokeshire, where £38,572 of funding has been granted to local carbon reduction projects by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority’s Sustainable Development Fund (SDF).

Four organisations have benefitted from the latest round of SDF funding, which is available to community projects in and around the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park that help respond to the climate emergency.

Bloomfield House Community Centre in Narberth was one of the successful applicants. Used by over 180 regular groups, societies and businesses, the Centre provides childcare, education, health and wellbeing and recreation facilities seven days per week.

Their project proposal involved installing micro generators to help cut energy costs and reduce the Centre’s carbon footprint. As well as an estimated 2.33 tonnes of carbon savings each year, it’s hoped that the project will actively promote environmental awareness in the community, encouraging users to reduce both their energy consumption and carbon footprint.

A new solar photovoltaic system with simple battery storage, along with a move to embed learning about low impact lifestyles, formed the basis of the successful application from Cwm Arian Renewable Energy (CARE), based in the north of the county.

They are currently in the process of constructing Y Stiwdio, a venue for practical, creative community activities in Hermon. The aim is for the building itself to be a demonstration site for low-impact building methods.

Ludchurch Village Committee Charity were also successful in their bid to install batteries at Longstone Community Hall. These will enable solar energy generated during the day to be stored for evening use – reducing bills and leading to a lower carbon footprint.

The final organisation to benefit from this latest round of SDF funding was Awel Aman Tawe, a community renewable energy charity. Working in partnership with Pembrokeshire Sustainable Schools, the We are Energy Rappers project aims to create extra-curricular opportunities to engage with pupils on energy reduction and climate change in six Pembrokeshire primary schools. Music and creativity will form the focus of this project and pupils will be encouraged to work independently on an issue they feel passionate about.

With the next round of funding now open, applications are encouraged from any Pembrokeshire-based not-for-profit groups, including village halls, community councils and environmental groups, who have a suitable carbon-reducing project in mind.

These can include:

·       Installing renewable energy generation facilities, such as solar panels, to a community building

·       Transport initiatives that promote reduced carbon emissions

·       The installation of community facilities that minimise waste, such as water fountains

·       Any other community-based carbon reduction initiatives.

The deadline for applications to the Fund is 12 noon on Monday 6 December 2021. Application forms can be downloaded or completed online by visiting www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/sdf or contacting Jessica Morgan at jessicam@pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk.

Funding for the SDF comes from the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority and Welsh Government Sustainable Places Sustainable Landscapes.