Grants

Low Carbon Buildings Programme

Grants are available from the Low Carbon Buildings Programme for microgeneration technologies to householders, community organisations, schools, public and not for profit sector. There are 2 grant streams for microrenewable energy under the Low Carbon Buildings programme:

Low Carbon Buildings Programme Phase 1.
For domestic householders. The domestic grant stream can be applied for online, and has recently been extended to run until June 2010. More information can be found on www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk

Low Carbon Building Programme Phase 2.
For community organisations, schools, the public and not for profit sector.
More information can be found on www.lowcarbonbuildingsphase2.org.uk

Ardenham Energy Ltd is a Certified installer under the Low Carbon Buildings Programme to undertake microrenewable energy installations for Phase 1 or 2.

Community Sustainable Energy Programme

• Reduction in CO2 emissions
• Increased community awareness of climate change and how changes to our behaviour can reduce it
• Increased skills base of local trades (for example, local builders and building-service subcontractors working on renewable energy projects for the first time)
• Reduction in energy bills
• Reduction in reliance on imported energy and increased independence from commercial energy suppliers
• Stronger partnerships within local communities with lasting social benefits
• Growth of local enterprise in new technologies.

For further information on the Community Sustainable Energy Programme, click here.

Ardenham Energy can help eligible organisations with the application process and the design and installation of their preferred technology.

First steps

Before a DTI supported microgeneration scheme can be installed, some basic and recommended energy efficient measures must be in place. You should ensure that you have:

1. Insulated the whole of the loft of the property to meet current building regulations e.g. 270mm of mineral wool loft insulation or suitable alternative
2. Installed cavity wall insulation (if you have cavity walls)
3. Fitted low energy light bulbs in all appropriate light fittings
4. Installed basic controls for your heating system to include a room thermostat and a programmer or timer.

We recommend a home energy check available from the Energy Savings Trust.
We will then be able to advise you of your options and the best way to take your project forward to completion. If you are looking at electricity based systems we recommend you contact the energy providers outlined in our links section, and contact your network operator, which can be found here.