We awarded grants to community-run buildings across North Yorkshire, enabling them to reduce carbon emissions, cut energy costs and future-proof their spaces thanks to funding from the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Net Zero Fund, part of the region’s devolution deal with government.

The grants, totalling £500,000, have supported energy efficiency upgrades at community buildings, including churches, village halls, leisure centres and social enterprises. Improvements range from solar panels and insulation to LED lighting and heating controls.

The scheme, which we oversaw and delivered, was actively facilitated by our teams, who supported applicants and helped ensure the funding could be accessed by as many eligible groups as possible.

Together, the funded projects are expected to save around 99 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) and generate more than 160,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of renewable electricity each year.

In the video above, two grant recipients - Northdale Horticulture in Northallerton and Claro Enterprises in Harrogate - share the difference the funding has made, with lower running costs and greener, more resilient buildings that continue to serve their communities all year round.

The scheme has helped to support our climate change strategy objectives, as well the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority’s regional ambition to reach net zero by 2034 and become carbon negative by 2040.

Although the Net Zero Fund is now closed, other grant opportunities are still available to support improvements to community buildings and local businesses.

To explore these options, visit the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority’s website:

• Community Buildings Programme - supporting upgrades to community spaces
• Business Sustainability Programme - designed for businesses and farms that have completed an energy efficiency audit and are ready to introduce improvements