Funding to help Cumbrian businesses and community groups go green in a post-pandemic world will be unveiled today (Thursday 23 September), to coincide with Climate Action Day.

The Low Carbon Lake District initiative is opening round 2 of its Grants Scheme to help organisations introduce measures that reduce carbon emissions.

It’s a chance for both businesses and community groups to be awarded up to 60 per cent of project costs, making the move to low carbon technologies and practices more affordable.

The Low Carbon Lake District Grants Scheme is open to a range of industry sectors, including hospitality, manufacturing, retail and transport.

It is being led by the Lake District Foundation as part of Low Carbon Lake District, with support from the European Structural Investment Fund (ESIF) and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Examples of projects that may be funded include:

· Low carbon energy use and generation, such as solar photo voltaic, solar thermal, biomass, anaerobic digestion, small hydro power, ground and air source heat pumps.

· Energy efficiency projects, including variable speed drives, voltage optimisation, infrared heating, LED lighting and upgrading to efficient appliances.

· Smart technology, such as smart food waste bins.

Examples of organisations already supported through round one of the scheme earlier this year include Rookhow Quaker Meeting House in the Rusland Valley.

Development Manager at Rookhow, Sue Nicholls, says, “There is a real – and vital - focus on sustainability right now and lots of expertise out there for organisations like ours in Cumbria, so I would strongly urge others to investigate the funding currently available through the Low Carbon Lake District Grants Scheme.”

Registrations for the Low Carbon Lake District Grants Scheme will be open here from 9am on Thursday 23 September until 5pm on Thursday 14 October.