East Devon District Council drives decarbonisation with Carbon Action Fund grants

Alongside its commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2040, East Devon District Council has awarded Carbon Action Fund grants to 28 local businesses and community organisations, enabling them to significantly improve their decarbonisation efforts.

Alongside its commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2040, East Devon District Council has awarded Carbon Action Fund (CAF) grants to 28 local businesses and community organisations, enabling them to significantly improve their decarbonisation efforts.

Launched in August 2024 and closed in November 2024, the CAF scheme was designed to help local businesses and community organisations to decarbonise their premises or to reuse or reduce waste in their operations. The funding from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) could be used to buy equipment such as solar panels, air-source heat pumps, insulation and LED lighting, as well as to cover the associated installation costs. 

Applications were reviewed by council officers, while allocation decisions were made by the UKSPF councillor panel. In total, the Carbon Action Fund distributed £586,471 in three monthly rounds. This money unlocked an additional £211,605 in pledged match-funding, collectively driving attempts to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency across East Devon.

Among the 28 successful applicants:

• 12 were businesses.
• 16 were community organisations.
• 89% were involved in the council’s Carbon Action Programme, benefitting from carbon surveys, tailored action plans and expert advice on reducing carbon footprint.

Outcomes of the Carbon Action Fund:

• The funded projects are expected to save 160 tonnes of carbon in the first year alone.
• Tens of thousands of pounds in annual energy savings will help strengthen recipients’ financial resilience against the backdrop of rising energy prices.
• Most grant recipients have used local suppliers for equipment procurement and installation, further benefitting East Devon’s economy.
• One of the recipients expects to create at least six new jobs as they look to reinvest energy savings in growing their business.

Councillor Paul Hayward, Portfolio Holder for Economy and Assets, East Devon District Council, said: “The initiatives supported by the Carbon Action Fund will bring significant benefits to our local economy and communities, fostering collaboration, creating opportunities for skill development and driving green innovation. By investing in projects that cut carbon emissions and champion sustainability, we are addressing climate change while also laying the groundwork for a healthier, more resilient future for East Devon. We are excited to see the meaningful changes these projects will bring and joining with stakeholders to create a cleaner and greener East Devon for generations to come.”

Jim Taylor, Sales Director, Cobalt Communications, said: “As a carbon-conscious business, it was a priority when we moved to a larger premises in East Devon that we look for more effective ways of neutralising our carbon output. The Carbon Action Fund grant allowed us to install 40 new solar panels creating 17.8kWp. Using the grant to cover the larger share of the project meant that as a business our own return on investment is just two and a half years. This installation forms an essential part of our Carbon Action Plan which will help us to deliver on our expectations of being fully carbon neutral by 2030.”

Sally Maynard, Director, Alpine Park Cottages, said: “By installing solar panels with battery storage, our business is reaffirming its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Investing in renewable energy is a unique selling point, differentiating us from competitors, strengthening our marketing efforts, and potentially increasing bookings. In the short term, this project enables us to meet the goals outlined in our carbon footprint report, including a significant reduction in electricity consumption from the grid, lower operating costs, and minimised environmental impact. Looking ahead, we plan to expand by installing additional solar panels on our cottages, transitioning to heat pumps for heating, and phasing out our current eco gas boilers, further advancing our journey toward sustainable operations."

Matthew Barrett, Chairman, Sidmouth Rugby Football Club, said: “Our funding, secured through a successful bid, will enable Sidmouth Rugby Football Club (SRFC) to take meaningful steps toward decarbonisation. With this award, SRFC remains dedicated to providing exceptional rugby opportunities in Sidmouth, promoting environmental responsibility and advancing sustainable practices within the community.”

Richard Voysey, Farm Partner, Colcombe Abbey Farm, said: “As a small, family-run dairy farm, we are committed to protecting the environment and supporting local wildlife. Installing renewable energy was a key step in our journey toward achieving net-zero, and when we learned about the grant opportunity, it was an easy decision to apply. The funding has already made a huge difference by reducing our energy bills and bringing us closer to our sustainability goals. On top of that, our milk supplier now pays us a small bonus for using renewable electricity, which is a fantastic added benefit.”