Sheffield City Council have ‘set aside’ 2.3 million to environmentally improve popular buildings.
To help reduce energy costs and carbon emissions, cultural and community buildings in Sheffield will benefit from the investment that will focus on making organisations more environmentally friendly.
This project will support public venues; including galleries, museums and showrooms, as well as buildings used by the local community. The targeted buildings will benefit from a free energy survey to identify potential energy-saving improvements such as low-energy lighting systems or insulation. Although delivered by the council, this project is funded by the Government’s UK shared prosperity fund.
Grants are also available to help organisations invest in solutions to reduce energy costs. Organisations are given an adviser to help with making ‘greener decisions’.
Karen Sherwood, founder and owner of ‘Cupola Contemporary Art’ in Sheffield, said: “The low carbon advisor was personable, honest and responsive to my questions. I felt I was talking to somebody who understood what I might not know. They did what they said they were going to do when they said they were going to do it.
“Without support and match funding, I wouldn’t have been able to implement the same programme of improvements.”
Karen Sherwood benefitted from funding to help her save on her energy costs; in particular, heating and lighting. She was also supported to lower ceilings, the instalment of insulation and motion sensor lighting.
Councillor Martin Smith, chair of the Economic Development and Skills Committee, said:: “We know many businesses and organisations want to reduce energy costs and do their bit for the planet. Buildings like community centres, theatres and museums may face particular challenges, as they are often large and complex buildings and can be occupied by many different organisations. This project brings together the support they need to make sustainable changes, something that is crucial if we are to look after our planet and let our businesses and community thrive.”
This project is open for enquiries. To find out more, including whether your business is eligible for support, please email SCCAProject@sheffield.gov.uk
Edited by James Hamilton