Business

Support for Scottish Communities

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Please note that this page contains information and links most relevant for people living in Scotland.

Energy and renewables advice for community groups in Scotland

Energy Saving Trust is an independent organisation dedicated to promoting energy efficiency, low carbon transport and sustainable energy use. We work with governments, organisations and individuals to address the climate emergency.

We deliver three programmes that are funded by the Scottish Government to support a variety of community groups in Scotland:

Local Energy Scotland supports community ownership of renewable energy with funding and advice.
Home Energy Scotland is an energy advice service working with households, organisations and community groups to tackle fuel poverty and the climate crisis.
Business Energy Scotland offers energy efficiency support and advice for small and medium sized enterprises

Whether you’re looking for advice, training or funding in Scotland to help you run your project or make your community buildings more energy efficient, our programmes are here to help.

Local Energy Scotland administers and manages the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES). CARES supports communities to get involved and benefit from the energy transition to net zero emissions.

CARES aims to accelerate progress towards the Scottish Government’s targets of 2GW of community and locally-owned energy by 2030 and decarbonising Scotland’s buildings. This is achieved through funding and support for community groups to install renewable energy systems such as heat pumps and solar panels.

Local Energy Scotland’s team of local officers and energy specialists offer free and impartial advice to help you develop your project from start to finish.

Our Local Energy Scotland website is also packed with more information, free resources and project guides to help you with your local energy project. Or sign up for the newsletter for updates, events and news.

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Home Energy Scotland is the Scottish Government’s free, impartial energy advice service that works directly with households, organisations and community groups to help tackle fuel poverty and the climate emergency. Home Energy Scotland’s expert advisors will:
- work alongside existing local support and advice providers.
- support groups who want to deliver energy advice with free training and resources.
- support groups who want to help their community members access energy advice where a local service doesn’t exist.
Home Energy Scotland’s Communities Officer is available to discuss your project, help you find funding, and put you in touch with the right people – it may be one of our advice centres, or another organisation we work with.

Once your project is established, Home Energy Scotland ensures every person who comes through our door or yours gets the best help possible.

Subscribe to our quarterly newsletter for the latest updates, events, and funding information.

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Business Energy Scotland is the Scottish Government’s energy efficiency and renewable energy advice service for Scotland’s small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). Offering free and impartial one-to-one support from energy experts, and a range of online tools and resources, we help SMEs save energy, carbon and money.

Financial support is also available through the Scottish Government’s SME Loan scheme. The SME loan scheme provides unsecured, interest free loans of up to £100,000 to support the implementation of carbon-saving measures such as renewable heating and insulation. Currently, you could also receive a cashback grant of up to £20,000.

Whether you are just starting out on your energy-saving journey and need some pointers or are looking for expertise and funding to support your current plans, our team of experienced business advisors and energy-saving consultants are here to help.

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