Links to online tools and information

The links below will take you to free online tools and information resources that may be helpful to projects applying for LEAF-funding. These resources might be helpful in writing your funding application or even in the implementation of your project and include:

• Case studies of successful community projects
• Guidance and technical information on different types of community energy project
• Carbon footprinting and action planning tools and systems
• Information about funding and finance for community energy projects

Community Energy Online

Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) offers a “Community Energy Online” (CEO) Portal ceo.decc.gov.uk. CEO has been revising CEO pages with links to PlanLoCaL videos, further useful websites and advice on process and policy.

• Finding funding http://ceo.decc.gov.uk/en/ceol/cms/about_ceih/economics_fund/economics_fund.html
• Best Practice http://ceo.decc.gov.uk/en/ceol/cms/about_ceih/how_to_good_pr/how_to_good_pr.html
• Exploring your idea http://ceo.decc.gov.uk/en/ceol/cms/process/stage_1/starting/exploring_idea/exploring_idea.htmlchoopsingchossing
• Getting your project started http://ceo.decc.gov.uk/en/ceol/cms/process/stage_1/starting/starting.html
• Choosing a technology http://ceo.decc.gov.uk/en/ceol/cms/process/stage_2/community/feasibility/feasibility.html
• Feasibility http://ceo.decc.gov.uk/en/ceol/cms/process/stage_2/community/feasibility/feasibility.html
• Finding installers http://ceo.decc.gov.uk/en/ceol/cms/process/stage_2/community/choosing_tech/choosing_tech.html
• National heat map http://ceo.decc.gov.uk/en/ceol/cms/process/stage_1/capacity/mapping/mapping.html

Green Communities - Carbon Footprint Tool

The Green Communities carbon footprint tool allows groups of individuals to measure their carbon emissions and work out their community carbon footprint.

Local businesses and community buildings in your area can also calculate their carbon footprint.

Use this tool to aid your project and engage community members. As a community leader you can set up a profile and invite people to join. As more and more people fill out their carbon footprint you will get a more accurate estimation of your community's carbon footprint.

Then you can monitor your community's carbon footprint as your project takes effect - helping you to evaluate the success of your project.

Use the tool

Eco-Friendly Products

Six Sides Packaging - Eco-friendly Personalised Packaging

Community Projects

Visit the Community Project pages on the Energy Saving Trust website to see case studies and video case studies on a variety of energy-related community projects. We also have a funding database and a series of “How to…” guides on topics like engaging your community, planning and delivering climate change projects, monitoring and evaluating projects, setting up a social enterprise and community carbon footprinting.

Carbon Leapfrog

Carbon Leapfrog is a business-led charity that provides communities with multi-sector professional advisers for free. Community groups and social enterprises can apply to secure pro bono support for their climate change project from a range of professionals.

Community Sustainable Energy Programme

The Community Sustainable Energy Programme is a prime example of further a scheme that initial LEAF Funding can be used for. Feasibility studies can be conducted under LEAF which will then support applications made to the CSEP Programme, which promotes sustainable energy within a community.

Grants are available under the CSEP for the purchase and installation of any combination of the following technologies in England only:

• Solar thermal hot water
• Heat pumps
• Automated wood pellet stoves
• Wood fuelled boiler systems
• Cavity & loft insulation
• Heating & lighting controls

To view more information, click here.