Community groups receive Haringey Council backing in reducing carbon emissions

Local organisations are to provide services to the borough’s communities and residents in more sustainable ways in future after becoming the first-ever recipients of the Haringey Community Carbon Fund (HCCF).

Part of Haringey’s Council Climate Change Action Plan, the HCCF funds decarbonisation projects delivered by community groups in the borough. It’s a four-year programme, with a total pot of £300,000 and £90,000 available in its first round of grant funding this year.

Collage Arts in Noel Park will be installing double glazing and LED lighting as part of their ‘Wood Greening: Championing Carbon Cutting’ project, while Tottenham Green’s Edible London are set to replace their diesel delivery van with an electric equivalent to support the redirection and reduction of food waste.

Meanwhile, over in Tottenham Hale, Living Under One Sun (aka ‘LUOS’) are to assess the feasibility of Low Carbon Living and support the uptake of community-led innovations in low carbon, low impact food and energy production and cargo bike delivery.

The Deputy Leader of Haringey Council and Cabinet Member for the Environment, Transport and the Climate Emergency, Cllr Mike Hakata, said:

“We all know that these local groups do incredible work with our neighbourhoods and residents and it’s fantastic that we’re going to be working in partnership with them to support community-led projects that reduce carbon emissions, as well as help promote wellbeing and tackle inequalities.

“It’s also really encouraging that 11 of the 13 applications we received for the Community Carbon Fund were from Tottenham. It shows that the commitment to tackling climate change is universal and that there is a clear recognition that everyone needs to join the fight to save the planet. I am so proud that Tottenham is represented with such quality and such high numbers.”

One such applicant, the Lordship Hub, will now be installing new LED lighting and solar panels, as well as holding monthly surgeries on reducing emissions, identifying, and nurturing local ‘Carbon Champions.’ 

Debra Watson, the Administration and Fundraising Lead at the Lordship Hub, said:

“We are delighted to receive grant funding from the Haringey Community Carbon Fund on our latest project. 

“Assisted by Pamela Harling from EN10ergy, we have undertaken to upgrade our existing photovoltaic system and start a training programme for Carbon Champions, who will offer free advice to the community on how to reduce their energy consumption.

“In the face of urgent action needed to combat carbon emissions by weaning ourselves off fossil fuels and committing to eco-energy, we couldn’t be happier to be taking this next step towards sustainability.”

Circular economy and upcycling projects at Haringey Fixers will also be supported by this first round of grant funding by the HCCF, as shall a LED lighting initiative at the Turkish Cypriot Community Association (TCCA) in Harringay.

The funds come from ‘developer contributions’ that developers in the borough have to pay to meet certain sustainability standards in new buildings as part of their planning permissions, which ensures that new buildings in Haringey provide positive benefits for local residents and the environment.

For further information, including details of the £70,000 grant funding available in years two (2023), three (2024) and four (2025), see the Haringey Community Carbon Fund page on the Haringey Council website.