Community groups across Richmond invited to apply for funding to help them go green.

The council launched its Community Energy Action Grants programme on World Environment Day, June 5, which is open to not-for-profit groups for projects aimed at saving energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Up to £1,000 is available to individual groups and £2,500 for joint projects involving two or more organisations.

Grants could go to purchasing energy-saving equipment, such as thermal imaging cameras, to undertaking a Green Deal assessment on buildings used by community groups.

Councillor Virginia Morris, Richmond Council’s cabinet member for the environment, said: “This new grant programme taps into strong community interest in saving electricity to reduce emissions and help combat climate change.

“The grant criteria is deliberately broad to encourage community groups to come up with their own ideas to either save energy in the buildings they use or to help others save.”

Applications close on July 8.

Full details, guidance notes and the application form can be downloaded from the council website at richmond.gov.uk/community_energy_action_grants.