Businesses and community groups in East Devon can now apply for decarbonisation grants ranging from £2,000 to £30,000.
The Carbon Action Fund is now open and will close at 4pm on 10 November 2025, with all projects needing to be complete by the end of March 2026. Grants are available for equipment such as solar panels, heat pumps, and LED lighting, provided they are recommended in a carbon action plan.
To apply, all organisations must have both a carbon action plan and carbon survey, which can be accessed for free through the council’s Carbon Action Programme. Community organisations will need to provide 10 per cent match funding, while businesses will need to provide 30 per cent.
Previous recipients of the scheme include farms, manufacturers, tourist accommodation providers, village halls, sports clubs and charities. Projects have ranged from specialist technology, like a Pool Sentry system at Flamingo Pool, to larger installations such as solar panels at Colcombe Abbey Farm. Some organisations forecast thousands of pounds of savings each year through reduced energy bills and export tariffs.
Key actions for potential applicants:
• Sign up to the Carbon Action Programme to get free surveys, action plans, and pre-application support
• Read the Carbon Action Fund details page for full information
• Apply using the short online form on the council website here: eastdevon.gov.uk/caf/
Councillor Paul Hayward, East Devon District Council’s (EDDC) portfolio holder for economy and Assets, said:
“This fund is a real opportunity for our local businesses and community groups to cut their carbon emissions while saving money on energy bills.
“We’ve already seen projects like solar panels on farms and energy-saving systems in community pools make a huge difference, and I’d encourage anyone with an idea to sign up to the Carbon Action Programme and apply.”
Councillor Richard Jefferies, EDDC’s portfolio holder for environment – nature and climate, added:
"Supporting practical, local action on climate change is vital if we are to reach our net zero goals.
“These grants will help more organisations in East Devon take real steps to cut carbon, whether that’s through renewable energy or simple energy-saving improvements.”
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