Small scale renewable energy grants worth some £25 million have now been claimed from the Low Carbon Buildings Programme (LCBP). The news came as Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks called for more homes and business to follow his lead by adopting a 'go green' new year's resolution.
His call comes as more and more homes, schools and businesses have been helped with Government grants to install technologies, such as solar panels, biomass boilers and ground-source heat pumps.
Grants claimed under the Low Carbon Buildings Programme since it launched in April 2006 are up to over £25 million:
Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks said:
"It's vital that recent efforts by world governments to reach a deal on cutting global carbon emissions are matched by action by each and every one of us. Deciding to go green and generate your own clean energy is one of the most valuable New Year's resolutions you can make. It is certainly my intention to make a difference, and make my own house more energy efficient and install clean and green electricity.
"There are still grants available to householders who want to follow in the footsteps of the thousands across the UK who have been helped by the Government to fit microgeneration technology at their homes. Many schools have benefited also and the pupils there have been able to see renewable energy in action and understand more about its important benefits."
There are still £11 million in grants available under Phase 1 for householders who want to generate renewable energy at home. Schools, charitable bodies and other public sector organisations can apply for a share of the £44 million that remains from the original £50 million set aside for them under Phase 2.