Posted 21.07.14
The solar division of British Gas, Generation Community and Social Finance announce their partnership today to build a pipeline of solar energy projects worth up to £60 million to benefit local communities.
For the first time, a commercial energy partner, British Gas Solar, is working with a community benefit society, Gen Community, to offer solar panels for local government sites such as schools and town halls across the country.
The partnership will seek out energy projects where the financial benefits of solar energy from the Government's feed in tariffs are re-invested back into the local community.
It is estimated that the solar panels will save up to 40% of the electricity bills for potentially 8,000 rooftop sites. Revenue from the feed in tariffs will flow back into the community to support local social enterprises and educational services targeting fuel poverty.
Social Finance will raise up to £60 million of institutional loan capital to finance the pipeline. Alongside this, members of the community will be able to invest in the solar projects by purchasing shares and will receive a fair financial return, in addition to social and environmental benefits.
Gen Community will oversee the projects, liaising with local authorities and engaging with community organisations. British Gas Solar will be the contractor for the installation of the projects. Social Finance is the lead arranger of the 20 year inflation linked,amortising, asset-backed Social Solar Bond.
Updated 21.07.14
Placing Buildings at the Heart of Energy Policy Could Save Billions
The Sustainable Energy Association's (SEA) manifesto, published on 7 July, uses the Government's own online calculator to demonstrate how an ambitious programme of insulating buildings, and producing more energy directly from buildings themselves could net savings to the economy averaging £12.1 billion per year from now until 2050.
The SEA's manifesto calls on all major political parties to adopt a renewed approach to energy policy, focusing on:
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John Gilbert Architects Receive Award for Energy Study
PassivTEN, a unique study by John Gilbert Architects aimed at eliminating fuel poverty from Glasgow tenement housing, has won the Saltire Society 2014 Innovation in Housing Award, sponsored by the Scottish Government.
John Gilbert Architects Director Matt Bridgestock said:
"We hope that this recognition will bring more investment to tenements - a robust form of housing forming the character of Scotland's towns and cities yet largely unlisted and unprotected.
"This project attempts to illustrate the opportunities for elimianting fuel poverty from tenement stock, illustrates the investment required and the new techniques that are needed."
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Warrington Council Approves Funding for Solar Panels
Warrington Borough Council xecutive board has approved a £5.25 million capital investment to provide solar panels on 1,500 properties and three sheltered housing schemes.
The project is in partnership with Golden Gates Housing Trust and will mean tenants will save an estimated £233 per year on their energy bills.
The Council will receive income which will fund the scheme and it will also provide local employment and training - four electrical apprentices, two tenant liaison officers and additional related job opportunities are expected.
