NEW grants are available until the end of August to support organisations in the West with energy efficiency.

The grants from the Mayor’s Green Energy Fund are aimed at helping people stay cool and reducing the pollution that contributes to climate change and more extreme weather.

As the country endures record-breaking temperatures, including the fifth heat wave of the year, revitalising older buildings to improve energy efficiency and to help people stay cool has never been more crucial.

Most buildings in the UK are designed to keep warmth in during winter rather than protect people from rising summer temperatures.

Transforming buildings, by improving insulation or installing air source heat pumps that provide cooling in summer and heating in winter, can not only have a significant impact on comfort but produce fewer polluting greenhouse gases.

The West of England Mayor’s £500,000 Green Energy Fund is worth up to £15,000 each for care homes and community buildings towards the cost of making these essential improvements more achievable.

Applicants can also benefit from a free energy survey from the combined authority's team, helping identify the most effective improvements for their building, alongside guidance throughout the application process.

Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said: “As our summers become hotter, it's increasingly important that the places people rely on every day can provide safe, comfortable spaces.

“Through my Green Energy Fund, I’m pleased to support more organisations to future-proof their buildings and use less power.

“Whether it’s care homes creating a more comfortable environment for residents and staff, or enabling community buildings to become valuable cool spaces for local people, we want to make a difference for our communities and our planet.

“I would encourage everyone to take to take a look at this chance to secure up to £15,000 each of funding on offer.”

Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, Cllr Kevin Guy said: “Implementing energy-saving improvements are a win-win, helping to reduce the pollution that fuels climate change, while also offering opportunities to keep buildings cooler during the summer.

“Care homes and community organisations in the region should take advantage of these grants now, and ensure that they’re better positioned for the future.”

With an emphasis on energy efficiency, the grants can also cover measures such as solar panels or LED lighting that contribute to reductions in carbon emissions.

With help from a previous grant scheme, a community centre in Bristol installed 24 solar panels which generate around 8,500 kWh of clean energy each year, often providing more than the centre’s daily electricity needs.

The Mayor's Green Energy Fund also includes an initiative to provide clean mobile energy for music festivals, TV and film and other outdoor events, in partnership with Act 1.5, Bristol City Council, and a range of partners.

Replacing conventional diesel-powered generators with renewably-powered mobile batteries, the West of England Clean Power Pilot is already reducing pollution and supporting outdoor events this summer.

Interested parties are reminded to register as soon as possible by visiting the West of England website.

The deadline for applications is August 28.