Edinburgh among Scottish communities to benefit from green investment
Communities across central and southern Scotland are reaping the rewards of a landmark programme that has transformed much loved local buildings, helped reduce energy bills so important community spaces can remain open, launched greener transport, and equipped local organisations with the skills and confidence to cut carbon emissions.
SP Energy Networks' Transmission Net Zero Fund was a £5 million fund that has supported 26 community-led projects including providing workshops and specialist advice designed to help organisations turn ideas into reality. Independent analysis estimates the programme generates £2.85 of social value for every £1 invested, while collectively saving more than 25,000 tonnes of CO₂ over the lifetime of the projects.
The fund helped groups at every stage of their journey. More than 450 people took part in 32 workshops to explore ideas and learn what might work for their communities, while 22 organisations received specialist advice to test and develop their plans.
The results of the programme can now be seen across Scotland. In Edinburgh, the fund supported the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society to create a permanent year-round home in a Grade B-listed former schoolhouse, with improvements including upgraded insulation, heritage-appropriate windows and low-carbon heating.
Tony Lankester, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: We are pleased to have received support from SP Energy Networks' Net Zero Fund to improve the energy efficiency of Fringe Central, the new permanent home of the Edinburgh Fringe. With their support, and that of other stakeholders, we have secured this important historic building in Edinburgh for our local community for several years ahead.
Fringe Central provides an important physical hub for the Fringe Community, Edinburgh residents and local arts groups during the Edinburgh Fringe and year-round. We are pleased that the Fringe Community so warmly embraced Fringe Central this past August. We look forward to exploring how our local community will use the new permanent home of the Edinburgh Fringe in the months ahead of the Edinburgh Festivals' 80th anniversary next year.
Guy Jefferson, Transmission Managing Director at SP Energy Networks, said: "The best part of this programme is seeing what communities have done with the support. We've seen historic buildings given a new lease of life, community centres made warmer and more welcoming, and practical projects that make everyday life easier for local people.
"The funding was really important, but so was giving groups the time, advice and confidence to turn good ideas into projects that will keep benefiting their communities long after the fund has closed. Just as importantly, these projects are helping communities reduce their energy bills, protect valued local buildings and keep essential community spaces open for the people who depend on them."
The £5 million Transmission Net Zero Fund was run by Energy Saving Trust on behalf of SP Energy Networks and provided funding and support to community organisations across central and southern Scotland.