A ground-breaking project to tackle climate change in St Albans has won a £300,000 grant from Innovate UK.
St Albans Greener Together is an initiative led by St Albans City & District Council with support from the University of Hertfordshire.
The council was one of 21 local authorities which received a Fast Followers grant for an innovation with the aim of achieving net zero.
The awards were announced on Wednesday, May 24, at Innovation Zero, the International Clean Tech Congress at Olympia London.
The project will empower local residents and businesses to come together to create a more sustainable future.
It will include communication, education and behaviour change campaigns, as well as a community fund to support local initiatives aimed at improving energy efficiency and sustainable travel.
The plans also include help with creating the Green House, an eco-hub which could provide a space for learning as well as a base for community activities.
Dale Phillipson, the council’s strategic director for strategy, policy and transformation, said: “We are delighted to have been one of just 21 local authorities to receive this funding.
“It recognises what a powerful force for change local people can be when they are supported by projects like St Albans Greener Together. As a council, we are committed to cutting emissions from energy and transport to net zero across the district by 2030 and this project will play a vital role in achieving that ambition.
“We want to win the support of people who have previously shown little interest in environmental topics by exploring the issues that matter to them most such as saving money, improving health, and reducing traffic congestion.
“We will use the existing networks of individuals who are already doing great work and wish to do more. This includes our volunteer climate champions who are trained to provide advice and workshops to stimulate discussion around climate change.
“Our vision for St Albans Greener Together is to get everyone involved in climate issues as well as provide support for local net zero projects that are likely to have impact.”
The project is due to start in early 2024 after preparatory work is undertaken.
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