A PROJECT to fund energy improvements to village halls in Rother has been launched.

The Village Halls Energy Project will identify and address areas of energy inefficiency and high carbon emissions in local village and community halls.

The project is a key initiative for the authority and links directly to council’s objective to reduce carbon emissions Rother wide and move towards a low carbon future.

A total of 37 halls across the district will benefit from a share of a £500,000 funding pot to finance energy assessments, decarbonisation and energy efficiency improvements.

The money was awarded to the project from the council’s Community Infrastructure Levy Climate Emergency Bonus Fund last June.

Energy assessments will be undertaken at each site over the coming weeks by LASER Energy with bespoke carbon Net Zero plans provided to halls by April this year.

Funds will then be distributed from the scheme to address the highest areas of concern. It is planned to carry out as many improvements as possible by May 2024.

Hall committees will also be offered assistance to apply for additional funding and grants from local and national schemes.

Cllr Kathryn Field, portfolio holder for environmental management at Rother District Council, said: “I am delighted we have launched the Village Halls Energy Project which is an important part of the council’s climate action work, and an initiative which supports key elements of our Environment Strategy through providing sustainable energy and decarbonising existing buildings.

“Our village halls provide extensive economic, social and cultural benefits to our communities, and we are committed to protecting and supporting them.

“This project will identify and address energy inefficiencies found in many of our local halls, helping hall committees save money on energy bills and reduce their carbon footprints as well as securing their future in our communities.”

More information on the project can be found on the council’s website at www.rother.gov.uk/strategies-policies-and-plans/climate-emergency/village-halls-energy-project/

Published: 21st February 2023