2 million pound up for grabs as British Gas searches for Britain’s most innovative green communities

British Gas has opened up a new energy fund of up to £2 million, as part of its nationwide Green Streets campaign to encourage innovative energy projects in the heart of British communities.

Volunteer groups across the country who want to bring a new lease of life to their community with ambitious energy projects, but who need help to get their plans off the ground, are being invited to apply for a share of the funding.

The Green Streets challenge will help projects use new energy technologies to power community buildings and residential homes into a smarter, more sustainable future, where schools could be warmed by the ground’s heat and hydro-electric schemes will energise towns and villages.

In order to qualify for a share of the cash, projects must bring local people from the surrounding residential area together to rally around a site that is important to the community such as a youth centre, swimming pool, village hall or scout camp.

A short list of the best projects will be asked to pitch for funding in community-selection meetings, before being whittled down to about a dozen who will receive a share of the £2 million funding pot.

Projects will be judged according to their potential for energy efficiency savings across the entire community, local renewable power generation and ability to engage the community through education in local schools and by mobilising the support of around 20 local residents.

If you think your local volunteer group or community is up to the Green Streets challenge, British Gas wants to hear – apply online by 31st August by visiting www.britishgas.co.uk/greenstreets