Energy audits for village halls and schools. Simple upgrades like LED lighting, modern thermostats, or insulation can slash energy use. North Yorkshire’s climate programme is investing in greener community buildings (grants have been awarded to help places like village halls install heat pumps or insulation) via the York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority. Check with North Yorkshire Council or the new Combined Authority for funding streams such as the Net Zero Fund.

Join community energy schemes. Collaborate with local initiatives – for example, some areas have projects to put solar panels on school or church roofs, funded by community share offers or grants. Communities across the UK are doing this, and in North Yorkshire there are emerging groups like York Community Energy and others in development (e.g. Ripon Community Energy) – joining forces can unlock bigger renewable projects.

Oil co-ops for public buildings. If your organisation uses oil heating (common in rural facilities), consider joining the Ryedale Oil Club or Scarborough Oil Club, both open to businesses and community groups. Bulk buying reduces cost and vehicle miles.

Energy training for staff and volunteers. Organisations can upskill their teams – for example, Yorkshire Energy Doctor provides free training for frontline staff on energy awareness and fuel poverty. This means charities or care providers in North Yorkshire can better help clients with energy issues.

Plan for the future. The county’s vision of a carbon-neutral future isn’t just talk – it’s supported by initiatives like the York & North Yorkshire Routemap to Carbon Negative. Align your organisation’s plans with these goals to access support. For instance, businesses may get help for energy efficiency upgrades (through council programmes or the Local Enterprise Partnership), and farms can tap into pilots on regenerative farming to save energy and capture carbon in soil.