Gwynedd Shared Prosperity Fund
Green Action
News on the projects creating a sustainable future
In this edition we bring you an update on some of the schemes that have been supported by Cyngor Gwynedd with a focus on protecting the environment and tackling climate change.
Cllr. Medwyn Hughes, Gwynedd Council Cabinet Member for Economy and Community
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“It is a pleasure to share with you information about some of the exciting and diverse plans from all over Gwynedd worth £244 million, that have benefited from the UK's Common Prosperity Fund
As they develop, I am confident that they will contribute towards our goal of fostering pride in our communities and boost life opportunities here in Gwynedd.
It is a particular source of pride to see that so many of the projects have an emphasis on protecting our treasured environment"
12 tonnes distributed from the fund to support projects that help the environment and the local green economy. decarbonisation plans developed Low or zero carbon energy infrastructures installed households increased take up of energy efficiency measures
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408
Estimated equivalent reduction in CO
Green Digital Academy helps businesses reach net zero
A Busnes@LlandrilloMenai scheme, the Green Digital Academy has been supporting businesses to develop strategies for reducing their carbon footprint and improving efficiency, by offering advice from specialist consultants
Forty nine companies from across Gwynedd have taken part – many of them now on the journey to net zero.
One of the companies that took part is Martin and Associates, a Pwllheli-based law firm Thanks to the scheme, they now have a five-year strategy in place to improve energy efficiency.
Another organisation that has benefitted is the Abbey Road Centre in Bangor They offer mental health support to adults in the area With the help from the Green Digital Academy they have been awarded a grant and put a plan in place to reduce emissions over five years.
Energy Wardens – Gwynedd Net Zero Project
Thanks to SPF support, this project, led by Adra housing association, is also one that has brought together several organisations
The emphasis is on decarbonising homes, creating jobs in the local green economy, and helping families use energy more efficiently. As part of this several community energy officers have been employed in six areas of Gwynedd
Officers visit homes to offer advice, and ensure residents are on the right tariff to spend less on energy and save money.
An innovative partnership between Bangor University and Adra housing association
A new research facility is being developed at Tŷ Gwyrddfai, Penygroes as part of efforts to decarbonise the construction sector.
Led by Bangor University, the facility can simulate conditions inside a home, as well as the outside – from cold and wet weather to extreme heat. The purpose is to enable companies and researchers to test building materials in different environments including potential climate scenarios
“This new facility allows us to test how new buildings and materials respond to the changing environment and climate – helping us create more resilient and energy-efficient housing."
Professor Graham Ormondroyd, Bangor University Biocomposites Centre.
Read more about this story here.
"The fact that the courses were local meant that I didn't have to very travel far. With the new qualifications we have been able to expand the services we offer as a business."
Net Zero Gwynedd training upskilling the workforce
This is another scheme being delivered at Tŷ Gwyrddfai, but this time in partnership with Busnes@LlandrilloMenai The aim is to upskill the construction workforce to meet the rising demand to decarbonise homes
One who benefited from the training is Kate Robinson, of Robinson Electrical, a family company from Tanygrisiau. She was delighted to take part in this scheme which has allowed her to learn how to install the latest technology in customers' homes, including electric vehicle charging points and solar panels
Kate was keen to develop the business so was glad of the opportunity to further develop her skills.
As well as directly supporting major projects, several smaller enabling funds have been set up by Cyngor Gwynedd to support initiatives and communities including the Community Regeneration Fund, the Voluntary Sector Fund and the Business Development Fund.
COMMUNITY REGENERATION FUND
This fund continues to make a significant difference to community organisations. One successful example is Canolfan Noddfa in Caernarfon, which received funding to improve sustainability.
By installing solar panels, the centre has reduced its carbon emissions and can now generate its own green energy Similarly, thanks to the fund, Llandderfel Community Centre has invested in on-site electric vehicle charging points, giving the opportunity to adopt more environmentally friendly travel.
Another scheme that has benefited from the fund is the Penrallt Footpath Protection Project, Morfa Nefyn The fund has supported work to strengthen the footpath following landslides, safguarding this important stretch of the Wales Coastal Path, and enabling the local community and visitors to continue to enjoy it
VOLUNTARY SECTOR FUND
This £15 million fund is administered by Mantell Gwynedd for third sector organisations Thirty six organisations secured funding, many of them focusing on improving sustainability and reducing carbon footprint. One example is Friends of Wern Mynach in Barmouth. This group received support to install a rainwater collection system in the community garden. Another is the Bro Ffestiniog Social Centre, which has installed new windows, doors, and heating system to improve the energy efficiency of the site.
The fund has also helped a number of community centres and sports clubs to install solar panels, energy efficient lighting, along with electricity storage batteries They include Tywyn Baptist Chapel, Llanllyfni Memorial Hall, Talysarn Social Centre, the village hall at Rhiwlas and Carmel, Caernarfon Football Club and Dolgellau and Pwllheli rugby clubs.
Read more about this fund run by Mantell Gwynedd here.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT FUND
The Business Development Fund, managed by the Council's Busnes@ team, provides support to businesses, to encourage innovation and growth Through the fund, several companies have been able to expand services as well as create and protect jobs in the county.
One business that benefited is construction and groundwork company Tom James Construction from Blaenau Ffestiniog As a family business, they are proud to employ local people and to play a key role in the area’s economy. The fund has allowed the business to buy equipment that reduces energy consumption and to treat waste efficiently, while also helping to reduce costs.
“This funding has allowed us to grow, and to create and safeguard jobs locally. With the new equipment we can do more to reduce our impact on the environment – which is very important to us.” Tes James, Director at Tom James Construction.