ECCAF funding supports climate action projects across the borough 

Funding from the Elmbridge Community Climate Action Fund (ECCAF) has enabled local community groups, schools, faith organisations and charities to deliver projects that reduce carbon emissions, save energy and water, tackle waste, and improve local green spaces across the borough. 

Through the ECCAF, organisations could apply for grants of up to £5,000 to fully or partly fund local carbon reduction and sustainability projects. 

The ECCAF grants have helped successful applicants turn their ideas into practical improvements that benefit their buildings, communities and the environment. 

Projects supported through ECCAF include: 

Energy saving and carbon reduction 

• Cleves School replaced lighting in its dance studio and dining hall with energy-efficient LED alternatives. 
• All Saints Church, Weston Green, installed 74 LED bulbs to reduce energy use, carbon emissions and running costs. 
• Northwest Surrey Synagogue installed insulation and infrared heating, helping to reduce energy consumption and save more than 1,200kg of carbon dioxide annually. 
• Cranmere Primary School replaced an ageing gas boiler with a more energy-efficient heating system. 
• The Vera Fletcher Hall installed 17 solar panels and battery storage, projected to generate around 80% of the hall's annual electricity use and reduce carbon emissions by approximately two tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent each year. 

Water-saving initiatives 

• Elmbridge Community Eco Hub installed a rainwater harvesting system and green roof on its bike and buggy shed at the Herbert Crook Pavilion. The harvested rainwater supports the community garden, while the green roof provides habitat for insects and other pollinators. 

Targeting hard-to-recycle materials 

• Thames Ditton and Weston Green Nature and Climate Festival installed a recycling station at Vital Village for hard-to-recycle items, including coffee pods, blister packs, contact lenses, pet food pouches and oral care products. 
• Waste to Plate Community Projects CIC purchased energy-efficient display freezers and insulated food-storage boxes, helping to rescue an additional two tonnes of surplus food each week and prevent waste from going to landfill. 

Increasing sustainability through biodiversity 

• St Andrew's Church, Cobham, planted apple trees and installed water butts to support biodiversity and water conservation. 
• Hurst Park Primary Academy created a sensory allotment featuring a wildflower garden, bird feeder, bug hotels and a water butt, benefiting biodiversity, mental wellbeing and people with sensory needs. 
• All Saints Church, Weston Green, enhanced the Garden of Remembrance through sustainable planting, increasing biodiversity and making the space easier for volunteers to maintain. 

Cllr Ashley Tilling, Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Environmental Services and Sustainability, said: 

The ECCAF funding has given local organisations the support they need to turn their climate and sustainability ambitions into action. From solar panels and energy-efficient lighting to food-rescue equipment, rainwater harvesting and new wildlife habitats, these projects are delivering meaningful benefits for local communities and the environment.

We are delighted that the fund has enabled such a varied range of projects and helped community organisations invest in a greener and more sustainable Elmbridge.

Find out more about ECCAF and other sustainable initiatives in Elmbridge at Sustainable Elmbridge.