Speaking at the CSEP launch, BRE Chief Executive Pete Bonfield said: "This scheme will enable community based organisations that often have the enthusiasm, but not the means, to take action on climate change. The types of grass roots organisations that will be eligible to apply for grants have a vital role in both promoting and demonstrating the types of measures we all need to be installing on our buildings in order to lower carbon emissions and use energy more sustainably."

Grants will only be awarded to eligible not-for-profit community based organisations in England. This includes schools and colleges, community groups, parish councils, registered charities and trusts, and church or other faith based organisations. The maximum capital grant available is £50,000 or 50% of the project cost (whichever is lower). Organisations can also submit applications for grants of up to £5,000 (or 75% of costs - whichever is lower) to fund feasibility studies to identify the most appropriate mix of measures for particular buildings.

Importantly, the 50% grants available through the CSEP can also be used in conjunction with grants of up to 50% through the Low Carbon Buildings Programme Phase 2. As a Framework Supplier for the LCBP Phase 2 scheme, SML are able to offer grants of up to 50% on our solar energy technologies, thereby providing an opportunity to get 100% on the total purchase and installation costs when used in conjunction with the CSEP scheme.