Climate change has a real impact on communities here in Ireland as well as internationally. Many community groups around the country want to contribute to a reduction in Ireland’s carbon footprint, as well as save money through implementing cost effective energy-saving measures.
Clann Credo has a designated Community Climate Action Loan Fund of €10 million for local projects that support people taking climate action, like investing in energy efficient solutions that contribute to sustainable, positive change in local communities.
These include investment in: renewable energy projects; SEAI Sustainable Energy Community projects; sustainable energy investment in upgrading existing community buildings and facilities to achieve sustainable and cost-effective energy saving measures. This also includes eco villages where communities are committed to low-carbon living.
Clann Credo has already disbursed over €8.5 million in community loan finance to projects involved in climate action. These loans have helped communities save energy in: schools; sports clubs; community centres; churches; sheltered housing and even an Eco Village.
Projects that we supported included: Tipperary Energy Agency; Upperchurch Energy; Ballyfermot Family Resource Centre, Dublin; Clár ICH, Mayo; Galway Traveller Movement; Drombane Energy Team; Birdhill Tidy Towns; Kilcommon Energy Team; Lorrha/Rathcabin Energy Team and Cloughjordan Eco Village.
Clann Credo has been working with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), as well as other energy authorities such as Tipperary Energy, to help community groups maximise the benefits of Better Energy Community (BEC) Grants. So far, we have disbursed over €7.5 million in community loans to help boost BEC grants.
The BEC grants aim to deliver much needed energy savings to communities, but these groups may need to show that they can sustainably finance the proposed projects, so bridging and match funding may be needed. Clann Credo can provide the necessary finance by way of Community Loan Finance to help community groups avail of and maximise the benefits of these grants.
As well as community loan finance for community climate action projects, Clann Credo also provides expert knowledge of working in the community and voluntary sector. We have regionally based staff and a dedicated person assigned to support you through the process from start to finish.
Clann Credo always considers the community impact your project will have and we never ask for personal guarantees.