The Kenilworth Centre (tKC) is "proud to announce" that this spring, it is solar powered.

Thanks to a grant from the government's VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme, tKC has been able to instruct the installation of solar panels, LED lighting and insulation.

As a charity, the management team and trustees of tKC say they are continuously looking at ways to lower costs, reduce the carbon footprint and become more energy efficient.

"Applying and receiving a grant from the government's VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme meant we would be able to achieve all three aims," a tKC statement said.

"The grant scheme aims to help voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations in England to improve their energy efficiency."

The funding was applied for in August and was granted in November 2024, with the stipulation that work had to be completed and invoiced by 14 February 2025.

"This gave us just 13 short weeks, including over the festive period, to obtain quotes, work with our landlord, Warwickshire County Council, appoint a contractor and get all solar panels, new LED lighting and insulation installed," the statement continued.

"Thanks to the hard work from all those involved, (centre managers, staff, trustees, Eco Providers and support from various Councillors) on Thursday January 30, ahead of schedule, the Kenilworth Centre became solar powered."

As a result of the installation of the solar panels, LED lighting and insulation tKC is already seeing a reduction in utility bills, with annual savings currently forecast at between £7-£9,000 per year.

In addition to this, the reduction in CO2 emissions annually equates to 358 trees per year planted, making for a very successful project for the people of Kenilworth.

These financial savings will help tKC to strengthen youth and community provision within the town.

"As a small local charity in what is perceived to be an affluent area, opportunities to access external funding for our community is an ongoing challenge," said Mandy Brougham Chair of Trustees.

"We are therefore delighted that the Kenilworth Centre has been able to identify and access a way to both improve its green footprint, as well as develop a more sustainable way to continue its operations to better serve the local community through this DCMS VCSE grant."

Alex Randall, Kenilworth town councillor was a key supporter from the very beginning

He said: "Supporting the Kenilworth Centre's decarbonisation was an easy decision for me as a Green Party councillor.

"I managed to find a suitable grant funding scheme, assisted with energy audits, and identified a few contractors with Eco Providers winning the project; they delivered insulation, LED lighting, solar PV, and battery storage.

"This project cuts costs and enhances sustainability for a vital community hub, I'm very proud to have played a part."

For more information on this project please contact Sarah McCaffrey, Joint Centre Manager, 01926 855205, [email protected]