Hounslow’s strength is in its community.
The Hounslow Community Energy Fund (HCEF) aims to support community-led decarbonisation projects which benefit the wider community. On our journey to become a net-zero council by 2030, we recognise that residents and community groups are best placed to identify, build, operate, and own carbon reduction projects. This fund empowers communities to do this and shape their energy future
For the 2025/26 HCEF funding round, £150,000 is available to support community-based carbon reduction and energy efficiency projects. Community groups based and working in the London Borough of Hounslow can apply for grants up to £40,000. We welcome and actively encourage applications from existing energy and environmental groups, as well as community groups who have not undertaken a carbon or energy related project before.
Funding Source
The HCEF is financed by carbon offset contributions from developers who are unable to meet on-site carbon reduction targets. Developers will make a financial contribution to ‘offset’ their development, and these funds go to the Hounslow Carbon Offset Fund where the funding is reserved and used to support carbon-saving projects across the borough. Using these funds effectively and sustainably is essential.
Examples of projects that could be eligible for funding under the HCEF include:
- Retrofitting community buildings with energy-saving insulation, installing double glazing and energy-saving light bulbs.
- Installing solar panels on community buildings and using them as venues for energy-saving workshops.
- Installing carbon-friendly heat pumps in already energy-efficient community buildings to cut carbon emissions further.
