Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC) is proud to announce the progress of its ‘Net Zero Villages’ project, supporting rural communities across the district to take meaningful steps towards reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency.
The Net Zero Villages initiative, funded by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA), is enabling parish councils and community groups in rural areas to deliver projects that contribute to the UK’s target of Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Over £250,000 has been allocated to the programme, with £220,000 already distributed to ten successful applicants. Funded projects so far include the installation of heat pumps and solar panels at community buildings, practical upgrades that are already improving energy efficiency, cutting carbon emissions, and reducing running costs.
The projects selected were required to demonstrate measurable outcomes, including:
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Reducing carbon emissions and energy consumption
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Lowering the running costs of community facilities
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Mitigating overheating in buildings
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Engaging residents in climate-positive behaviour change
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Showing how projects can be replicated elsewhere in the district.
One of the completed schemes saw a village hall benefit from a new heat pump system, which is already making a positive difference to both the environment and the building’s energy bills.
Treasurer of Great Staughton Village Hall, Helen Glanville, said: “Great Staughton Village Hall is delighted
to have been awarded the Net Zero Villages Grant to replace our oil-fired heating system with an electric ASHP. As a small rural community we could not possibly have afforded to replace the heating on our own. This Grant has enabled our village to remove fossil fuels from our community asset, assisting the village on its road to Net Zero.”
Executive Councillor for Climate, Transformation and Workforce, Cllr Lara Davenport-Ray, said: "Our rural communities have a vital role to play in tackling climate change, and the Net Zero Villages programme is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through local initiative and targeted support. These projects not only help reduce emissions but also inspire wider community engagement and demonstrate that change is possible at every scale. It’s exciting to see real action being taken, and results already being delivered."
With several more projects scheduled to begin over the coming months, the council is looking forward to showcasing more of the inspiring work being carried out by local communities.