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Spotlight on community energy opportunities for World Environment Day

Friday, 5 June 2026

North Ferriby Primary School

East Riding of Yorkshire Council is marking World Environment Day 2026 by highlighting opportunities for communities to get involved in reducing energy costs and carbon, through community energy projects.

This year’s global theme focuses on climate action, highlighting the urgent challenges facing the planet and the role that local action can play in reducing emissions and building resilience.

Across the East Riding, local approaches to energy are helping to tackle the climate crisis while delivering direct benefits for residents. This includes community energy projects, where people come together to generate and manage renewable energy locally. This can improve energy efficiency in homes, helping to reduce both costs and carbon emissions.

One example of local innovation is Sustainable Ferriby CIC, a community-led organisation already delivering measurable impact. To date, the group has supported three community-led projects, hosted its third annual sustainability event, and helped deliver practical energy and environmental improvements across dozens of local households. Building on this progress, Sustainable Ferriby is now developing further community energy projects, exploring ways to embed sustainability into the local school curriculum, and considering the creation of a community energy club to deepen engagement and action across the village.

Simon Hudson, a Director at Sustainable Ferriby CIC, said “We’ve demonstrated what’s possible at a community level, but there’s much more we can do together. The next phase is about reaching more households, working with schools, and creating opportunities like a community energy club so people can be part of something bigger. If you’re interested in taking action, we’d encourage you to get involved.”

Councillor Paul West, East Riding of Yorkshire Council cabinet member for environment and transport said: “Communities have a vital role to play in cutting energy costs, supporting local facilities and reducing carbon emissions. We encourage groups across the East Riding to explore how they can get involved and take advantage of the opportunities available.”

To help communities take the next step in energy projects, the North East and Yorkshire Net Zero Hub offers dedicated support and funding through its Community Energy Support programme. This includes early-stage development funding and expert guidance to help projects progress from initial ideas through to delivery. Funding opportunities open regularly, with applications welcomed from community groups across the region.

Electricity network operator Northern Powergrid is also supporting community energy by providing advice, resources and guidance on connecting new schemes to the electricity network, helping groups understand how local energy projects can be successfully delivered.

The council is also improving energy efficiency in both private and social housing to help lower energy bills. This includes £1.6 million from the Warm Homes Local Grant (delivered with E.ON) and £1.6 million from the Warm Homes Social Housing Fund.

Together with £3.3 million of council investment, this funding will support upgrades to around 600 social housing properties. Improvements such as loft insulation and solar panels will help make homes more energy efficient and reduce bills for residents.

More information on community energy funding and support can be found at:

North East and Yorkshire Net Zero Hub: https://www.neynetzerohub.com/funding-and-investment/investment/community-energy-support/

Northern Powergrid community energy supporthttps://www.northernpowergrid.com/connections-and-services/future-and-community-energy/community-energy

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