Energy & Retrofit
ECCAN supports community owned energy, as well as retrofit action, by helping groups navigate options and access support.
We can help you to:
Understand solar, low-carbon heat, and retrofit options
Connect with trusted organisations and local initiatives
Explore funding and development support
Learn from existing community energy projects
This support is for community organisations at any stage - including early or exploratory ideas.
Read on to learn more.
Community-Owned Heat Networks
Edinburgh Community Heat (ECH) brings together community organisations across the city who are interested in developing community-owned heat networks.
Supported and convened by ECCAN, ECH provides a space for groups to connect, share knowledge and coordinate activity around heat and energy in Edinburgh. It also supports communities to engage with the City of Edinburgh Council and to contribute to wider regional work.
ECH represents Edinburgh’s community organisations within a wider Lothians-wide initiative, connecting local activity to the development of a large-scale, not-for-profit heat network through Lothian Heat CIC.
We meet regularly online to share updates, discuss progress and connect the work of community groups across the city.
We are also supported by the Clean Heat Edinburgh Forum (CHEF), which brings together organisations working on heat and energy across Edinburgh.
We’re looking to connect with groups across the city who are interested in exploring or developing community heat projects.
Lothian Heat CIC
Lothian Heat CIC is a community-led organisation working across Edinburgh and the Lothians to develop a large-scale, not-for-profit heat network.
The aim is to provide clean, affordable heat while keeping long-term benefits within communities. It works in partnership with local groups and public bodies to explore how community ownership can be embedded at every level.
While Edinburgh Community Heat focuses on connecting and supporting local groups, Lothian Heat CIC is exploring how these projects could be delivered at scale across the region.
Solar
Solar energy can help community buildings reduce energy bills, cut carbon emissions and generate long-term community benefit. Across Edinburgh, community-owned solar projects are already operating on schools and shared buildings, keeping both energy and income local.
We work alongside organisations with experience in community solar, including Edinburgh Community Solar Co-operative, Energy4All, Community Energy Scotland and Local Energy Scotland.
If your organisation is interested in exploring solar for a community building, we can help you understand what’s possible and connect you with the right support.
Get in touch to start the conversation.
Energy & Retrofit Sub-network
If you work, or have an interest, in energy or retrofit activities and would like to link up with others in Edinburgh, ECCAN can help connect you - please get in touch!
