Applications Open for Energy Saving Grant (UK)

The Sport Wales Energy Saving Grant provides funding of up to £25,000 for eligible not-for-profit sports clubs and community groups in Wales to improve energy efficiency and reduce operational costs. The grant supports projects such as insulation, renewable energy systems, efficient heating, LED lighting, and sustainable water solutions to help community sports facilities become more environmentally sustainable.

About the Sport Wales Energy Saving Grant

The Energy Saving Grant by Sport Wales supports not-for-profit sports clubs and community organisations in Wales to make practical energy-saving improvements to their buildings.

The programme aims to help sports facilities:

Reduce energy consumption.
Lower long-term operating costs.
Improve environmental sustainability.
Create more efficient and comfortable community spaces.
Support Wales’ transition towards greener infrastructure.

The grant focuses on improving existing sports and community buildings through energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy solutions.

Objectives of the Energy Saving Grant

The programme aims to:

Reduce carbon emissions from sports facilities.
Help clubs manage rising energy costs.
Encourage renewable energy adoption.
Improve sustainability within community sport.
Support long-term financial resilience of sports organisations.

Eligible Energy-Saving Improvements

Funding can support a range of energy efficiency and sustainability improvements.

Building Energy Efficiency Upgrades

Eligible projects may include:

Installing energy-efficient windows and doors.
Improving insulation to reduce heat loss.
Upgrading heating systems with energy-efficient or environmentally friendly alternatives.
Installing LED lighting systems.
Adding movement sensors to reduce unnecessary electricity use.

Structural roof work is not eligible under insulation improvements.

Renewable Energy Projects

The grant can support renewable energy solutions such as:

Solar panel installation.
Battery storage systems.
Renewable energy technologies that reduce reliance on traditional energy sources.

Sustainable Water Solutions

Projects may also include:

Water harvesting systems.
Sustainable water management improvements.

These improvements can help reduce resource use and increase environmental responsibility.

Funding Information

The Energy Saving Grant provides:

Maximum grant amount: £25,000.
Applicant contribution required: Minimum 20% of total project costs.

Applicants must provide their own financial contribution towards the project budget.

If an application is unsuccessful, Sport Wales may cover 50% of the energy survey cost.

Funding can only be used for approved project activities and must follow Sport Wales grant conditions.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

Not-for-profit sports clubs.
Community groups where sport is the main activity.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

The organisation must operate in Wales.
The project must mainly benefit people living in Wales.
The building must be owned by the applicant or have at least seven years remaining on the lease.
The project must not have started before submitting an application.
The project must begin by 31 March 2027.
The project must be completed within 12 months of receiving funding.

Energy Survey Requirement

Applicants must complete an energy survey during the Stage 2 application process.

An energy survey is not required if the organisation has completed one within the previous three years.

The survey helps identify:

Current energy usage.
Potential energy savings.
Suitable improvement measures.
Expected environmental benefits.

Why This Grant Matters

Sports clubs and community facilities often face increasing energy costs. Improving energy efficiency can help organisations:

Save money on electricity and heating bills.
Maintain affordable community activities.
Reduce environmental impact.
Create better facilities for athletes and local residents.

Energy-saving upgrades also help community sports organisations become more financially sustainable over the long term.

How to Apply

The application process follows a staged approach.

Step 1: Submit an Expression of Interest

Applicants must first submit an expression of interest.

Sport Wales will review the initial request and provide confirmation within approximately two working days.

Step 2: Submit Stage 1 Application

Successful expression of interest applicants will be invited to submit a Stage 1 application.

Applicants must provide:

Details about the organisation.
Information about the building.
Proposed energy-saving improvements.
Estimated project costs.
Expected benefits.

Step 3: Complete Energy Survey and Stage 2 Application

Applicants invited to Stage 2 must provide:

Energy survey results.
Detailed project plans.
Final costs.
Evidence of how improvements will reduce energy use.

Sport Wales prioritises projects that demonstrate the greatest impact.

Step 4: Deliver Approved Project

Successful applicants must:

Complete the approved energy-saving improvements.
Use funding only for agreed activities.
Maintain financial records.
Provide progress updates.
Participate in monitoring or evaluation activities.

Examples of Suitable Projects

Examples of projects that may receive support include:

Installing solar panels on a sports hall.
Replacing old heating systems with efficient alternatives.
Upgrading club lighting to LED systems.
Improving insulation in changing rooms.
Installing battery storage alongside renewable energy systems.
Adding water harvesting solutions.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

Clearly explain how the project will reduce energy use.
Provide realistic cost estimates.
Show long-term financial benefits.
Demonstrate community impact.
Complete the energy survey carefully.
Explain how the improvement supports sustainability goals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Starting work before receiving approval.
Applying without meeting eligibility requirements.
Submitting incomplete project information.
Requesting funding for activities outside the grant scope.
Failing to provide required financial contributions.
Ignoring ongoing maintenance requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Sport Wales Energy Saving Grant?

The Sport Wales Energy Saving Grant supports not-for-profit sports clubs and community groups in Wales to make energy efficiency and sustainability improvements to their buildings.

How much funding can applicants receive?

Eligible organisations can receive up to £25,000 for approved energy-saving improvement projects.

Do applicants need to contribute their own funding?

Yes. Applicants must contribute at least 20% of the total project cost.

What types of improvements are funded?

The grant supports improvements such as insulation, energy-efficient heating systems, solar panels, battery storage, LED lighting, movement sensors, and sustainable water systems.

Can a project already started receive funding?

No. Projects must not begin before submitting an application.

Who can apply for the Energy Saving Grant?

Eligible applicants are not-for-profit sports clubs and community groups in Wales where sport is the main activity.

What happens after receiving funding?

Successful applicants must complete the approved project, provide financial and progress reports, maintain records, allow monitoring visits, and acknowledge Sport Wales support.

Conclusion

The Sport Wales Energy Saving Grant helps sports clubs and community organisations in Wales improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, and create more sustainable facilities. By supporting renewable energy, efficient technologies, and environmentally responsible upgrades, the programme strengthens the future of community sport while contributing to wider climate and sustainability goals.