About Us
BWECT is a registered charity based in Cumbria, that supports local communities through grants for renewable energy, energy efficiency and projects addressing fuel poverty.
The Trust provides grants, advice and support to individuals, community groups, charities and small organisations across Cumbria. Funding supports initiatives such as installing renewable energy systems, improving energy efficiency in buildings, and helping communities experiencing fuel poverty and promotes energy awareness within Cumbria.
Our Aims and Objectives
To promote the conservation, protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment in particular by providing grants for the installation and raising awareness of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency, technology and solutions.
The prevention or relief of poverty or financial hardship by providing assistance to the people who are in fuel poverty.
BWECT makes grants to organisations or people in the local area with initiatives that meet one or both of those objectives.
Our History
BWECT was established in 1998 following the building of the Harlock Hill Wind Farm, near Ulverston in 1996. The wind farm was developed by Baywind Energy Co-operative, widely recognised as Britain’s first community-owned wind farm.
The Baywind model allowed local people to invest directly in renewable energy generation, creating a pioneering example of community ownership in the UK’s renewable energy sector. As part of this initiative, BWECT was created to ensure that the financial benefits from these renewable energy projects would also support local community and environmental projects.
Our Board of Trustees
Trustees
Trustees are generally recruited from the local Parish, but membership is open. Currently, five local people, two directors from Baywind Energy Co-op and two directors from High Winds Community Energy, act as Trustees. If you are interested in becoming a Trustee please contact us at the address or phone number below.
How do the Trustees operate the fund?
BWECT Trustees meet on a regular basis to decide how to use the funds. Applications are received throughout the year and the trustees make their decision to meet the Objects of BWECTs trust deed and the grant funds based on the merit of each request to meet the aims of BWECT and the cost involved. BWECT has worked with many organisations over the years to offer different ways of delivering energy efficiency.