Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority (HEYCA) has secured £700,000 from the UK government’s new Mayor Renewables Fund – one of the largest awards in the country.

The funding will support solar panel installations on public buildings across East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Hull City Council. These upgrades will help both councils cut energy costs and reduce carbon emissions over the next 25 years.

This is a major step forward for the region. It shows that funding is available for well-planned green energy projects – and that now is the time to take action.

Why This Matters

This announcement is more than a local win. It signals a shift in the UK’s approach to energy and climate action.

It proves that:

• The government is actively backing local net zero projects
• Councils and organisations that are ready can access significant support
• Solar and renewable upgrades are no longer “nice-to-haves” – they’re smart, strategic investments

Other regions can follow suit. With schemes like the Great British Energy Community Fund, there’s now a £400 million opportunity for communities and organisations across the UK to fund their own renewable energy projects.

This is the kind of future GB Energy is working to build – one where local buildings are part of a cleaner, cheaper, and more resilient energy system.

Is Your Organisation Ready?

If your organisation owns buildings – whether you’re a local authority, academy trust, NHS site, charity, or private business – now is the time to assess your estate.

Ask yourself:

• Are we paying more than we should on energy?
• Do we know how much carbon our buildings produce?
• Could solar panels or a heat pump help us save money and meet our targets?
• What funding might be available to help us get started?

If you’re not sure, we can help you find out.

How C3 Group Supports You

At C3 Group, we help organisations turn these questions into answers – and then into action.

We work across both public and private sectors to plan, fund, and design low-carbon energy projects. Here’s how we do it:

1. Feasibility Studies

Our feasibility studies help you understand what’s possible. We look at:

• The condition and energy use of your estate
• Suitability for solar panels, heat pumps, battery storage, and more
• Expected savings and carbon reductions
• Costs, timelines, and practical considerations

We’ll also help you prioritise projects so you can build a clear, achievable roadmap.

Many clients start with this step – whether they’re just exploring ideas or preparing for a funding bid.

2. Funding Strategy and Support

Even with schemes like PSDS closed, there are still many funding options available.

We help you:

• Understand what funding you could be eligible for
• Match your needs to the right government or private funding route
• Prepare a strong, clear application
• Include the right technical, financial, and social value information

Recent examples include the Mayor Renewables Fund, the Great British Energy Community Fund, and tailored finance packages for private sector clients.

We stay on top of what’s available so you don’t have to.

3. Mechanical and Electrical Design

Got funding? Great – now you need a detailed design that’s ready to go.

Our in-house mechanical and electrical engineers can support your project up to RIBA Stage 4. That means:

• Detailed technical drawings
• Design calculations
• System specifications
• Integration with existing systems
• Support through procurement and planning

We make sure your project is compliant, efficient, and ready for delivery.

4. Social Value and Community Impact

We believe energy projects should go beyond saving carbon. They should deliver real value to your local community too.

We can support you with:

• STEM workshops for schools
• Career education around green jobs
• Events and materials for community engagement
• Measurable social value reporting for funding bids

If you’re applying for public funding, this can make a real difference.

Why Now?

Funding schemes come and go. Energy costs remain high. And sustainability targets aren’t going away.

By acting now:

• You’ll be ready for the next round of funding
• You’ll make your estate more efficient and futureproof
• You’ll stay ahead of compliance and ESG requirements

C3 Group is here to help you move forward – no matter what stage you’re at.

What’s Next for Your Net Zero Project?

We support organisations at every step of their journey. Whether you:

• Need a feasibility study
• Are preparing to apply for funding
• Have secured funding and need technical design
• Want to deliver social value as part of your project

We’re ready to help.

Let’s start by looking at your estate and exploring what’s possible. We’ll take you through the options and build a plan that works for your goals and your budget.

Get in touch with the team at C3 Group today and find out what’s next for your net zero project.