Communities

Tackling climate change, helping nature and building an economy based on clean energy are the reasons we build our developments – but communities are at the heart of it all.

We’re leading the change to renewable energy. We make sure local communities benefit from the social and economic rewards that our projects provide. And we work with local contractors and suppliers to deliver our projects. Sustainable energy and sustainable communities go hand-in-hand.

Consultation

With every new project, GreenPower is committed to an open, honest and extensive public and stakeholder consultation process.

We will reach out to the community, well ahead of submitting a planning application. Constructive feedback from local people is essential to inform our approach and the design and delivery of any project. We encourage locals to engage in dialogue with us so that they can fully understand our proposals and, equally, so we can fully understand and take their views into account where we can. Early engagement with local service providers and businesses that can work on our projects is one of our top priorities.

The consultation process happens through a range of mechanisms, including public exhibitions, presentations, detailed information on our website, one-to-one meetings and via direct correspondence. Beyond the community, we consult with statutory and non-statutory consultees, the planning authorities and local community councils, and we consider every issue raised during the consultation process.

“We always seek positive relationships with communities around our projects and business activities. And we welcome those who want to engage positively and support action on climate change by backing our developments. But, of course, whenever a new project is proposed, there is usually a wide range of views, and we always seek to respond respectfully regardless of opinion.

“And while, naturally, our investments have to produce a return, profit is not our main driver. We are motivated by tackling the climate crisis, and by helping to create an economy that is powered entirely by renewable energy.”

George Baxter, Director

Community benefits

GreenPower is genuinely grateful to the communities who share their lives and landscapes with us, wherever we undertake a project. We support these communities by funding local projects and initiatives.

From upgrades to community halls and facilities for visitors, to litter picks and art clubs, we are proud to have been involved in bringing so many positive initiatives and community projects to life, and to help them thrive, through our funding. Increasingly, communities are thinking about more targeted and innovative uses of such funds to support skills development for young people and even energy efficiency programmes to reduce energy costs.

We will consult with communities on what their priorities are for the funding. We are keen to involve local people in the decisions on how the funds we provide are allocated and what projects should be supported. We will provide back-office services to ensure good governance, financial management and transparent reporting.