Ashden

Applications are now open for the THEA Inclusive Investment Pilots, supporting refugee-led clean energy projects in Uganda, Kenya, and Ethiopia. We’re offering 12 grants of up to £10,000 (local currency equivalent) to enterprises and not-for profits who are founded and led by refugees and forcibly displaced people, as well as applications from individual entrepreneurs who are a refugee or forcibly displaced person.  Eligible projects must use existing clean energy technologies and focus on revenue-generating energy delivery models, including: ▶️ Solar power for irrigation ▶️ Refrigeration/cold storage ▶️ Grain milling & agro-processing ▶️ Electric mobility ▶️ Clean cooking (biogas, briquettes, electric cooking) 🔗 Apply now & access full guidance: https://lnkd.in/eB6vfpRB With thanks to our partners Mercy Corps, United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), Global Platform for Action (GPA) and our supporters Transforming Energy Access, Howden and Aurora Trust. This material has been funded by UK aid from the UK government via the Transforming Energy Access platform; however, the views expressed do not necessarily reflect the UK government's official policies.

Forests defend us all from climate change, by absorbing 7.6billion metric tonnes of CO2 a year. So when communities that safeguard these forests are threatened, we are all in danger. That’s why Ashden and The Nature Recovery Project have launched Thriving Forests – a programme helping these communities earn a sustainable living, and enjoy a more secure future. From Gabon to Indonesia, we’re nurturing great local organisations with a track record of success. Organisations like ECA Amarakaeri. Our approach puts more power, opportunity and control in the hands of communities themselves. Find out more here: https://bit.ly/3AB8I34

We’re thrilled to announce that our film on Ujamaa Community Resource Team is a finalist in the Smiley Charity Film Awards! 🏆🎥 A huge thank you to everyone who has supported us – your votes, shares, and encouragement mean the world! Watch the film here: https://bit.ly/3Wghc7h #smileyCFA25, #charityfilmawards, #TheSmileys #CFA25

The UK needs bold action to ensure every household can live in a warm, energy-efficient home! Last week, Ashden and Aldersgate Group called on the Government to take urgent steps to make this happen. We are asking for three things: 1️⃣ Eliminate fuel poverty by 2030 and accelerate warm, efficient homes for all by 2035. 2️⃣ Deliver successful area-based retrofits to 1 million homes annually by 2030. 3️⃣ Build a skilled local retrofit workforce of 200,000 by 2030. Local delivery is crucial. Decarbonising homes isn’t just a top-down process – success depends on SMEs, councils, and communities leading the charge. #Retrofit #Energy #FuelPoverty #EnergyEfficiency #Policy

Ashden and Aldersgate Group would like to sincerely thank Luke Murphy MP for being our sponsor at the Net Zero Neighbourhoods event in parliament yesterday.    We stand at a crucial moment where decisive action can deliver warmer homes, lower bills, and a stronger, growing economy. We are calling on the Government to take bold and urgent steps to ensure: 1️⃣ Eliminate fuel poverty by 2030 and accelerate warm, efficient homes for all by 2035.  2️⃣ Deliver successful area-based retrofits to 1 million homes annually by 2030. 3️⃣ Build a skilled local retrofit workforce of 200,000 by 2030. #NetZero #WarmHomesPlan #Government #Retrofit

As extreme weather batters the UK, the need for climate adaptation has never been clearer. The risk to public safety and local economies is huge – and councils play a vital role in protecting communities. Get started with expert insights: 📊 Met Office support tailored for local authorities. 🏡 Place-based approaches to avoid silo working & maximise impact. 🌱 Case studies from urban & rural councils driving real change. Read our latest blog for practical strategies on risk mapping, adaptation frameworks, and forming strong partnerships: https://bit.ly/3QjrPmJ

Ashden is looking for consultants in Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Tanzania to gather insights from stakeholders in energy access and nature-based solutions 🌍 What’s involved? ✅ Conducting interviews & gathering feedback ✅ Analysing insights & producing a report ✅ Helping shape the 2026 Ashden Awards 📅 Project timeline: February- March 2025 📝 Apply by: Sunday, 16 February (midnight GMT) Ideal candidates will have sector knowledge, strong in-country contacts, and excellent communication & reporting skills. Apply now: https://bit.ly/3CxWWrm

Join us for our next Ashden Adaptation Network workshop, open to all local authority officers tackling climate adaptation across the UK. This session will focus on how councils can design and deliver sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) to build climate resilience. Speakers include: 🌳 Carys Alder, Trees for Cities – Lessons from the SuDS in Schools programme, helping councils make playgrounds climate-resilient. 🏡 Paula Goncalves, Brighton & Hove City Council – A planner’s perspective on delivering a residential SuDS scheme in Brighton. 💦 Adam Boucher, Severn Trent – How Severn Trent, Arup & local councils are delivering 20,000 SuDS across Mansfield. 📅 February 27 2025, 2:00pm Sign up today: https://bit.ly/4hgIV07

For 25 years, the annual Ashden Awards have accelerated cutting-edge climate solutions—driving innovation that cuts emissions and builds a fairer world. This summer, to mark our 25th anniversary, the Ashden Awards will take on an exciting new format for one year only! We’ll be showcasing groundbreaking new solutions delivering climate and social impact, while also celebrating the incredible achievements of our past winners. Find out more about this year's special ceremony: https://bit.ly/3OhxUz7

How can we collaborate to expand forest protection? Alam Sehat Lestari (ASRI) has the answer. Between 2007 and 2022, ASRI achieved an 82% reduction in logging - proving the power of community-led conservation. By strengthening the incomes and rights of local and Indigenous communities, we are empowering them to safeguard our global forests – a key defence against climate change. Discover their work here: https://bit.ly/3pXjafq #ForestProtection #Forests #Nature #Wildlife