2025 Award Finalist: Supportive Local Authority: Hackney Council

Hackney Council

Hackney Council has been a fantastic supporter of community energy through its Hackney Community Energy Fund (HCEF), helping schools, faith, cultural, and community buildings install solar panels, heat pumps, LED lighting, and more. By combining grants with hands-on officer support, technical advice, and workshops, the council has helped 39 organisations deliver 46 projects since 2022, saving carbon and costs while including education and behaviour-change in every project. Hackney works closely with community energy groups like CREW Energy, SELCE, and HEAL, offering guidance from applications through delivery and sharing learning widely so others can benefit. Judges praised Hackney as a forward-thinking council, embedding community energy into strategy and funding, with a well-structured, gold-standard approach that delivers real impact and lasting support for communities.