Stonegrove Community Trust’s chair of trustees Graeme Davidson highlights the challenges and opportunities in local environmental action

Five people in hard hat installing solar panels — From left, Altin – R-ECO, James, Graeme and Gus – SCT and Elton – R-ECO standing in front of two of the 210 panels being installed – (Credit- Stonegrove Community Trust)

Amid the growing urgency to address climate change, the Stonegrove Community Trust has embarked on a pioneering project that is set to make waves not just in Edgware but across the entire borough of Barnet.

The trust is currently overseeing the installation of London’s largest charity-owned solar array, a bold initiative that underscores both the potential and the hurdles of community-driven environmental projects.

The project, which began on 23rd July, will see 210 solar panels installed, which will produce over 71,000Kwh of electricity a year. This is equivalent to the electricity usage of over 25 average UK homes. The installation is being carried out by R-ECO, the UK’s largest and longest-running co-operative installer of renewable energy systems.

Once fully operational at the end of September, this installation will reduce the trust’s energy usage by 47% and its carbon emissions by 19.4 tonnes annually. Yet, as impressive as these numbers are, the journey to secure the necessary funding and approvals has been anything but straightforward.

CEO Gus Alston reflects on the arduous path that led to this point: “Fundraising for environmental projects has been far more challenging than we anticipated. It took over three years to secure the funding, which is much longer than for other initiatives we’ve undertaken. This isn’t just our experience; it’s a reality many organisations face when trying to push for larger-scale renewable energy projects.”

The solar panel installation, with a total cost of £108,575, required the combined support of the City Bridge Trust, Greater London Authority, and Barnet Council. Despite these contributions, the challenge of obtaining adequate funding highlights a broader issue: environmental projects often struggle to attract financial backing compared to other causes such as health or welfare. Gus notes that while there is growing interest in renewable technologies, the available funding pots are often limited and highly competitive.

Councillor Alan Schneiderman, Barnet’s cabinet member for environment and climate change, praised the Trust’s perseverance. He said: “This project is a shining example of what can be achieved when communities take the lead. It aligns perfectly with our goal of reaching net zero by 2042, but we know this can only happen if we work hand-in-hand with local organisations like Stonegrove.”

Looking ahead, the trust is eager to use this success as a springboard for more initiatives across Barnet. Gus emphasises the importance of collaboration in scaling these efforts. “We want to be part of a broader drive to create similar projects throughout the borough. By working closely with the council and other community groups, we hope to inspire and support the development of more renewable energy installations, ensuring that Barnet becomes a leader in grassroots sustainability.”

This project not only represents a significant achievement for the Stonegrove Community Trust, it also serves as a call to action for other community organisations. It demonstrates that, despite the challenges, it is possible to secure the resources needed to make a lasting environmental impact. The hope is that this will lead to a ripple effect, with more projects sprouting up across Barnet, each contributing to a greener, more sustainable future.

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