Helping small charities cut energy costs and save money

At Locality, our members tell us how hard it is to keep buildings open and welcoming. But we also see what’s possible. Smart energy upgrades improve comfort, cut carbon and reduce long-term costs.

Simple changes like fixing draughts or switching to LED lights can make a difference. Bigger retrofits can unlock even greater savings.

In this blog, we'll share practical steps to get started and call on funders and policymakers to make change possible.

The cost of inefficient buildings

Many community organisations are based in older or low-cost buildings that are hard to heat and expensive to run.

Some youth clubs are spending up to 50% of their budgets on energy and water. Community buildings are now 60% less efficient than other non-domestic properties, and the gap is widening.

The gap is widest in disadvantaged areas. Around 60% of community buildings in these neighbourhoods fall below minimum energy standards.

As regulations tighten, some spaces may soon be unlettable or unsellable. One Locality member was recently denied a lease because the council feared future fines under new rules.

But investment pays off. Projects funded by the Energy Resilience Fund show that retrofit costs can often be recouped in under six years through lower bills.

Three ways to get started

There’s no single route to energy resilience. Every building is different, and so are the options.

But whether you own, lease or manage your space, these three steps can help.

Understand your building

Start with an audit. This helps you find where energy is lost and where savings are possible:

• Use DIY tools like the Centre for Sustainable Energy’s community building survey.

• Ask your council or local community energy group if they offer funded audits. You can find local support on this map by Community Energy England.

• A professional audit is often needed to apply for retrofit funding.

Focus on quick wins

Small changes can lead to big savings.

Focus first on low-cost fixes like:

• Draughtproofing

• LED lighting

• Pipe insulation

• Smarter heating controls

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Behaviour change matters too – clear signage, simple training and using timers all help. Good maintenance keeps buildings dry and draught-free, which reduces energy use.

Use Locality’s checklist of low-cost measures to get started.

Plan for the long term

Major upgrades take time – and planning. Think ahead:

·      Where do you want your building to be in five to ten years?

·      Look at energy use, layout, accessibility and user needs together

·      Involve trustees, users, staff and professionals like architects or surveyors early on.

Locality’s consultancy services can also support you with planning, feasibility and implementation.

Charities can’t do this alone

The case for energy action is clear. But many charities face barriers, from lack of funding and staff time to complex building ownership and limited technical support.

To build financial and environmental resilience, the sector needs coordinated support. Here's what would help:

• Funding that covers people and planning: Grants should include staff time, audits and professional advice, not just equipment.

• Clearer guidance on energy rules: Many charities and landlords need help understanding what future standards mean for them.

• Recognition of community spaces as essential: These are food banks, youth centres and warm hubs, not just commercial units.

• Support built for small charities: Toolkits alone aren’t enough. Practical advice and help finding trusted contractors are essential.

  
  

Charities are resourceful and committed. But goodwill isn’t enough.

With the right backing, energy upgrades can protect the future of the places communities rely on.

About the author

Johannes Moeller works in the Services Team at Locality, the national membership network for community organisations in England.

Locality supports organisations to be strong and successful, helping them build a fairer society. They provide specialist advise, peer-learning, resources and campaigns to create a better operating condition for community organisations, which includes action on energy efficiency and climate change.