Local Carbon Oxford Project

View of Oxford skyline from Carfax Tower

What is Local Carbon Oxford (LCOP)? 

LCOP is a new matchmaking fund supporting energy efficiency projects that deliver carbon and community benefits. The scheme aims to support local businesses and organisations to deliver the vital energy efficiency works needed to help achieve a Zero Carbon Oxford by 2040. 

Through LCOP, we are looking to match organisations who require funding with businesses who are keen to support decarbonisation projects in the city, contributing to the local economy, global climate action, and corporate responsibility and sustainability goals.

The project provides a matchmaking service between projects and funders, and a rigorous accreditation to ensure confidence for all parties that the funded measures will deliver real, local, tangible action on decarbonisation. 

Who is LCOP for? 

During the pilot, we are looking to work with organisations that need funding to install energy efficiency measures on non-domestic buildings - known as “Project Developers” - and businesses looking to support local climate action through the funding of carbon reduction projects - known as “Project Funders”. 

Project Developers (seeking funding)

Any business, charity or community group that operates within the city of Oxford can qualify as a Project Developer, which can enable organisations to: 

  • Unlock support for energy efficiency projects that may be otherwise difficult to fund 
  • Deliver building improvements which support the health and wellbeing of those using the space
  • Benefit from warmer, brighter and more efficient working environments that improve the experiences of staff, customers and the local community
  • Increase the resilience of their buildings, contributing towards wider climate adaptation in the city
  • Save on energy bills and bring down overhead costs

Project Funders (looking to fund)

Any business or organisation that operates within Oxfordshire can contribute as a Project Funder.

Funders have the opportunity to support trustworthy, high-integrity projects that save carbon and make a positive local impact. Providing support for projects enables organisations to: 

  • Facilitate accelerated decarbonisation within the city of Oxford by removing financial barriers for local organisations
  • Support projects that positively impact their local communities
  • Showcase their environmental values and enhance their reputation as a socially responsible organisation
  • Contribute towards meaningful climate action beyond their value chains in line with current best-practice guidance from the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)
  • Progress towards organisational climate action, sustainability or social responsibility targets

All organisations involved in LCOP will benefit from a rigorous and transparent accreditation scheme backed by Oxford City Council. 

How does it work? 

As a Project Developer you will: 

  1. Complete the short Expression of Interest Form to register your interest in LCOP and ensure your project meets our minimum eligibility requirements.
  2. When eligible, complete the full Developer Application Form, allowing us to judge the maturity and quality of your project against our scoring criteria
  3. If successful, receive a percentage score and grade (A – D), and enter onto the Central Register of projects. (If unsuccessful, receive feedback on your application and, if appropriate, re-apply) 
  4. Await matching with a suitable funder (or funders), or proactively seek suitable matches via the Central Register
  5. Agree to receive funding and sign a contractual agreement
  6. Install the energy efficiency works in your building and receive funding as agreed in your contract
  7. Facilitate the verification of your energy efficiency measures as required

As a Funder you will: 

  1. Complete the short Funder Application Form (please email LCOP@oxford.gov.uk) to register your interest and ensure your organisation meets our minimum eligibility requirements. 
  2. If successful, enter onto the Central Register of funders (If unsuccessful, receive feedback on your application and, if appropriate, re-apply) 
  3. Await matching with a suitable project (or projects), or proactively seek suitable matches via the Central Register 
  4. Agree to provide funding and sign a contractual agreement
  5. Disburse funding for energy efficiency works as agreed in your contract 
  6. Receive certification for your contributions once the project has been delivered and verified

What energy efficiency measures are eligible?

LCOP aims to provide support for work that can reduce the amount of energy used in a building, minimise energy waste, or generate energy using sustainable sources - therefore reducing greenhouse gas emissions from a building. The main measures that are eligible for funding include:

  • Air source heat pump
  • Cavity wall insulation
  • Ground source heat pump
  • Improved heating controls
  • LED lighting
  • Lighting sensor controls
  • Loft insulation
  • Pipework insulation
  • Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels
  • Wireless thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs)

The above list is not exhaustive, and we will also consider funding for other measures on a case-by-case basis. If you would like to install measures as part of your project that is not included in the list, please contact us at LCOP@oxford.gov.uk before submitting your Expression of Interest form.

Learn more/workshops

We will be holding workshops for project funders and project developers who want to learn more about the initiative: 

How to apply 

Engaging with LCOP at the pilot stage offers both Developers and Funders the opportunity to shape a mechanism that we hope will play a critical role in helping Oxford to become a world-leading net zero city. 

To learn more about LCOP, please email LCOP@Oxford.gov.uk

To apply: 

  • As a Project Developer, please complete the Expression of Interest form available below. If you would like this in another format, please get in touch via email. 
  • As a Project Funder, please get in touch via email to recieve a version of the application form.

Key links

Please use the following key documents containing more information and support: 

For Project Developers: 

For Project Funders:

LCOP is an Innovate UK-funded trial scheme led by Oxford City Council in partnership with Low Carbon Hub, currently running until 30 June 2025. 

Rate this page

Happy face Neutral face Sad face