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Community Arts Buildings Go Green With Solar Investment From Resonance 

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Social Enterprises In The UK: Business As A Force For Good

 
  • £127,000 invested in sustainable energy in Bristol  
  • Solar panels being installed across arts venues 
  • Resonance and Social Investment Business collaboration provides funding through the Energy Resilience Fund 

Resonance has invested £127,000 in a Bristol arts charity to fund its green energy efforts. 

The investment – which is part grant and part loan – funded the installation of solar panels on the rooves of art studios in the city. 

Spike Island operates a creative hub and 70 art studios in Bristol, offering a diverse artistic programme including free contemporary art exhibitions and activities. It is working towards becoming a net zero organisation. 

Kate Ward, Deputy Director of Spike Island, said: “Working with Resonance to secure mixed grant loan finance was critical to the delivery of the first major step of Spike’s decarbonisation strategy. It would not have been possible without it.  

“This pilot has evidenced the impact that these interventions can have on cost saving and carbon reduction; from April to June this year we saved 9000kg of cO2 and halved our electricity bill.” 

The investment is funded by the Energy Resilience Fund, though a collaboration between Resonance and social purpose investment charity Social Investment Business (SIB). 

Donna Thomas, Senior Investment Manager at Resonance, said: “We’re delighted to be part of Spike Island’s journey towards becoming a net zero organisation.  

“We’re pleased that the initiative is already seeing environmental benefits through reducing CO2 emissions, while saving costs for the charity.” 

Spike Island has committed to reaching net zero in the 2040s. 

John Heaney, Head of Investments for Social Investment Business said: “The Energy Resilience Fund is bringing together grants, loans and specialist support to enable groups like Spike Island not only reduce their bills but take positive action on the climate crisis too.  

“We're delighted to be working with Resonance to deliver this vital support at a time when charities across the UK continue to face huge pressure from rising bills.” 

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About the Energy Resilience Fund  

The £15m Energy Resilience Fund offers a package of blended funding (60% loan and 40% grant) and specialist support, including free energy audits and expert advice services, to charities and social enterprises. Organisations can apply for a range of energy saving / generation projects between £25,000 and £250,000. 

Since it's launch in November 2024, organisations across England have received finance and support for projects including buying electric vehicles such as an electric tractor and electric minibus, installing LED floodlights, retrofitting insulation and double glazing, solar panel installation, and replacing gas boilers with air-source heat pumps. The fund has also recently been shortlisted for an Edie Net-Zero Award, a finalist in the 'Energy Efficiency Project of the Year' category. 

Donna Thomas

Senior Investment Manager

Resonance Limited is a company registered in England and Wales no. 04418625

Resonance Impact Investment Limited, a subsidiary of Resonance Limited, is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Firm number 588462.

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