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CPA launches Environmental Impact Fund for Parliaments

In recognition of the critical task of tackling climate change, the CPA has launched a new Environmental Impact Fund. This fund will finance projects in CPA Branches that adhere to environmental best practices and align with the CPA’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. A central aim of the Fund is to support Commonwealth Parliaments in their efforts towards achieving net-zero emissions, in line with global sustainability efforts.

The CPA Environmental Impact Fund will operate on a merit-based selection process, evaluating projects on their alignment with the CPA’s environmental objectives, potential impact and innovative approach. There will be a total of £30,000 GBP of funding available for 2025, with individual projects eligible for between £500 GBP and £20,000 GBP.

As part of the launch of this Fund, the CPA has created an animated introduction video which you can watch below:

CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg said:  

“Tackling climate change and promoting sustainability are critical tasks, and Parliaments must lead by example. That's why I'm delighted to announce the launch of the CPA Environmental Impact Fund for 2025. The Fund will support Commonwealth Parliaments as they undertake green projects, from increases in energy efficiency for Parliament buildings to the installation of solar panels on Parliamentary estates.” 

Other potential projects for Legislatures could include green infrastructure and water management, waste reduction and recycling or sustainable transport. 

Bids can be submitted by the institution's central authority - such as the Clerk's Office or the relevant CPA Desk - and must be submitted before 30 April 2025. It is noted that tasks involved in a project may go into 2026, but all funds supported by the Environmental Impact Fund must be spent in 2025. Apply today via the form on our website. 

This Fund builds on the work of the CPA done through our cross-cutting theme of climate and sustainability. Find out more here.  

 


-ENDS- 

For more information on the Environmental Impact Fund, please contact programmes@cpahq.org. 
The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) is an international community of 180 Parliaments and Legislatures working together to deepen the Commonwealth’s commitment to the highest standards of democratic governance. Founded in 1911, the CPA brings together Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff to identify benchmarks of good governance and implement the enduring values of the Commonwealth. It offers a vast opportunity for Parliamentarians and parliamentary staff to collaborate on issues of mutual interest and to share good practice.

Document List

Climate Change and Small States: Parliamentary Toolkit

The Toolkit seeks to support parliamentarians from small states and jurisdictions to increase their understanding of Climate Change and how best to ensure adaptation and mitigation strategies are in place domestically and internationally. 

Report: Disaster Risk Management in Small Jurisdictions

This report summarises the findings from the three-day CPA Small Branches Workshop on Disaster Risk Management, hosted in partnership with the Institute of Hazard, Risk and Resilience at Durham University in May 2023.

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