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The council is offering community groups and schools the opportunity to apply for funding to install a biomass boiler.

The aim is to have up to five renewable energy projects within community buildings across Poole. It is expected that the projects will become examples of how renewable energy can be used to benefit the community and to help reduce Poole's carbon footprint.

Reducing Poole's carbon footprint is a priority for the council, which has committed to reducing its emissions by 25% by 2012. The council would like to encourage residents and businesses to take similar action.

Biomass boilers can be powered using wood chips or green waste such as untreated wood. Biomass boilers are regarded as being Carbon Neutral because the carbon it is emitting is new carbon, and has become very popular over the last couple of years, and though the price of biomass has increased, it is still a cost effective alternative to burning fossil fuels to heat space and water.

This project aims to offer a practical solution to reducing emissions and the amount of green waste sent to landfill.

Community groups with buildings or those who have regular long-term use of a building in Poole will be eligible to apply for installation of a biomass boiler.

Cllr Don Collier, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for the Environment, Borough of Poole, said:
"This scheme will give community groups the opportunity to save money and will also contribute to the overall reduction of carbon emissions in Poole. This project aims to demonstrate that alternative fuels can be practical and achievable in the long term for everyone."

The project will be promoted by the Dorset Energy Advice Centre.