The Big Green Idea  

The British Council is offering grants for green projects as part of an initiative called "The Big Green Idea". Entries close on December 4, so get one in quick if you are interested.

The Big Green Idea is a new funding initiative from the British Council designed to help put eco-visionary ideas into action. We’re offering five (5) project grants of AU$10,000 each to people who will make a real contribution to Australia's environmental future.

With urban centres expanding rapidly throughout the world, the challenge of making them sustainable becomes even more pressing. Big Green Idea is designed to assist initiate new projects that motivate people to minimise their own climate change impacts.

We’re looking for eco-entrepreneurs with savvy ideas that will help address some of the biggest sustainability challenges for urban communities while making a positive impact on the way people live.

Specifically, funded projects should address the following urban issues:

* waste reduction and efficiency
* transport and travel
* energy reduction
* water efficiency
* sustainable design

The Big Green Idea is a part of the British Council’s International Climate Champions programme that works in sixty countries across the globe, with people who are passionate and committed to action on climate change.

We help them develop and implement projects within their local communities that raise awareness of climate change, limit the impact of climate change (adaptation), and reduce carbon footprint (mitigation). Champions work with other young people around the globe to share and develop their ideas through a networking site and other discussion forums.

As well as working in their local area, International Climate Champions meet with local and national leaders to share their experiences, and on occasions have the opportunity to express their views to world leaders at international meetings, such as the United Nations Conference on Climate Change in Copenhagen in December 2009.

Successful Big Green Idea applicants will have the opportunity to take part in this global network, with opportunities for training and networking at global events announced throughout the year.