Wherever it’s possible to do so, please recognise the support that your project has received from the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) in any promotional activity.

Always write Local Energy Scotland out in full, never abbreviate it to LES or L.E.S.

Always refer to CARES as ‘the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES)’, in the first instance. You can use ‘CARES’ for any subsequent mentions in your text.

The only exception to this is on social media, where character limits may apply. For example, if you can’t write out the above in full, use ‘the Scottish Government’s CARES support’ or ‘@scotgov’s CARES support’ instead.

Acknowledging CARES in media releases

If you are issuing a media release, you must acknowledge CARES support. For example, you should include “with support from the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES)” in the text.

In the notes section at the end of the release (often titled ‘Notes to editor’) please include the following text: “Local Energy Scotland delivers the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES). CARES supports communities to engage with, participate in and benefit from the transition to net zero emissions.”

Please send your local development officer a draft of your press release in advance for our approval.

Using the Local Energy Scotland logo on promotional material

You may wish to use the Local Energy Scotland and Scottish Government’s Net Zero Scotland logos to indicate CARES support for a project, for example on a building plaque.

If you’d like to use these, please contact us and we’ll advise you on how to use them appropriately.

Aside from the Scottish Government’s Let’s Do Net Zero logo (see below), all uses of the Local Energy Scotland and Scottish Government logos must be approved by Local Energy Scotland staff prior to use. Please allow sufficient time for your proofs to be approved by us.

Using the Let’s Do Net Zero logo on promotional material

You may wish to use the Scottish Government’s Let’s Do Net Zero logos on your materials – for example, on posters, leaflets, reports, or on your website. You can access the logos, and read guidance about how to use these, on the Net Zero Nation website.

CARES signage

Projects funded by CARES are expected to display signage acknowledging the financial support given by CARES. This will also help to raise awareness of the project’s contribution to Scotland’s net zero goals.

Signage should be installed in a prominent location, such as:

  • At the main entrance of the funded building or site.
  • Near the installed renewable technology (eg solar photovoltaic- (PV) panels and heat pumps).
  • In a community space where it can be clearly seen.

The signage should include “Funded by” and the Local Energy Scotland and Net Zero Scotland logos.

If CARES is the majority funder of the project, the preferred placement for our acknowledgement logo is in a standalone position, away from other funder logos. If we’re one of several funders we prefer the logos, including ours, to be shown in order of the size of grants given. We’re happy to give further advice on logo placement.

The signage should be installed within 30 days of project completion and be on display for the lifetime of the project. We expect to see photographic evidence of the signage in place, please send this to info@localenergy.scot.

Using social media

Please like or follow us on our social media channels, and feel free to tag us in any posts about your project. We’re also happy to help spread your project news and celebrate your successes.

You can find us on social media at:

If you’re on Facebook, please join our Facebook group, CARES: Connecting Communities. Our Facebook group is a place for people to share ideas, make connections and get advice. It is also for community members and organisations to discuss and work together to progress renewable and low carbon energy projects.

Attending events

If you’re hosting or attending a relevant event and would like to talk about your project or support from CARES, please feel free to contact us to tell us about it and we’ll be happy to support you however possible.