Professor John Chesshire and Dr Peter Lehmann were both Fabian socialists who had a commitment to community and environmental energy causes long before awareness of climate change became widespread. Their academic backgrounds provided them with the ability to build an intellectual framework which, combined with their natural down-to-earth communication skills, meant that few politicians could refute their arguments that capital expenditure on insulation, more efficient heating systems, lighting and appliances, coupled with advice on energy efficiency was the sustainable solution to fuel poverty.  Both men were very active across a range of professional bodies and were also engaged in charitable causes linked to energy efficiency and poverty alleviation.

The Chesshire Lehmann Fund has been established in their memory with the primary objective being to support young academics and community groups wishing to undertake active research or evaluation into the relationship between fuel poverty and energy efficiency.

The Chesshire Lehmann Fund is open to applicants across England, although applications from the North West and South East regions are particularly welcome. There are two funding streams:

• Research
  

  applicants can apply for a maximum of £5,000

• Community action
  

  community groups and not-for-profit organisations can apply for up to £2,000 for a researcher or academic institution to assist with evaluation work