- Are you involved in running a group in your local community?
- Are you interested in energy efficiency or renewable energy that could save your group money and help protect the environment?
- Or are you thinking of starting a community group to install a renewable energy project?
If so, then this information is for you. It includes:
- details of how community groups can get involved in energy efficiency;
- and renewable energy projects and the assistance that is available.
The Council has launched our first energy and climate change strategy. It contains actions towards reducing our districts energy demand, saving costs and protecting the environment. Community involvement is key to its success! We want to help your community deal with the challenges of delivering energy efficiency, or renewable projects.
To register you interest, or to let us know how you are getting on, email: environment@calderdale.gov.uk.
Tips and hints for community groups
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Address climate change issues - at your group meetings and events. For instance you could include a 'Tip of the Week/Month' in newsletters or on notice boards. Friends of the Earth can provide a email updates giving tips for greener living.
- Share journeys. If your group sometimes travels to different venues, like for sports matches. See if you can arrange to meet up with others and share the journey, rather than driving alone.
- Remind people to save energy. Free posters and stickers to remind people to save energy and reduce waste, are available from the The Carbon Trust. You could put posters up in your meeting space, or give out stickers at community events.
- Hold an energy efficiency event - with speakers to spread the word in your community. Possible speakers could come from the Energy Saving Trust, Metro, or the Council's Housing Energy Action team.
- Spread the word - promote your good news stories through the local newspapers?
- Take advantage of free or discounted cavity wall and loft insulation. Find out if any of your group members are eligible, see: Healthy Homes - Energy efficiency.
Case Study: Cragg Vale Carbon Neutral Group
The village of Cragg Vale has a Carbon Neutral Group. It is made up of residents who are concerned about climate change. They are keen to do something locally to address this global issue.
Their long-term aim is to make Cragg Vale carbon neutral. They hope to achieve this by helping individuals and community projects to reduce their emissions. Also, by developing renewable energy projects and 'carbon sinks', like new woodlands. The group have already drawn in a range of funding for local improvements.
To register your community group with the Council, email: energyfuture@calderdale.gov.uk.
We are keen to find out how you are getting on and how you encourage your group to 'be green'.
Useful links
- Energy Saving Trust. For more about the Green Communities programme. The South and West Yorkshire office offers free talks and seminars on energy saving. You can also phone: 0800 512 012.
- Friends of the Earth. This national environmental charity offers a free daily email service, with handy tips for saving energy at home and work.
- The Carbon Trust. You can order free posters and stickers online to promote energy saving activities in your community.
- Metro. The West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive provides information about buses and trains operating across the county.
- Big Lottery Fund. An initiative that gives grants to help improve the quality and use of local green spaces. For more details, phone: 0845 4102030.