Cheshire + Warrington Low Carbon Communities Network Newsletter 30 June 2011
In this issue:
1. C+W Low Carbon Communities Network Meeting 6.30-8.30pm 13th July
2. Plan LoCal website goes live
3. Take advantage of the green heat tariff
4. Financing renewables workshops for community and business
5. Discussion on ‘localism’ environment and quality of life in Manchester
6. Transition Conference 2011
7. Grant Funding Training Courses – Steve Wright
9. A chance to see renewable energy in action in Cumbria
10. Open Eco Homes
11. Community Renewables Energy Roadshow – Chester, 16th July
1. C+W Low Carbon Communities Network Meeting 6.30-8.30pm 13th July
There was a gathering of Low Carbon Groups at The Romero Centre, All Hallows Catholic College, Brooklands Avenue, Macclesfield, Cheshire. SK11 8LB.
The Draft Agenda was:
1. Introductions
2. New Mills Hydro: Richard Body (http://www.torrshydro.org/). Presentations by Richard Body and Esther Jones.
3. Food4Mac, talk by Colin
4. Lottery bid for Group/ Network support
5. Round table discussions on
· Long term funding
· Legal structures for a community interest company
· Energy share issues
· Bulk purchasing
· Green Directory
· Green Doors Open Weekend
Some notes of the meeting
2. Plan LoCal website goes live
PlanLoCaL is a suite of resources including films, a resource pack and this website which aims to support communities and groups that are 'planning for low carbon living'.
See the website for further information: http://www.planlocal.org.uk/
3. Take advantage of the green heat tariff
“Landlords across the UK can beat the predicted soar in energy prices by taking advantage of the new Renewable Heat Incentive, writes Mark McManus, managing director of Wirral-based Stiebel Eltron UK.”
See the article for further details: http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/9258-take-advantage-of-green-heat-tariff.html
6. Transition Conference 2011
The National Transition Network is running a conference at Liverpool Hope University from 8th – 11th July.
You can book online at: http://www.transitionnetwork.org/conference-2011-uk
7. Grant Funding Training Courses – Steve Wright
Steve Wright is a very experienced funding officer and these courses offer excellent value for money in writing exceptional grant funding applications. He used to work with Cheshire West and Chester
To book yourself on a course, see: http://www.grantfundingskills.co.uk/php/courses.php
9. A chance to see renewable energy in action in Cumbria
Under the Rural Carbon Challenge Fund, Envirolink Northwest and Energy Saving Trust are hosting another site visit to showcase existing renewable energy installations.
Date: Wednesday 20 July 2011 Venue: Cumbria University, Newton Rigg Campus, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0AH
10. Open Eco Homes
July 9th & 10th 2011
Nearly 30 homes will be taking part from in a Shropshire area Open Eco Homes weekend organised by Bishop’s Castle’s Household Energy Service on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th July. The homes will be open from 10-4 each day and all are taking part because they have something special to share about saving energy and therefore money, and, importantly, about reducing carbon emissions.
The Open Eco Homes weekend gives everyone the chance to get practical advice on systems, products and installers direct from the householders and to learn from their experience about practical solutions to particular problems.
Directions on how to reach all the houses will be available on the HES website . Open Eco Homes weekend 2011 will be a chance to see a wide range of interesting answers to the question “But what can I do in my own house?” from the people who have found out what works for themselves.
For more information, contact Prue Dakin on 01588 630683 or pruedakin.hes[at]gmail.com
Saved from previous issues:
Thermal imaging cameras and light bulb libraries plus new address for EP Plus
“Get Generating” – A renewable energy guide for rural communities
Eco Audit 21
Feed in Tariffs
The Climate for Community Change – Cheshire + Warrington Low Carbon Communities Network DVD
Big Lottery Funding
JMP Sustainable Transport Planning Consultancy working on Behavioural Change
Cheshire Community Action has moved!
1.Thermal imaging cameras and light bulb libraries
The cameras can be used for carrying out energy surveys of properties to better understand the thermal efficiency of buildings and find out if insulation measures, such as loft insulation and/or cavity wall insulation might be appropriate.
The libraries are a display tool to demonstrate the new styles of energy efficient light bulbs and can be used at events or set up at community venues, such as halls and libraries.
Both set of equipment are operated under the same terms and conditions. The hire charge is £10 per week or part there of, up to a maximum of 3 weeks. This can be paid in cash, by cheque or we can send an invoice. A receipted invoice is always sent after payment. A deposit of £100 is required; this is usually in the form of a cheque which is returned when the equipment is returned in the same condition as it was loaned out. Collection is on a Monday afternoon between 2pm and 4pm and return is on a Monday morning between 10am and 12noon. The equipment was kept at the Crewe office of Energy Projects Plus; after moving from Winsford and this is where the equipment must be collected from and returned to. They're no longer there. See https://www.epplus.org.uk/
2. “Get Generating” – A renewable energy guide for rural communities
Rural communities are becoming increasingly aware of the opportunities that renewable energy can offer particularly for the many rural areas that do not have a mains gas connection. However the huge range of organisations, resources and information available nationally and locally on renewable energy can be confusing. A new guide, titled "Get Generating" produced by ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England) in partnership with the CPRE (Campaign for the Protection of Rural England), CRC (Commission for Rural Communities) and NALC (National Association of Local Councils) is now available to assist groups in considering their option when thinking about developing a renewable energy scheme. Download a copy of the guide Get Generating A Renewable Energy Guide for Rural Communities
4.Eco Audit 21
What is Eco Audit 21?
Eco Audit 21 is a baseline environmental audit offered on a free and confidential basis by Cheshire West and Chester Council (CW&C). The Audit is an invaluable tool in identifying and raising awareness of environmental impacts and highlighting associated cost savings.
The audit helps to address the environmental impacts of a business or organisation and covers the following issues:
- Energy and water consumption
- Waste management
- Purchasing
- Transport
- Legislation
Eco Audit 21 process
The audits take around 1.5 hours to complete, depending upon the size of the organisation, and are carried out by a lead auditor. Volunteers are usually required to carry out three audits before acting as lead auditor, depending upon background / knowledge.
An audit template is used for each site. There are 2 parts to the template; Potential Environmental Damage (PED) and Performance and management (PAM). The results of the PED and the PAM give an overall score and indication of how often the site should be re-audited.
Following a site visit a report is written and recommendations suggested and any supplementary information or guidance provided.
A follow-up report is offered and carried out at a later date, dictated by the audit score. This could be in six months’ time, annually, every two years of every five years in exceptional cases.
For further information, please contact Peter Bulmer on 01244 972427 or email [email protected]
5.Feed in Tariffs
Attached is the powerpoint presentation given by Peter Bulmer at the November 2010 network meeting and DVD launch.
There is further information available on the following websites: http://www.fitariffs.co.uk/ and http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/what_we_do/uk_supply/energy_mix/renewable/feedin_tariff/feedin_tariff.aspx
6.The Climate for Community Change – Cheshire + Warrington Low Carbon Communities Network DVD
Following the successful premiere of the short DVD film at Tarporley Community Centre in November, the Low Carbon Communities Steering Group has been promoting it to various high profile sources to raise awareness of the low carbon activity in Cheshire and Warrington.
The film is no longer available, but you may find something relevant at https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/energy/low-carbon-communities.aspx
7.Big Lottery Funding
The Big Lottery Fund has grants available that Low Carbon Community Groups can apply for depending what activities they need grants for.
For further information, please visit the following links:
Awards for All Grants between £300 and £10,000 http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/prog_a4a_eng.htm?regioncode=-uk
Reaching Communities Fund for grants between £10,000 and £500,000 plus a community building fund http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/prog_reaching_communities?tab=1®ioncode=-uk&
9.JMP Sustainable Transport Planning Consultancy working on Behavioural Change
A key aspect of developing sustainable transport strategies for the 21st Century is changing the way people think about and make their travel choices. JMP offers a range of areas and techniques for influencing travel behaviour.
For further information, please visit: http://www.jmp.co.uk/services.aspx?service=Influencing+Travel+Behaviour
12.Cheshire Community Action has moved!
New address:
Unit 3, Royal Mews, Gadbrook Park, Northwich. Cheshire CW9 7UD
New telephone number is: 01606 350042
All email addresses and the website www.cheshireaction.org.uk stay the same.
from John Heselwood
Head of Rural Affairs
Cheshire Community Action
e: john.heselwood[at]cheshireaction.org.uk
In this issue:
1. C+W Low Carbon Communities Network Meeting 6.30-8.30pm 13th July
2. Plan LoCal website goes live
3. Take advantage of the green heat tariff
4. Financing renewables workshops for community and business
5. Discussion on ‘localism’ environment and quality of life in Manchester
6. Transition Conference 2011
7. Grant Funding Training Courses – Steve Wright
9. A chance to see renewable energy in action in Cumbria
10. Open Eco Homes
11. Community Renewables Energy Roadshow – Chester, 16th July
1. C+W Low Carbon Communities Network Meeting 6.30-8.30pm 13th July
There was a gathering of Low Carbon Groups at The Romero Centre, All Hallows Catholic College, Brooklands Avenue, Macclesfield, Cheshire. SK11 8LB.
The Draft Agenda was:
1. Introductions
2. New Mills Hydro: Richard Body (http://www.torrshydro.org/). Presentations by Richard Body and Esther Jones.
3. Food4Mac, talk by Colin
4. Lottery bid for Group/ Network support
5. Round table discussions on
· Long term funding
· Legal structures for a community interest company
· Energy share issues
· Bulk purchasing
· Green Directory
· Green Doors Open Weekend
Some notes of the meeting
2. Plan LoCal website goes live
PlanLoCaL is a suite of resources including films, a resource pack and this website which aims to support communities and groups that are 'planning for low carbon living'.
See the website for further information: http://www.planlocal.org.uk/
3. Take advantage of the green heat tariff
“Landlords across the UK can beat the predicted soar in energy prices by taking advantage of the new Renewable Heat Incentive, writes Mark McManus, managing director of Wirral-based Stiebel Eltron UK.”
See the article for further details: http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/9258-take-advantage-of-green-heat-tariff.html
6. Transition Conference 2011
The National Transition Network is running a conference at Liverpool Hope University from 8th – 11th July.
You can book online at: http://www.transitionnetwork.org/conference-2011-uk
7. Grant Funding Training Courses – Steve Wright
Steve Wright is a very experienced funding officer and these courses offer excellent value for money in writing exceptional grant funding applications. He used to work with Cheshire West and Chester
To book yourself on a course, see: http://www.grantfundingskills.co.uk/php/courses.php
9. A chance to see renewable energy in action in Cumbria
Under the Rural Carbon Challenge Fund, Envirolink Northwest and Energy Saving Trust are hosting another site visit to showcase existing renewable energy installations.
Date: Wednesday 20 July 2011 Venue: Cumbria University, Newton Rigg Campus, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0AH
10. Open Eco Homes
July 9th & 10th 2011
Nearly 30 homes will be taking part from in a Shropshire area Open Eco Homes weekend organised by Bishop’s Castle’s Household Energy Service on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th July. The homes will be open from 10-4 each day and all are taking part because they have something special to share about saving energy and therefore money, and, importantly, about reducing carbon emissions.
The Open Eco Homes weekend gives everyone the chance to get practical advice on systems, products and installers direct from the householders and to learn from their experience about practical solutions to particular problems.
Directions on how to reach all the houses will be available on the HES website . Open Eco Homes weekend 2011 will be a chance to see a wide range of interesting answers to the question “But what can I do in my own house?” from the people who have found out what works for themselves.
For more information, contact Prue Dakin on 01588 630683 or pruedakin.hes[at]gmail.com
Saved from previous issues:
Thermal imaging cameras and light bulb libraries plus new address for EP Plus
“Get Generating” – A renewable energy guide for rural communities
Eco Audit 21
Feed in Tariffs
The Climate for Community Change – Cheshire + Warrington Low Carbon Communities Network DVD
Big Lottery Funding
JMP Sustainable Transport Planning Consultancy working on Behavioural Change
Cheshire Community Action has moved!
1.Thermal imaging cameras and light bulb libraries
The cameras can be used for carrying out energy surveys of properties to better understand the thermal efficiency of buildings and find out if insulation measures, such as loft insulation and/or cavity wall insulation might be appropriate.
The libraries are a display tool to demonstrate the new styles of energy efficient light bulbs and can be used at events or set up at community venues, such as halls and libraries.
Both set of equipment are operated under the same terms and conditions. The hire charge is £10 per week or part there of, up to a maximum of 3 weeks. This can be paid in cash, by cheque or we can send an invoice. A receipted invoice is always sent after payment. A deposit of £100 is required; this is usually in the form of a cheque which is returned when the equipment is returned in the same condition as it was loaned out. Collection is on a Monday afternoon between 2pm and 4pm and return is on a Monday morning between 10am and 12noon. The equipment was kept at the Crewe office of Energy Projects Plus; after moving from Winsford and this is where the equipment must be collected from and returned to. They're no longer there. See https://www.epplus.org.uk/
2. “Get Generating” – A renewable energy guide for rural communities
Rural communities are becoming increasingly aware of the opportunities that renewable energy can offer particularly for the many rural areas that do not have a mains gas connection. However the huge range of organisations, resources and information available nationally and locally on renewable energy can be confusing. A new guide, titled "Get Generating" produced by ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England) in partnership with the CPRE (Campaign for the Protection of Rural England), CRC (Commission for Rural Communities) and NALC (National Association of Local Councils) is now available to assist groups in considering their option when thinking about developing a renewable energy scheme. Download a copy of the guide Get Generating A Renewable Energy Guide for Rural Communities
4.Eco Audit 21
What is Eco Audit 21?
Eco Audit 21 is a baseline environmental audit offered on a free and confidential basis by Cheshire West and Chester Council (CW&C). The Audit is an invaluable tool in identifying and raising awareness of environmental impacts and highlighting associated cost savings.
The audit helps to address the environmental impacts of a business or organisation and covers the following issues:
- Energy and water consumption
- Waste management
- Purchasing
- Transport
- Legislation
Eco Audit 21 process
The audits take around 1.5 hours to complete, depending upon the size of the organisation, and are carried out by a lead auditor. Volunteers are usually required to carry out three audits before acting as lead auditor, depending upon background / knowledge.
An audit template is used for each site. There are 2 parts to the template; Potential Environmental Damage (PED) and Performance and management (PAM). The results of the PED and the PAM give an overall score and indication of how often the site should be re-audited.
Following a site visit a report is written and recommendations suggested and any supplementary information or guidance provided.
A follow-up report is offered and carried out at a later date, dictated by the audit score. This could be in six months’ time, annually, every two years of every five years in exceptional cases.
For further information, please contact Peter Bulmer on 01244 972427 or email [email protected]
5.Feed in Tariffs
Attached is the powerpoint presentation given by Peter Bulmer at the November 2010 network meeting and DVD launch.
There is further information available on the following websites: http://www.fitariffs.co.uk/ and http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/what_we_do/uk_supply/energy_mix/renewable/feedin_tariff/feedin_tariff.aspx
6.The Climate for Community Change – Cheshire + Warrington Low Carbon Communities Network DVD
Following the successful premiere of the short DVD film at Tarporley Community Centre in November, the Low Carbon Communities Steering Group has been promoting it to various high profile sources to raise awareness of the low carbon activity in Cheshire and Warrington.
The film is no longer available, but you may find something relevant at https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/energy/low-carbon-communities.aspx
7.Big Lottery Funding
The Big Lottery Fund has grants available that Low Carbon Community Groups can apply for depending what activities they need grants for.
For further information, please visit the following links:
Awards for All Grants between £300 and £10,000 http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/prog_a4a_eng.htm?regioncode=-uk
Reaching Communities Fund for grants between £10,000 and £500,000 plus a community building fund http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/prog_reaching_communities?tab=1®ioncode=-uk&
9.JMP Sustainable Transport Planning Consultancy working on Behavioural Change
A key aspect of developing sustainable transport strategies for the 21st Century is changing the way people think about and make their travel choices. JMP offers a range of areas and techniques for influencing travel behaviour.
For further information, please visit: http://www.jmp.co.uk/services.aspx?service=Influencing+Travel+Behaviour
12.Cheshire Community Action has moved!
New address:
Unit 3, Royal Mews, Gadbrook Park, Northwich. Cheshire CW9 7UD
New telephone number is: 01606 350042
All email addresses and the website www.cheshireaction.org.uk stay the same.
from John Heselwood
Head of Rural Affairs
Cheshire Community Action
e: john.heselwood[at]cheshireaction.org.uk
The Cheshire & Warrington Sustainability Alliance Annual Meeting 2010 took place on Thursday 4 March 2010, at Frodsham Community Centre.
The meeting focussed on progress during the 2009 Year of Educating Sustainable Communities as well as looking forward to 2010 Year of Sustainable Food. As usual, there was a combination of keynote speakers and a carousel of workshops and presentations. A locally sourced lunch was available.
The presentations are below
CWSA 2010 Chester Zoo.pdf
CWSA 2010 Co-Loc-SCS-DiscussDoc.pdf
CWSA 2010 CWAC LTP3.pdf
CWSA 2010 ESC1.pdf
CWSA 2010 ESC2.pdf
CWSA 2010 Food4Macc.pdf
CWSA 2010 Nat England.pdf
CWSA 2010 NFU.pdf
CWSA 2010 NWDA.pdf
CWSA 2010 reaseheath.pdf
The meeting focussed on progress during the 2009 Year of Educating Sustainable Communities as well as looking forward to 2010 Year of Sustainable Food. As usual, there was a combination of keynote speakers and a carousel of workshops and presentations. A locally sourced lunch was available.
The presentations are below
CWSA 2010 Chester Zoo.pdf
CWSA 2010 Co-Loc-SCS-DiscussDoc.pdf
CWSA 2010 CWAC LTP3.pdf
CWSA 2010 ESC1.pdf
CWSA 2010 ESC2.pdf
CWSA 2010 Food4Macc.pdf
CWSA 2010 Nat England.pdf
CWSA 2010 NFU.pdf
CWSA 2010 NWDA.pdf
CWSA 2010 reaseheath.pdf