UK Community Work
TCW works with UK communities to help them understand their energy needs and lower their carbon footprint
Case studies of the work we've done with communities coming soon.
We work with community groups – parish councils, Transition groups, schools and others – to help them understand their energy consumption, how they can reduce it and what the renewable energy potential of their neighbourhood is.
We help them to direct their efforts, set targets, measure impacts, remove barriers and extend their reach. Community-based change can be a slow process with little access to funds. Grass-roots activity of this type, however, plays an essential role in changing behaviour.
This is TCW’s specialism and our long-term funding streams help to provide the consistent effort that is needed. We use TCW’s work in Tamil Nadu as a twinning link for schools and communities which builds understanding of the challenge of convergence. The programme is free of charge - we fund it through our renewable energy investments in India.
We run a workshop and surgery programme to help community groups prepare Sustainable Energy Plans for their neighbourhood. Trained mentors help the groups to analyse published energy consumption data and present it in an easily understood format. Home survey data detailing levels of insulation gives an idea of how much energy can be saved through efficiency measures, and local knowledge is combined with mentors’ technical know-how to identify potential renewable energy projects. Click here to download a sample Sustainable Energy Plan. This plan is somplified in poster format suitable for display in public places.
Once communities understand their energy needs and their potential for renewable energy, they can set targets and start to take projects forward. This could be a community-owned wind turbine, or a plan to install loft insulation in 200 homes a year. TCW’s support continues through this phase and we help to find and secure funding for these projects.
This is TCW’s specialism and our long-term funding streams help to provide the consistent effort that is needed. We use TCW’s work in Tamil Nadu as a twinning link for schools and communities which builds understanding of the challenge of convergence. The programme is free of charge - we fund it through our renewable energy investments in India.We run a workshop and surgery programme to help community groups prepare Sustainable Energy Plans for their neighbourhood. Trained mentors help the groups to analyse published energy consumption data and present it in an easily understood format. Home survey data detailing levels of insulation gives an idea of how much energy can be saved through efficiency measures, and local knowledge is combined with mentors’ technical know-how to identify potential renewable energy projects. Click here to download a sample Sustainable Energy Plan. This plan is somplified in poster format suitable for display in public places.
Once communities understand their energy needs and their potential for renewable energy, they can set targets and start to take projects forward. This could be a community-owned wind turbine, or a plan to install loft insulation in 200 homes a year. TCW’s support continues through this phase and we help to find and secure funding for these projects.Complementing all this work is our online tool, the Community Hub. This is where groups can input their energy data and measure progress towards their targets. The Community Hub also showcases the community’s projects and provides vital support for overcoming barriers such as gaining planning permission or securing funding. Interactive tools for CO2 emissions mapping also provide more information and are a good educational tool. In addition, the Hub will facilitate syndicate purchasing of energy products and services, helping to save more money. The Community Hub is currently in testing and will be launched soon.
Our programme is in its first run and progressing well. Over time we intend to expand it to roll out nationally. A tried and tested programme will help other groups and regions to save time, as well as money and carbon. We enjoy working with the enthusiastic groups, and see how much people really want to get involved in making these positive changes. If you and your community are interested in participating, please contact us at: info@theconvergingworld.org
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