Energy in Action
Energy in Action
Establishing a sustainable energy initiative for the Hartcliffe and Withywood areas of Bristol
This was a sustainable energy initiative to provide social, environmental and economic benefits to Hartcliffe and Withywood.
Energy in Action aims to make a significant, long-term impact on the Hartcliffe and Withywood area of Bristol using an integrated, community-led approach to reduce levels of fuel poverty, increase energy awareness through advice and education and improve the quality of the housing stock and comfort levels through energy efficiency measures. The project will:
- ensure Hartcliffe and Withywood householders have easy access to independent advice on improving the energy efficiency of their homes and using their heating systems correctly, grants they can access for improvements and the best energy deals available in terms of energy supply in the current market
- raise awareness locally of the importance and benefits (personal, local and global) of energy efficiency and renewable energy
- provide access into the project (and other CSE projects) for local people who have an interest in participating (e.g. opportunities to undertake training or participate as a local or CSE volunteer)
- provide a strong local schools energy education programme which not only helps improve children's basic skills, but also helps them to become more environmentally aware and helps encourage their parents to think about energy issues
In a celebratory mood; Energy in Action brings the benefits of lower energy bills to South Bristol
Energy in Action is an integrated programme of sustainable energy initiatives aimed at providing social, environmental and economic benefits to Hartcliffe and Withywood. These include:
- regular information bulletins about the best deals available from the electricity and gas market to enable residents to make informed decisions if switching fuel supplier
- home visits designed to enable better understanding of heating and control systems (particularly following new heating installations) and of fuel bills
- monthly energy advice surgeries to provide regular open access to the project and to act as a focal point for grants information and distribution of free low-energy light bulbs and other special offers
- events and activities to interest and inspire local groups about energy efficiency and renewable energy
- energy efficiency training to build capacity primarily in more partner agencies, but also among interested local residents
- energy education programmes in local primary schools
The current phase of Energy in Action began in October 2004 and is due to be completed in March 2006. The project aims to provide energy advice to 600 householders, make 120 home visits, attend 15 local events and provide energy efficiency grants to at least 30 householders in that time.