Community engagement toolkit
Discover the Future Energy Landscapes (FEL) community engagement toolkit – your resource for local energy action.
Created by planning and community engagement experts at CSE, this free toolkit is designed for local planning authorities, parish councils, and community groups interested in energy and sustainability.
The FEL approach is designed to address the gaps in current community engagement methods. Find out more about the whole approach here [link to project page].
The FEL community engagement toolkit is perfect for:
- Informing Local and Neighbourhood Plans and renewable energy policies based on evidence and support from local people.
- Nurturing community energy projects – whether that’s the first steps in the process, or to refine existing options.
- Starting local conversations about renewable energy in a non-threatening, engaging and thought-provoking environment.
Our free toolkit includes:
- Guidance: Overview of the FEL engagement approach and how to implement it.
- Workshop resources: Renewable technology cards, power output calculation tool, and facilitation guide.
- Communication materials: Sample materials for effective community engagement.
Why community engagement matters
Communities play a crucial role in the success of renewable energy initiatives. Input from local people is key to unlocking public support for local energy projects and accelerating our transition to net zero.
Here’s why:
- Informed decision-making: Engaging communities ensures decisions are made with local insights.
- Emotional connection: Acknowledge and integrate people’s emotional ties to their local landscape in policy creation.
- Community benefits: Ensure communities benefit from hosting renewable energy projects.
The FEL toolkit empowered our community to shape local energy plans. It’s a game-changer!
Maria from Wellow
How to use the toolkit
Do:
- Look out for any training for using the toolkit and running FEL sessions.
- Download the FEL toolkit for free.
- Explore workshop facilitation guides and resources.
- Tell us about using the toolkit – drop us an email or mention us on social media.
- Let us know if we can help you in any way.
Don’t
- Underestimate the importance of community involvement.
- Overlook emotional ties to local landscapes.
- Disregard the need for nuanced public engagement.
Equip your local planning authority, parish council, or community energy group with the tools for sustainable energy action. Download your FEL toolkit now and join the movement towards more renewable energy, in the right places.
Need support using the toolkit?
We can provide bespoke training that will empower you to run your own workshops.