Green Buildings: Energy Efficiency
Community halls, especially village halls and churches, are usually old, cold and draughty buildings, and are expensive to heat. In helping to save the environment, the global problem of climate change needs to be addressed by all and community halls in rural areas are no exception. Some rural communities have taken the initiative to make changes to their community buildings which has resulted in the provision of a greener, warmer and more comfortable meeting place for all, while at the same time reducing their heating bills.
Church buildings, especially those that provide space for community activities, would be able to provide a low-cost greener, warmer environment under initiatives launched by some church organisations.
- The Church of England has launched a campaign, ‘Shrinking
the Footprint’ in an effort to address the problems and
issues related to climate change. The objective of the campaign is to
reduce carbon emissions to 40% of the current levels by 2050 in their
churches, resulting in ‘The 40% Church’.
- Operation Noah is a project of the Environmental Issues Network of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland. Their ‘Cool Church Toolkit’ outline measures that churches could use to make a difference by reducing gas emission - www.christian-ecology.org.uk/noah/cool-church-toolkit.doc
- Eco-congregation - Eco-congregation is an ecumenical programme helping churches make the link between environmental issues and Christian faith, and respond in practical action in the church, in the lives of individuals, and in the local and global community. Visit the website at www.ecocongregation.org for further information.
There is support, advice and funding available to assist community halls to become more energy efficient and reduce emissions as well as make savings. It is becoming more and more common for funders to give grants for projects that address the issue of climate change. Community hall managers should consider this aspect especially when undertaking renovation work, extensions or building new halls.
What is the Government doing?
Addressing the issue of climate change is one of the main agenda across Government. The Government is committed to reducing carbon emissions
- ‘Every Action Counts' is an initiative supported by Defra and delivered through a consortium of voluntary and community sector organisations, for community groups, community workers and voluntary and community sector organisations in England. Every Action Counts will help your community group take simple, every day actions which benefit your group, its members and create a cleaner, greener community at the same time. For more information visit the website at www.everyactioncounts.org.uk or telephone them on 0845 241 0957.
- The Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform’s Low carbon
buildings programme provides grants for micro-generation technologies
for householders, community organisations, schools, the public sector
and businesses. Micro-generation is the stand alone generation of low
carbon heat and/or electricity which for example, could be through solar
photovoltaics. For more information visit: www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk. If you would like to
talk to someone about the programme call the free phone helpline on
0800 915 0990.
The Low Carbon Buildings Programme have distinct funding streams targeted at different groups including applications for non-profit community organisations such as registered charities and community groups to install micro-generation on community buildings. Community groups, public and non-profit sector applicants can now only apply to the Low Carbon Buildings Programme Phase 2. Applications are being accepted until the end of June 2009.
Help and advice from Energy Agencies
- Energy4All is the UK 's leading expert in community-owned renewable energy. It was established in 2002 to expand the number of renewable energy co-operatives in the UK as an integral part of our transition to a low carbon economy. The Energy4All website contains information on community ownership, facts on green energy, links to grants, finances and funds for energy projects and other related websites. For further information visit the website at www.energy4all.co.uk (Energy4All) or telephone 01229 821028.
- The Energy Saving Trust (EST) promotes energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy resources, especially small scale renewable energy such as solar and wind power. EST also promotes the use of better insulation and heating efficiency for buildings. http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Global-Data/Funding-Information/Low-Carbon-Buildings-Programme-Phase-1
- The Carbon Trust is an independent company funded
by Government. They offer energy advice and help to cut emissions and
develop commercial low carbon technologies non-domestic buildings.
www.carbontrust.co.uk - The Community Action for Energy (CAfE) is a programme of the Energy Saving Trust designed to promote and facilitate local community-based energy projects. Café offers membership of a national network and access to support, training, resources and information-sharing opportunities. For further information visit the café website at www.est.org.uk/cafe/ or telephone 08701 261 444.
- Your Local Authority - It is advisable to contact your Local Authority who may have grants available to support community buildings or give you advice on making your halls more energy efficient.
- National Energy Action (www.nea.org.uk) develops and promotes energy efficiency services to tackle the heating and insulation problems of low-income households. Working in partnership with central and local government; with fuel utilities, housing providers and health services; and with consumer organisations, NEA aims to eradicate fuel poverty and campaigns for greater investment in energy efficiency to help those who are poor or vulnerable.
Page last modified:
26 May, 2009
Page published: 04 August,
2006