How you can help
Act together
- Are you involved in running a group in your local community?
- Are you interested in energy saving measures that could save your group money and help protect the environment?
- Or are you thinking of starting a community group to promote energy saving and care for the environment?
If so, then this information is for you. It includes details of how community groups can get involved in energy efficiency and renewable energy projects and the assistance that is available.
We want to hear about your community project, its successes and challenges.
To register your project and let us know how you are getting on email environment@calderdale.gov.uk.
Tips and hints for community groups
- Address climate change issues at your group meetings and events
For instance you could include a Tip of the Week / Month in newsletters or on notice boards.
Friends of the Earth|
can provide a email updates giving tips for greener living. - Share journeys
If your group sometimes travels to different venues, for example for sports matches, think about whether you can arrange to meet up with other members beforehand and share the journey, rather than driving alone. - Remind people to save energy
Free posters and stickers to remind people to save energy and reduce their waste are available from the The Carbon Trust|. You could put posters up in your meeting space, or give out stickers at community events. - Hold an energy efficiency event with speakers to spread the word in your community
Possible speakers could come from the Energy Saving Trust, Metro|, or the Council's Housing Energy Action Team. - Spread the word
Promote your good news stories through the local newspapers? - Take advantage of free or discounted cavity wall and loft insulation
Identify whether any of your group members are eligible. See Calderdale home insulation scheme.
Case Study: Cragg Vale Carbon Neutral Group
The village of Cragg Vale has a Carbon Neutral Group, comprised of residents who are concerned about climate change and keen to do something locally to address this global issue.
Their long term aim is to make Cragg Vale carbon neutral, and they hope to achieve this by helping individuals and community projects to reduce their emissions, and by develop renewable energy projects and 'carbon sinks' such as new woodlands. The group have already drawn in a range of funding for local improvements.
For more information about the work of the Cragg Vale Carbon Neutral Group visit Cragg Vale Carbon Neutral Group|.
To register your community group with the Council, email environment@calderdale.gov.uk. We are very interested in finding out how you are getting on and how you encourage your group to ‘be green'.
Useful links
Energy Saving Trust|
More information about the Green Communities programme. The South and West Yorkshire office offers free talks and seminars on energy saving. You can also call the Trust on 0800 512 012.
Friends of the Earth|
The national environmental charity offers a free daily email service with handy tips for saving energy at home and at work.
The Carbon Trust|
You can order free posters and stickers online to promote energy saving activities in your community.
Metro|
The West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive provides information about buses and trains operating across the county.
Cragg Vale Carbon Neutral Group|
Find out more about the work of this community group in tackling the local causes of climate change.
Community Sustainable Energy Programme|
Run by the Building Research Establishment on behalf of the Big Lotter Fund, this programme provides funding for community organisations to install renewable energy systems and energy saving measures.
Big Lottery Fund|
Another Big Lottery Fund initiative, providing grants to help improve the quality and use of local green spaces. Telephone: 0845 410 20 30.
Low Carbon Buildings Programme|
DTI grants for community organisations to install renewable micro-generation projects. Telephone: 0800 915 0990.
E.ON funding for community projects|
Energy company E.ON is currently offering grants of up to £30,000 for UK community energy projects that reduce carbon emissions. The grants can be used for everything from wind turbines on community hall roofs to extra insulation to cut down on heat loss.
