Energy Sense: We all use energy every minute of the day. Some things are essential like eating, breathing and moving! Most uses of energy can be modified to reduce consumption, reduce wasted energy and importantly create energy in a sustainable way.
Energy: Buildings and Transport
Our houses could be more efficient with better insulation coupled with controlled ventilation giving more control over our usage. Our housing stock is one of the worst in Europe for leaky, badly insulated buildings. Government has recognised this and will provide, in many cases, grants to help cut energy waste, improve people’s comfort and save them money all at the same time. A well insulated property with solar panels and a heat pump will use very little precious energy with little of the pollution that fossil fuels emit. The earth is warming and the need to reverse this is now a matter of urgency.
In this category, we aim to provide links to some of the organisations and projects who are there to advise and help the public in this important field.
Check out our Resources for more information.
Sustainable South Hams are excited to be collaborating with South Hams District Council to assist in delivering their ambitious climate and biodiversity plans. With climate change and biodiversity issues high on the agenda for the new District Council administration, core funding has been pledged to assist Sustainable South Hams in our work inspiring, connecting and supporting local nature and climate action.
Input from your group is invited to help shape the Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly (DCIoS) Climate Adaptation Strategy. This strategy aims to help communities and organisations understand the risks associated with climate change and to explore ways to mitigate them.
Developing a community energy project is not for the fainthearted and March’s Sustainable South Hams Monthly Gathering brought together a vanguard of community group leaders determined to find a way through the complex issues involved.
We have run energy fairs & education events. We are now running a Community Energy Champion Training.
Moor Imagination Collective has been created to facilitate the acquisition, development and running of Buckfastleigh Methodist Church as a community hub.
We have been involved with 47 solar PV projects (Commercial & domestic) & are a delivery partner and share holder in Totnes Weir Hydro. Projects include - The Shine Project - Fuel Poverty project with SDRHA to install solar PV across 42 tenanted properties, resident receive solar electricity for free.
Providing tools to help people understand their own carbon footprint
Moor Imagination Collective intend to develop a community hub in Buckfastleigh
Transition Streets is an award-winning project that brings neighbours together