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.

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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.

News

Discuss Community Owned Renewables with National Grid

Discuss Community Owned Renewables with National Grid

Senior National Grid engineers have offered to meet with stakeholders to discuss the future potential for community owned renewable energy

November 24, 2022
Compost, Councils and Energy: Our New Special Interest Groups

Compost, Councils and Energy: Our New Special Interest Groups

Three new Special Interest Groups had their founding meetings at the Sustainable South Hams Assembly. Focusing on Community Composting, Community Renewable Energy, and Parish & Town Councils, the groups offer a chance to develop ideas, create projects and meet enthusiastic and like-minded people.

October 17, 2022
Sparking Ideas at the Sustainable South Hams Assembly

Sparking Ideas at the Sustainable South Hams Assembly

A fantastic turnout at the Sustainable South Hams Assembly made the event a day of valuable learning, knowledge sharing and networking.

October 13, 2022

Groups

Carbon Savvy

Carbon Savvy

Three personal carbon footprint calculators free of charge to help people understand their own carbon footprint and suggest the most effective ways to reduce it; Carbon Ambassadors Live online course: 8 sessions over 8 weeks (this has run three times). A comprehensive guide to carbon footprinting, with guest speakers; Carbon Savers bite-sized course: New course launching in October - 15 minute video sessions with accompanying materials, run once a month for ten months.

5-20
Volunteers
CIC
Project Cost
South Milton Climate And Nature Action

South Milton Climate And Nature Action

Bat conservation, hedgehog conservation, engaging with local landowners, home energy saving, exploring renewable energy generation

20-100
Volunteers
Informal Network
Project Cost
Dittisham Parish Council Working Group

Dittisham Parish Council Working Group

We have declared a climate & environmental emergency, we voted that we would consider the climate & environment in every decision and action, we have embedded that within our formal process and hire agreements, etc, we created an ongoing phased Habitat Plan to improve biodiversity on land we own or manage, and we are working on a wider Climate & Environment Plan.

5-20
Volunteers
Parish Council working group
Project Cost

Projects

Calculate and Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Calculate and Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Providing tools to help people understand their own carbon footprint

20+
Volunteers
Project Cost
Build Community with a New Hub

Build Community with a New Hub

Moor Imagination Collective intend to develop a community hub in Buckfastleigh

20+
Volunteers
£50k +
Project Cost
Host Climate and Nature Event with Local Sustainability Groups

Host Climate and Nature Event with Local Sustainability Groups

A joint project led by SMASH with speakers, stalls and networking opportunities

5-20
Volunteers
<£5k
Project Cost