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Community Climate Action Network Service Users asked to Complete Survey

Mon, 10 January 2011

Users of a variety of services for individuals and community groups working to tackle climate change are being asked to complete a short online survey to help inform the future direction of the service.

The Community Climate Action Network provides regular e-newsletters to 280 people representing more than 60 community groups across Derbyshire and Nottingamshire. It also provides online profiles for community groups on the Everybody's Talking website and a Networking and Signposting Service for groups.

Caroline Harmon, Project Manager at Marches Energy, said:

'The services the network currently offers are based on previous consultation with individuals and members of community groups working to tackle climate change and the service proved popular during 2010. We're now keen to find out how people's needs have changed and improve and ammend the service accordingly during 2011.'

Users of the service can access the survey at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GSVDQRZ and should complete it by Sunday 30th January 2011.

Anyone wishing to subscribe to the e-newsletters should email ccan@mea.org.uk with 'Subscribe' in the subject line and their name and the name of any climate change-focused group they belong to in the body of the email.

Fantastic Home Exhibition Brings 21st Century Living to Victorian Fair

Wed, 15 December 2010
Visitors to the first day of the Matlock Victorian Christmas Fair received energy advice that was far from old-fashioned thanks to the presence of the Fantastic Home Exhibition.
 
The mobile exhibition, and energy experts from Marches Energy Agency and local community group Transition Matlock, were on hand to offer advice on modern day energy efficient living, and renewable technologies for the home, as well as to give away the latest energy saving devices including low energy lightbulbs, TV Powerdowns and Showertimers.
 
Despite there still being snow on the ground around 100 people braved the cold to collect freebies and get advice. Greg Shepley of MEA said:
 
‘Several discussions were had about the relative merits of various forms of renewable technologies and the importance of energy efficiency. People were very interested in the potential of the Feed-In-Tariff scheme and advice was given as to the implications of allowing a private company to install a PV system on a property and what benefit may be derived if the tariff is collected by the installer.’
 
Use of the energy saving devices given away will result in those receiving them collectively saving more than £20,000 on their energy bills in the coming years.

The Sun Shines as Renewables Advice is Given at Clays Cross Christmas Market

Tue, 14 December 2010
Visitors to Clays Cross Christmas Market received some unexpected sunshine alongside advice on how to make the most of it and other renewable sources of energy in their homes.
 
Despite the freezing weather we’ve been having recently, there was some welcome winter sunshine as the event got going. Energy saving freebies such as TV Powerdowns and Showertimers led to conversations with visitors to the stall about a wide range of energy issues including how to install renewables and how to economise on fuel bills. MEA’s new Volunteer Renewables Expert, Miguel Bolivar, was on hand to help with the some problem solving around specific renewable energy proposals.
 
A number of people also took up an offer from North East Derbyshire District Council to purchase reflective radiator panels at less than half price – a welcome early Christmas present!

More than 400 Turn Out in Sub Zero Temperatures for Energy Saving Devices

Mon, 13 December 2010
Staff and Volunteers from Erewash Borough Council and Marches Energy Agency braved sub zero temperatures and blizzard conditions on 1st December to give energy saving advice and free devices to more than 400 people at a market in Long Eaton.
 
Just over 400 people took away items which will collectively save them more than £128,000 on their energy bills over their lifetime’s use, including TV Powerdowns and Shower Saves.
 
Kris McGowan of Marches Energy Agency said:
 
‘Luckily we were kept very busy all day so we did not feel the cold! By the end of the event we had given out our entire stock of free items for the day. Aside from giveaways, we were able to assist people with enquiries about the savings associated with switching to a water meter, installing solar panels and loft and cavity wall insulation.’

 

Melbourne Transition Launches with Energy Efficiency Savings of more than £160,000

Mon, 13 December 2010
More than 300 shoppers turned out for energy saving freebies at the recent launch of a new local Transition initiative despite bad weather.
 
Melbourne Transition launched on 30th November with a visit from an energy saving exhibition trailer, Fantastic Home, to the carpark of a local supermarket.  With help from staff from South Derbyshire District Council and local charity Marches Energy Agency, the group gave away items such as TV powerdowns ans save-a-flush bags to more than 300 shoppers to the supermarket.  These items will save shoppers a collective £160, 368 over their lifetime’s use and will also save 336,058kg of carbon from being emitted into the atmosphere.
 
Kris McGowan of MEA said:
 
‘This was a very busy event despite the sub zero temperatures and occasional horizontal snow. There was a great buzz and a high level of interest.’
 
As well as receiving freebies a number of people were referred through the local insulation scheme or will be receiving quotes for renewables:
 
‘There was significant interest in solar photovoltaics, with a group of people interested in setting up a group buying scheme. These have been referred to a number of reputable installers and should be receiving a visit shortly.’