Introducing Energy for Communities Kirklees!
Introducing Energy for Communities Kirklees (ECK)
The current situation
Many of the community buildings in Kirklees are poorly insulated and are in poor condition. The more we spend on energy, the less money we have to improve our buildings. Even if we have the money, the work requires time, technical and management skill. Community buildings are as important as ever. We need spaces to support each other and connect, to develop services and to share our creativity and culture.
A new organisation to make energy work for Kirklees community groups
Energy Neighbours, Kirklees Council and the Community Buildings Network are working together to address this problem. The plan is to develop a new organisation that can provide the expertise and support community buildings need, including raising the funds and managing energy works.
Energy for Communities Kirklees (ECK) will be a community-owned organisation, that will provide services to community buildings, enabling them to do energy efficiency works and, where feasible, install renewable energy such as solar panels, batteries or more.
Community organisations won’t pay lump sum, instead, they will pay for the work from the savings in their energy bills that they make over several years.
This income will enable Energy for Communities Kirklees to pay back investors, employ staff and contract with experts. Surplus income will be invested back into new community energy projects.
How you can get involved
The next step is to apply for funding to understand the energy needs and potential of community buildings across Kirklees and to develop Energy for Communities Kirklees into an effective, community-owned business.
You can get involved by:
- Registering your interest in being part of this project (there is no commitment at this time).
- Spreading the word – help us reach more community organisations!
- Sharing your experience and information about your building.
- Commenting on drafts, plans, documents including any funding applications.
Click here to start. Together we can have energy for communities in Kirklees.