Cutting carbon in Shelthorpe Ideas for projects and events Andrew Reeves, RCC Shelthorpe Community Association EGM, Tuesday 20th July 2010

Communities Cutting Carbon Two year project, started in March 2010 Supported by DMU and local councils Supporting community groups in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to act on climate change dedicated support for 10 communities, including Shelthorpe Help with ideas for projects and events funding (grants of up to £5000) training on green issues/solutions My background academic research grassroots action

Meeting aims Discuss ideas for community projects and events Info on ideas from elsewhere in the UK Select most popular idea(s) Meeting community’s needs Viable (volunteer time, funding, etc) Complements existing activity Decide upon next steps Future activities Next meeting?

Background 21 st century challenges Fossil fuels getting scarcer and more expensive Changing global climate Economic downturn Responses Meeting needs using local resources local food, local renewable energy... Developing new skills growing food, insulating homes... Planning for a positive low-carbon future Benefits of a low-carbon community Brings community together Healthier lifestyles Reduced fuel bills

Ideas: Local food Growing Tree planting (e.g. community orchards, “Fruity Corners”), community herb gardens, new allotments, gardening training courses Composting Advice and training, cheap containers Collect and use on community garden? Sharing and celebrating “Big Lunch” day

Ideas: Energy Energy efficiency fairs Information and advice “Big switch Off” day in October? Energy audits for community buildings RCC and Energy Saving Trust can help Install renewable energy? Run a local “Green Doctor” scheme Short home visits with advice, and simple energy efficiency measures installed Training for energy champions? Renewable energy Support to install solar panels?

Ideas: Green skills Training events for young people, Visit to Stevenson College Renewable energy taster Woodland experience and skills e.g. Crafts exhibition in Circle of Life garden gardening skills (grow your own food, organic methods, garden design...) clothing (darning socks, knitting, weaving...) making art (from recycled materials?) Local skillshare courses local people organise programme of workshops to share craft skills

Ideas: Travel Events to promote greener transport options e.g. cycling, public transport Campaigning for improved walking/cycle routes Car pool groups Walking school buses

Ideas: Carbon challenges Promote and run Ecoteams 5 meetings with friends/neighbours Learn about environmental impacts Support with making changes Carbon challenges People in Shelthorpe pledge to reduce their carbon footprint over 6 months e.g. one family, one business, one street each participant monitors and shares results Work with local schools arts project on saving energy name the project

Ideas FOODENERGYSKILLSTRAVELCARBON CHALLENGES OTHER Big Lunch dayEnergy saving fair Green skills fair Walking school bus EcoteamsTraining on green issues Pocket Orchards Energy auditsVisits/trips for youth Car sharing group Carbon Challenges Herb gardensGreen doctorCraft coursesImproved routes Project with schools Community Composting Solar panelsCommunity events CHECKLIST: Meets community’s needs? Viable (volunteer time, funding, etc)? Complements existing activity?

Contact details Andrew Reeves Community Climate Change Officer, RCC