Climate Emergency

What are you doing to tackle the Climate Emergency?

• Share Cheshire garage wins TotalEnergies ‘Fit for the Future’ award 2023 with solar and forestry initiatives on Facebook Share Cheshire garage wins TotalEnergies ‘Fit for the Future’ award 2023 with solar and forestry initiatives on Twitter Share Cheshire garage wins TotalEnergies ‘Fit for the Future’ award 2023 with solar and forestry initiatives on Linkedin Email Cheshire garage wins TotalEnergies ‘Fit for the Future’ award 2023 with solar and forestry initiatives link

  Cheshire garage wins TotalEnergies ‘Fit for the Future’ award 2023 with solar and forestry initiatives

  over 2 years ago

  TotalEnergies Marketing UK has announce that Mill Lane Garage in Frodsham has been named the winner of its inaugural Fit for the Future award.

  The award was launched in late 2023 to recognise and reward independent workshops who are evolving their businesses as part of the decarbonisation of the automotive industry and the transition to more sustainable mobility.

  Eligible garages could either enter themselves for the award, or be nominated by a customer or supplier.

  Entries were assessed by a panel of judges including automotive experts from TotalEnergies’ lubricants division and Adam Beswick, head of category for Lubricants and... Continue reading

  TotalEnergies Marketing UK has announce that Mill Lane Garage in Frodsham has been named the winner of its inaugural Fit for the Future award.

  The award was launched in late 2023 to recognise and reward independent workshops who are evolving their businesses as part of the decarbonisation of the automotive industry and the transition to more sustainable mobility.

  Eligible garages could either enter themselves for the award, or be nominated by a customer or supplier.

  Entries were assessed by a panel of judges including automotive experts from TotalEnergies’ lubricants division and Adam Beswick, head of category for Lubricants and Filtration at Alliance Automotive Group - the second largest distributor of passenger and commercial vehicle parts to the independent automotive aftermarket in Europe.

  Garages entering the award were judged against three core criteria:

  • Carbon saving (immediate / long term)
  • Biodiversity impact (Local or commercial)
  • Innovation, ambition, and inspiration

  Mill Lane Garage, located in Kingsley, near Frodsham impressed the panel with its investment in solar panels which has significantly reduced grid energy consumption and moved the business on to a more sustainable footing.

  At the same time, Mill Lane has made a major contribution to the local environment and carbon capture by working with The Mersey Forest to plant 4,000 trees on land adjacent to the garage – which proprietor PJ Starkey notes has been particularly well received by customers.

  Winning the Fit for the Future award, Mill Lane was provided a £5,000 prize bundle by TotalEnergies to help the business continue on its journey towards net zero.

  David Valentyne, Business Development Manager at TotalEnergies Marketing UK, said:

  “First and foremost a big thank you to all of the workshops who submitted or were nominated for the TotalEnergies UK Fit for the Future Award. We saw some brilliant examples of practical sustainability in action and choosing a winner was not at all straightforward.

  “Mill Lane Garage is a shining example of an independent workshop committed to sustainability, demonstrating dedication to reducing its environmental impact and embracing good practices to support decarbonisation.

  "In today's challenging economic and political climate, it is inspiring to see independent workshops like Mill Lane Garage taking proactive measures to become more sustainable. Their commitment to reducing their environmental footprint is not only commendable but also essential for the future of the automotive industry, with bold steps needed to mitigate and manage the environmental impact of motoring as we transition towards decarbonised mobility. We are proud to recognize Mill Lane Garage's leadership and applaud their efforts in inspiring others to follow suit."

  PJ Starkey, owner of Mill Lane Garage said:

  “We wanted to do anything we could to improve sustainability especially as we’re in a trade which by its nature is a hostile environment for the planet and nature. Customers comment on the trees all the time as they are very visible and a big project. Our solar panels are behind the scenes so people may not recognise they’re there and what they do, but they have enabled us to make real energy savings – which both has saved us money as a business when bills are going up as well as making our energy usage more green.”

  
  
• Share Watch Six Inches of Soil documentary film at Chester Picturehouse on Facebook Share Watch Six Inches of Soil documentary film at Chester Picturehouse on Twitter Share Watch Six Inches of Soil documentary film at Chester Picturehouse on Linkedin Email Watch Six Inches of Soil documentary film at Chester Picturehouse link

  Watch Six Inches of Soil documentary film at Chester Picturehouse

  over 2 years ago
  

  Picturehouse Green Screen is proud to present Six Inches of Soil, touring our sites with a live panel conversation following the film.

  Six Inches of Soil tells the inspiring story of young, British farmers standing up against the industrial food system and transforming the way they produce food, in order to heal the soil, our health and provide for local communities.

  
  

  Half the food we eat in the UK is produced by about 180,000 farmers, who manage 70 per cent of our land. Current ‘industrial' mainstream farming practices significantly contribute to soil degradation, biodiversity loss and climate change.... Continue reading

  Picturehouse Green Screen is proud to present Six Inches of Soil, touring our sites with a live panel conversation following the film.

  Six Inches of Soil tells the inspiring story of young, British farmers standing up against the industrial food system and transforming the way they produce food, in order to heal the soil, our health and provide for local communities.

  
  

  Half the food we eat in the UK is produced by about 180,000 farmers, who manage 70 per cent of our land. Current ‘industrial' mainstream farming practices significantly contribute to soil degradation, biodiversity loss and climate change. Regenerative farming practices, (within an agroecological system) promote healthier soils, provide healthier, affordable food, restore biodiversity and sequester carbon.

  The film is a story of three new farmers on the first year of their regenerative journey to heal the soil and help transform the food system - Anna Jackson, an eleventh-generation Lincolnshire arable and sheep farmer; Adrienne Gordon, a Cambridgeshire small-scale vegetable farmer; and Ben Thomas, who rears pasture fed beef cattle in Cornwall.
  
  

  As the trio of young farmers strive to adopt regenerative practices and create viable businesses, they meet seasoned mentors who help them on their journey. They are joined by other experts providing wisdom and solutions from a growing movement of people who are dedicated to changing the trajectory for food, farming and the planet.

  Green Screen is a safe space to discuss the issues raised by environmental films, and to meet other interested community members. Join the filmmakers, local activists, and more for discussions that will carry on past the end of the panel – everyone is invited to stay in the cinema's bar or cafe to connect, and enjoy a free tea or filter coffee when you bring a keep cup!
  
  Read more and book a ticket on the Picturehouse website.
  
  Find out more about Six Inches of Soil.
  
  
• Share Does your organisation or business serve food, would you like a new accreditation? on Facebook Share Does your organisation or business serve food, would you like a new accreditation? on Twitter Share Does your organisation or business serve food, would you like a new accreditation? on Linkedin Email Does your organisation or business serve food, would you like a new accreditation? link

  Does your organisation or business serve food, would you like a new accreditation?

  by Eco Communities, over 2 years ago
  

  
  

  
  

  Many of us are taking a number of actions at home to be more climate friendly, with lots of these centred around food – for example by reducing food waste, buying seasonal, having meat free Mondays, using refillable cups and bottles etc. But what about when we eat out? How do we know that we aren’t undoing all of our good work?

  The answer may be in the new initiative being rolled out by Eco Communities and supported by the West Cheshire Food Partnership.

  
  This new community-led project encourages businesses in the region to commit to a sustainable food pledge... Continue reading

  
  

  
  

  Many of us are taking a number of actions at home to be more climate friendly, with lots of these centred around food – for example by reducing food waste, buying seasonal, having meat free Mondays, using refillable cups and bottles etc. But what about when we eat out? How do we know that we aren’t undoing all of our good work?

  The answer may be in the new initiative being rolled out by Eco Communities and supported by the West Cheshire Food Partnership.

  
  This new community-led project encourages businesses in the region to commit to a sustainable food pledge. Eco Communities are asking businesses that serve food in the area for their support by signing up to the national scheme.

  Food for the Planet is a national accreditation scheme that encourages businesses and community groups to pledge towards sustainable food practices. The overriding Sustainable Food Places project, brings together your local council, individual residents, businesses and community organisations, with the aim of improving our local food system whilst also reducing our community’s impact on the wider environment.

  Eco Communities are working with Cheshire West Voluntary Action and Cheshire West and Chester Council to roll out the Food for the Planet project in the region. The Food for the Planet Pledge is a menu of commitments to choose from to ensure that the food you serve is freshly prepared, local, seasonal, and supports the local economy.

  To start, you are asked to just select one mandatory commitment below:

  We have reduced the amount of meat and dairy served by at least 25%

  We source at least 25% of meat and dairy from higher welfare, more environmentally friendly sources

  You can then work with us to complete the remaining pledges which we ask you do by 2025. You might be doing some of this already, for example running a plant-based business, paying the Living Wage, or selling verifiably sustainable fish. If so, that’s great, you can count that on the form.

  By taking the Planet Pledge, you will be joining a community of UK food businesses who are committed to serving meals that are better for people and nature.

  We would love for you to show your support by adding the name of your organisation to the pledge – HERE(External link). Don’t hesitate to drop me an email if you would like to discuss the project or need any more information.

  On behalf of Eco Communities thank you for taking the time to read this and we hope to welcome you as a Food for the Planet partner very soon. If you have questions email Helen T, Helen C and Angharad on office@sustainablecheshire.uk
• Share How can I make our next community event more sustainable? on Facebook Share How can I make our next community event more sustainable? on Twitter Share How can I make our next community event more sustainable? on Linkedin Email How can I make our next community event more sustainable? link

  How can I make our next community event more sustainable?

  by Eco Communities, over 2 years ago
  

  
  

  I have been arranging sustainable events in Chester for around 7 years, we have also held an event in Grosvenor Park for the last few years.

  There are now huge festivals with thousands of attendees that use sustainable principles. The general principles will be the same for any event from a community one day event to a three day festival in the middle of the countryside.

  Eco Communities started by organising the Sustainable Cheshire Fair, and events as part of Great Big Green Week. We are now supporting events and activities within Cheshire to become more sustainable.

  We have created... Continue reading

  
  

  I have been arranging sustainable events in Chester for around 7 years, we have also held an event in Grosvenor Park for the last few years.

  There are now huge festivals with thousands of attendees that use sustainable principles. The general principles will be the same for any event from a community one day event to a three day festival in the middle of the countryside.

  Eco Communities started by organising the Sustainable Cheshire Fair, and events as part of Great Big Green Week. We are now supporting events and activities within Cheshire to become more sustainable.

  We have created a guide based on our experiences and have been able to include a hire part to this project for 2024.

  Our Returnables Hire

  A returnable cup scheme is a simple but effective way to make events more sustainable, cost-effective, and convenient for attendees. By implementing this scheme, event organisers can help to reduce waste, minimise environmental impact, and promote a more eco-friendly culture.

  We have a stock of both our Cheshire Cup for hot drinks and our Reusable pint & half pints for cold drinks.

  These can be hired for community events in Cheshire. This will result in a saving to the planet and for you in waste disposal.

  The hire fee is dependant on the type of event, the organiser, units and type of reusables needed.

  #CheshireReturnables

  
  

  Email office@sustainablecheshire.uk for our event Sustainable Event and Cup Hire brochures

  
  

  Thanks Helen Tandy, Director helentandy@sustainainablecheshire.uk
• Share Winsford Sustainability Partners on Facebook Share Winsford Sustainability Partners on Twitter Share Winsford Sustainability Partners on Linkedin Email Winsford Sustainability Partners link

  Winsford Sustainability Partners

  by Kea, over 2 years ago

  WinsfordSustainability

  Partners

  This is a new Winsford Community Group set up to look at what we can do about the breakdown of our climate and nature & the health benefits of action

  Facebook: Winsford Sustainability Partners & website coming soon.

  First Event: Heat in homes: how to improve comfort & save money & carbonSpeaker: Mark Thompson, local engineer and energy specialistwww.getenergysavvy.info
  followed by Q&A
  Weds 31st January 7.30pm – 9pm Asda community room, Winsford

  Aims of the group:

  1. Inform ourselves about what is happening in our natural world(it’s the only one we’ve got!) and how this affects health

  2... Continue reading

  WinsfordSustainability

  Partners

  This is a new Winsford Community Group set up to look at what we can do about the breakdown of our climate and nature & the health benefits of action

  Facebook: Winsford Sustainability Partners & website coming soon.

  First Event: Heat in homes: how to improve comfort & save money & carbonSpeaker: Mark Thompson, local engineer and energy specialistwww.getenergysavvy.info
  followed by Q&A
  Weds 31st January 7.30pm – 9pm Asda community room, Winsford

  Aims of the group:

  1. Inform ourselves about what is happening in our natural world(it’s the only one we’ve got!) and how this affects health

  2. Take action to improve our environment, tackle air pollution,make Winsford a nicer and safer place to live

  3. Learn new skills (like cooking to save waste and money,saving energy, mending clothes, growing food etc.)

  4. Share our knowledge and skills

  All welcome: children, families, retired, working
  Do you have skills you could contribute - Social media, food growing, sewing,mending stuff etc? Or would you simply like to find out more & add your voiceto what happens in Winsford?

  To be more involved message Kathy: 07936 804236Or come to our next meeting: Weds 17th Jan 2024 7.30pm@ The GGO 15-17 Finsbury Walk, Winsford CW7 2YA
• Share Sustainable New Year resolutions on Facebook Share Sustainable New Year resolutions on Twitter Share Sustainable New Year resolutions on Linkedin Email Sustainable New Year resolutions link

  Sustainable New Year resolutions

  over 2 years ago
  

  As we start 2024, many of us will be thinking about making changes in our lives and perhaps setting ourselves some New Year resolutions. Making a sustainable resolution, such as one of the top ten ideas below, could reduce our own impact and help our environment.

  
  

  
  

  1. Pledge to reduce your personal carbon footprint this year – this is one that encompasses all the ideas below, but if we set ourselves a target to reduce our carbon footprint by a certain percentage this year we are more likely to achieve it. There are lots of carbon footprint calculators available on... Continue reading

  As we start 2024, many of us will be thinking about making changes in our lives and perhaps setting ourselves some New Year resolutions. Making a sustainable resolution, such as one of the top ten ideas below, could reduce our own impact and help our environment.

  
  

  
  

  1. Pledge to reduce your personal carbon footprint this year – this is one that encompasses all the ideas below, but if we set ourselves a target to reduce our carbon footprint by a certain percentage this year we are more likely to achieve it. There are lots of carbon footprint calculators available on the internet. We like the World Wildlife Fund’s calculator(External link) which only takes about 10 minutes to complete. Find out what your carbon footprint is currently and then decide how much you want to reduce it by.

  2. Commit to not using any disposable single-use cups or bottles – there are so many great reusable bottle and cup options out there. If you haven’t got one yet, consider investing in one at the start of the year and try to remember to take it with you everywhere you go. You could use the refill app(External link) to find out which local businesses will let you fill up your water bottle for free.

  The Cheshire Cup, a reusable, returnable coffee cup scheme, is available. This scheme was developed due to a need to eliminate billions of single-use cups from landfill. Find out more on the Sustainable Cheshire website(External link).

  3. Go paper-free – At home, contact your bank and household suppliers to opt out of paper bills and request digital receipts if possible. This will help you declutter your home too. If you attend regular meetings, try taking notes on your laptop instead of using a notebook.

  4. Change what you buy – commit to only buying reused, recycled or sustainably-sourced items. Try visiting your local charity shop or purchase items from sites such as Facebook Market Place or Vinted. Some of the Council's Recycling Centres have Reuse Shops where you can pick up Items such as bric-a brac, small electrical items and some furniture, all of which are safety tested. Find your nearest Recycling Centre.(External link)

  5. Choose more sustainable travel options – consider walking or cycling shorter distance or car sharing with a colleague to either go to and from work or to meetings you are attending together. If you’d like to gain more confidence to cycle, Chester Cycling Campaign run a Chester Cycle Buddies scheme(External link), which matches experienced volunteer cyclists who are campaign members with those who would like some support to help them cycle more in Chester. Alternatively, consider using public transport – traveline(External link) is a useful site for planning your trip. During January 2024 the Council is offering free travel on the Chester Park and Ride service too – find out more(External link).

  6. Eat more plant-based meals – if you have not tried many plant-based recipes before, a good place to start is committing to just one or two meals a week that is plant-based. If you want to challenge yourself further take part in Veganuary, a national campaign encouraging people to try a vegan diet in the month of January. The BBC Good Food website(External link) has a whole section of tasty vegan recipes to inspire you.

  7. Turn your thermostat down – by turning down your central heating thermostat down by just one degree you could save around 10% on your energy bill and around 320kg carbon dioxide a year. However, do make sure your home is warm enough during cold weather to ensure you don’t damage your health. The ideal temperature range to set your thermostat is 18-21 degrees.

  8. Take your own shopping bags – refuse any plastic bags when you are out shopping and use your own reusable shopping bag. Don’t forget about those small plastic bags available to put loose fruit and vegetables in – as an alternative just put them loose in your basket, take your own container or small bag, or use a paper bag if you really need to.

  9. Shop locally and in season – try to buy products that have been grown or made locally so that they have fewer miles to travel. Growing fruit and vegetables in season requires lower levels of artificial inputs like heating, lighting, pesticides and fertilisers than at other times of the year. So, seasonable produce has a lower environmental impact. Eat Seasonably(External link) has a useful calendar to tell you what is in season each month. If you are interested in growing some of your own fruit and vegetables this year the Love the Garden website (External link)has advice on what to plant each month.

  10. Avoid fast fashion – wear something already in your wardrobe, buy second hand clothes or buy from an ethical and sustainable clothing brand if you need to purchase something new. Every year, global emissions from textile production are equivalent to 1.2 billion tonnes of CO2, a figure that outweighs the carbon footprint of international flights and shipping combined.
  
  Information sources

  (External link)https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/home-energy-efficiency/thermostats-and-controls (External link) Energy saving trust

  (External link)http://eatseasonably.co.uk/ (External link) Eat Seasonably
  
  (External link)https://unearthed.greenpeace.org/2019/09/12/fast-facts-about-fast-fashion/ (External link) Green Peace
• Share Funding to help voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations in England improve their energy efficiency on Facebook Share Funding to help voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations in England improve their energy efficiency on Twitter Share Funding to help voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations in England improve their energy efficiency on Linkedin Email Funding to help voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations in England improve their energy efficiency link

  Funding to help voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations in England improve their energy efficiency

  over 2 years ago

  The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has recently launched a £25.5 million funding package to help voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations in England improve their energy efficiency.

  Eligible organisations will be able to apply for 1) an independent energy assessment and 2) capital grants to install energy efficiency measures.

  To apply for the second element, organisations not owning their premises will need to ask for their landlords’ permission. As many VCSE organisations lease their premises from councils, councils are encouraged to support their tenants in applying.
  
  To find out more about the funding and how to... Continue reading

  The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has recently launched a £25.5 million funding package to help voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations in England improve their energy efficiency.

  Eligible organisations will be able to apply for 1) an independent energy assessment and 2) capital grants to install energy efficiency measures.

  To apply for the second element, organisations not owning their premises will need to ask for their landlords’ permission. As many VCSE organisations lease their premises from councils, councils are encouraged to support their tenants in applying.
  
  To find out more about the funding and how to apply, visit: VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
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  Youth Senate Member attend Northwest Net Zero Conference

  by Clare.Watson, over 2 years ago
  

  So proud of our Youth Senate member Amy Catton who is passionate about the environment and protecting the planet. She is currently on the steering group for the Northwest Net Zero and delivered sessions on Saturday 25th November at the Northwest Net Zero Youth Conference at Salford University. At this conference Amy took a key role gathering ideas and information from the young people present and even sat on a panel answering questions about green jobs and the economy.

  Amy is also attending a conference with decision makers, such as Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram in Liverpool on Wednesday 29th... Continue reading

  So proud of our Youth Senate member Amy Catton who is passionate about the environment and protecting the planet. She is currently on the steering group for the Northwest Net Zero and delivered sessions on Saturday 25th November at the Northwest Net Zero Youth Conference at Salford University. At this conference Amy took a key role gathering ideas and information from the young people present and even sat on a panel answering questions about green jobs and the economy.

  Amy is also attending a conference with decision makers, such as Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram in Liverpool on Wednesday 29th Nov where she will be reporting the findings from the conference on Saturday. Well done Amy you are a superstar!

  
  

  If you have a passion for the environment or want to get your voice heard about things that matter to you and other young people come and join the Youth Senate. contact clare.watson@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk for more information.
• Share People, Planet, Pint Launch Alternative COP28 Event in Chester on Facebook Share People, Planet, Pint Launch Alternative COP28 Event in Chester on Twitter Share People, Planet, Pint Launch Alternative COP28 Event in Chester on Linkedin Email People, Planet, Pint Launch Alternative COP28 Event in Chester link

  People, Planet, Pint Launch Alternative COP28 Event in Chester

  by Eco Communities, over 2 years ago
  

  • Congress of the People Planet Pints (COPPP) coming to Chester on Thursday, December 7
  • People, Planet, Pint launched during COP26 to share green ideas in a fun and inspiring way
  • The Sustainability initiative has brought together more than 10,000 people across 450 events in 75 cities
  • Plus, the first 33 people to arrive get a free pint!

  We started to host Chester's People Planet Pint (PPP) in April. People, Planet, Pint has always been about bringing people together to share what is going on in the local community, and ultimately, give hope that things are indeed happening.

  On the 7th... Continue reading

  • Congress of the People Planet Pints (COPPP) coming to Chester on Thursday, December 7
  • People, Planet, Pint launched during COP26 to share green ideas in a fun and inspiring way
  • The Sustainability initiative has brought together more than 10,000 people across 450 events in 75 cities
  • Plus, the first 33 people to arrive get a free pint!

  We started to host Chester's People Planet Pint (PPP) in April. People, Planet, Pint has always been about bringing people together to share what is going on in the local community, and ultimately, give hope that things are indeed happening.

  On the 7th of December this year, we are working with Small99 who are planning a unified alternative COP28 event, with PPP’s all over the country at the same time, to give those who may be tired of the relentless news cycle somewhere to come and feel heard, and learn about local action they can get involved with. See all events

  
  

  Extended People Planet Pint 7th December - We’re calling this the “Congress of the People Planet Pints”, or COPPP28. While they gather in a room to ‘negotiate’, we’ll get together across the country to start and continue conversations, circulate ideas, share our sustainability stories, and have fun while doing so.

  We are back at our favourite Chester bar 'That Beer Place' from 4pm. We have a great line up of speakers as well. Space is limited so book asap.

  BOOK NOW

  4pm start - welcome upstairs - That Beer Place, Chester

  4.30pm - Business Panel - UK for Good - Donna Okell, Be Ethical - Caroline Swailes, Giki - Helen Chambers, Small99 CRAB - Helen Tandy

  5.30pm - Volunteering Panel - Chester Zoo - Rebecca Finbow, National Park City - Sam Giruzis, Eco Communities

  
  
• Share Focus on energy on Facebook Share Focus on energy on Twitter Share Focus on energy on Linkedin Email Focus on energy link

  Focus on energy

  over 2 years ago
  

  Beccy, the Council’s Energy Officer, explains what her role involves and how her work is helping the Council to reduce its energy use and bills.

  I started working in the Council’s Climate Emergency Team in September 2023, joining a team of six who are focused on helping both the Council and the borough to become carbon neutral.

  As an Energy Officer, my role is to maintain the information about our gas, electricity, water and solar billing for all properties that the Council owns. Our properties can range from offices to recycling depots, and libraries to school sites. Altogether, the energy... Continue reading

  Beccy, the Council’s Energy Officer, explains what her role involves and how her work is helping the Council to reduce its energy use and bills.

  I started working in the Council’s Climate Emergency Team in September 2023, joining a team of six who are focused on helping both the Council and the borough to become carbon neutral.

  As an Energy Officer, my role is to maintain the information about our gas, electricity, water and solar billing for all properties that the Council owns. Our properties can range from offices to recycling depots, and libraries to school sites. Altogether, the energy costs are around £13 million a year.

  Energy bills can make up a considerable part of household costs, especially recently with the energy crisis, and the same is true for organisations up and down the country, whether in the public, private or third sector, so it is important to keep a close eye on these.

  The day-to-day role involves a regular review of energy bills and making sure the costs are correct. It’s not all desk based though, and I am often out and about visiting properties across the borough to find the meter on site to take an accurate meter reading, to make sure our bills are correct.

  As with household energy bills, utility companies can take estimated readings if they've been unable to gain access to one of our buildings to access the meter, which shows how much gas or electricity has been used. I visited one of the Council's buildings recently, in Chester, which had received lots of estimates. Once I gained entry and collected the meter readings, I was able to provide these to all the utility companies (gas, electric, water) which meant we were able to receive a significant refund for the Council.

  I would always recommend that households also try and do this on a regular basis to help make sure that your own bills are correct. A smart meter should automatically take readings for you but it always worth checking every few months that these match what your actual your gas or electric meter shows.

  As a Council we have a target to be carbon neutral by 2030, and we’ve made good progress on this, already switching to renewable sources of energy for a number of our buildings and introducing energy saving measures, such as LED lights. Reviewing our energy data regularly and providing reports, showing both the financial figures related to our energy use and the carbon this creates, helps services Council wide to manage their budgets and provides an accurate measure of the organisation’s carbon, something we continue to use as we implement our plans to reduce this further.

  Although I’m only a few months into the role I can see how varied the job is, providing me with the opportunity to get out and visit different Council properties. My role means that I’m helping to save the Council money and reduce our energy use, and along with lots of other roles and services across the Council, is helping us to be one step closer to becoming a carbon neutral organisation.

  You can read more about the Council’s plans to become a carbon neutral organisation in our Carbon Management Plan.