The Midlands plugs into community energy3 November 2011
Activists in the Midlands have been hard at work over the summer interviewing local organisations and businesses about community energy.
Out in the community
The Summerfield Eco Project is one of a series of case studies by the Birmingham group. It aims to tackle fuel poverty through a range of measures, including fitting solar panels on the roofs of 329 homes with a low family income.
The Madeley Centre's new eco-friendly hall in Newcastle-under-Lyme is one of several case studies by the North Staffs group. Investing in a cheaper and greener future, the new building includes solar panels, heat pumps, rainwater collection and high quality insulation.
The Fold in Worcestershire is a community enterprise site with an eco-cafe, health care centre, farm and artists' studios. They were keen to emphasise that their solar panels could not have gone ahead without the feed-in tariff.
I think [the feed-in tariff] makes all the difference...it makes it financially viable.
Tom Jardine, The Fold
Energy dreams become reality
The rectory belonging to St Mary's parish church in Kingswinford, Dudley is thought to be the most sustainable building in England. With solar panels, triple glazing and innovative insulating methods, it generates more electricity than it uses. Like The Fold, St Mary's profits from the feed-in tariff.
[The church is] standing up for global justice and challenging society to take a sustainable path for future generations
Rev. Dr Giles Kendall, St Mary's
Oakfield Farm near Derby is a family run farm business with a dream of 100% sustainability. The farm recently had solar panels installed on the roof of their farmhouse and is now planning for a wind turbine.
Meanwhile, Worcestershire farmer William Dyer already has a 15m high turbine on his property.
Renewable business is booming
Caplor Energy, Herefordshire (pictured), New World Solar, Solihull and Prescient Power, Leicestershire are three examples of renewable energy installation businesses interviewed who have also benefitted from the feed-in tariff scheme.
And the list goes on
These are just a few examples of communities and businesses making clean, secure energy happen across the country.
A big thank you to all the activists who compiled the case studies, as well as to the interviewees for their cooperation.
To support a green energy future, find a local group near you and check out our Final Demand campaign.
For more information on putting together your own energy case study, see our Plug Us In page.
© Ruth Stanier
