Vision of Action 21 Energy Group
All sectors of the community enjoying the benefits that energy brings, while minimising the environmental impact. The need for heating being virtually eliminated by zero CO2 new and refurbished housing. Renewable energy sources replacing fossil fuels. Best use being made of energy through highly efficient and smart technology. Educating the whole community, and in particular children, about the vital importance of energy issues for the future of all. Humankind increasingly assuming the role of pastor of the environment for the good of the whole eco-system.
Goals
- Promote the sustainable use of energy.
- Ensure that all sections of the community enjoy the benefits that energy provides.
- Make a dramatic reduction in the use of fossil fuels, thereby ameliorating environmental impacts including those caused by mining, air pollution and climate change. In particular to achieve a rate of CO2 emissions reduction in the district greater than that required to meet the government target of 60% by 2050, which translates as a rate greater than 1% pa. Ways in which this is to be achieved include:
- Implementation of the multitude of energy efficiency measures and the elimination of energy waste.
- Increase the proportion of renewable energy use. In particular working to achieve and exceeding local and national government targets, for example the Strategic Plan for Warwickshire's stated target of 10% by 2010.
Activities of the Group
Awareness raising and communication activities: discussion forums, events, press releases, newsletters, exhibitions including the Leamington Peace Festival, examples, demonstrations, a professional climate change roadshow and roadshows about energy and climate change by secondary school children within their own schools.
Influencing the influencers, which include local government bodies, sustainability organisations, trade associations, energy companies, public transport providers, supermarkets, NHS, housing associations, industry, SMEs and all forms of business from tourism to agriculture etc. In this way a small voice, such as ours, can have be amplified and have a significant effect.
Fuel poverty: Extend help and information in various forms to those in our community who through being unable to afford to insulate or adequately heat their homes, suffer the effects, including being cold, condensation, damp, mould and asthma. To work on these problems in liaison with the Home Energy Conservation Officer and other bodies in the field.
Promote energy efficiency in all its forms, including domestic conservation measures, energy efficient appliances, low energy building design, sustainable transport etc. Raise awareness about the benefits this brings to both the global environmental and local environmental quality, and also the financial savings that individuals, organisations and businesses can realise.
Promote green energy in all its forms including the take up of green electricity. Activities include the undertaking of feasibility studies such as the Engage project, out of which is planned the formation of the Community Energy Company. The company is to supply green energy and in the process stimulate the awareness and uptake of energy efficiency measures.
How and by whom
The activities of the group are to be undertaken by individuals, through our connection with local councils, community organisations, other organisations, businesses, schools, environmental groups, advice centres and by the parent organisation, Action21. Teams will be formed to carry out specific projects, such as the Engage project currently underway (spring 2004).
What has already been achieved
Notable milestones in 2003 have been the 'Energy and Climate' event, an exhibition staged at Leamington central library and the Peace Festival. In the first three months of 2004 the group has already staged the 'Bright Ideas' event and created this Energy section within the Action21 website.
Desired changes
Encouraging people to care about the world and their actions by raising awareness.
Reducing consumption, including energy by reducing the pressures to consume. Choosing durable items which will not be on the rubbish dump tomorrow.
Encouraging a change in outlook. Rather than feeling it is not my duty, whatever I do will be of no use in the face of the enormous problems to be solved: to realising that every little bit does actually help, leads to further steps, and does inspire others. Our combined actions and raised awareness contributes to a sea change, which in many ways is already underway, and needs our input at this time, to ensure that effective outcomes are realised.
Realising the benefits of a green approach
Disseminate educational material explaining the economics of conservation, energy efficiency, recycling, reducing consumption, working near to home etc. Placing a value on the environment both in a qualitative priceless sense and through fiscal measures such as the Climate Change Levy. Thereby ensuring that the world is a good place for us in our old age, our children and our grandchildren.
This statement is based on an Energy Group visioning event held on 8 March 2004 Page last updated 9 June 2004