A team of Neighbourhood Energy Champions will soon be available to help residents save energy and money, thanks to a new project commissioned to help the city reach net zero.
The champions will be volunteers recruited to Our Power, a project by Community Interest Company (CIC), Norwich Climate Commission, with funding from Norwich City Council.
With a strong emphasis on community engagement, the champions will work with trusted members of the community to share information and resources to accelerate energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives.
They will encourage communities to unite for collective action, such as the group-buying of materials, and will share knowledge and best practice. Full home retrofitting tends to be unaffordable for individual households, but there are ways communities can come together to save money and energy as well as reduce their carbon emissions.
Norwich’s homes, like those in the rest of the UK, are often poorly insulated and reliant on gas boilers, which is one of the main contributors to the city’s carbon footprint. It also leads to higher energy bills for residents, which can negatively impact on health, well-being and personal finances.
Energy Champions will be there for everyone, whether it’s to help access funding and schemes or to offer impartial advice on reducing energy bills and carbon footprint.
Our Power’s initial set-up costs have been funded by a £40,000 grant from Norwich City Council, £27,500 of which came through Eon, through their pledge to create social value in Norwich for retrofitting contracts in the city.
Councillor Emma Hampton, Norwich City Council’s cabinet member for a climate responsive Norwich, said: “Helping the city reach net-zero is a key part of the city council’s work approach to being a climate responsive Norwich, a priority laid out in our community-led pan.
“It is vital that residents have access to reliable information and resources to help reduce their energy outputs, both for the good of the environment and household energy bills.
“I am delighted that we have been able to work with Norwich Climate Commission to establish ‘Our Power, who will be best placed to support our residents in this area.”
Kate Whiting, Our Power project manager said: "We are so excited to start working with our Energy Champions, supporting them to take grassroots actions to empower their communities."
Our Power’s initial set-up costs have been funded by a £40,000 grant from Norwich City Council, £27,500 of which came through Eon, through their pledge to create social value in Norwich for retrofitting contracts in the city.
The project is due to get underway early this autumn. Find out more about the project ahead of its official launch, at www.ourpower.org.uk
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