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Reproduced from The Orchid Magazine (Issue 12 is free to download)
Renewable Energy Advice for Kent Communities
Are you interested in renewable energy and how to reduce your dependence on oil and gas? Would you like to make your house or community centre more fuel efficient and reduce your contribution to climate change? Many of us would say a resounding Yes ! to both of those questions but are overwhelmed by the amount of information out there.
In partnership with the Kent Energy Centre (KEC), and with support from the Leader+ Programme, the Kent Downs AONB Unit hopes to facilitate the development of alternative fuel sources. To assist individuals, communities and businesses, the Kent Energy Centre is giving information and advice about both conventional energy-saving measures and the newer technologies. The AONB Unit will guide the Kent Energy Centre with regard to the need to balance the protection of the Kent Downs AONB landscape and heritage with the need to consider sustainable fuel and technology.
For example, biomass (wood heating) installations can support the management of local woodland, provide local jobs and help maintain a key part of our landscape character through providing a market for coppiced wood. If considering photovoltaic or solar panels, some designs integrate more effectively into the fabric of a building than others. Small scale single wind turbines come in many shapes and sizes and there is flexibility on design.
KEC is the local branch of Creative Environmental Networks (CEN), a not for profit organisation, largely funded by the Energy Savings Trust, GOSE and SEEDA. KEC is not tied to any supplier, installer or technology and can therefore provide impartial advice, training and information enabling community groups and businesses to help themselves and get best value from their investments.
Over the course of the next 12 months communities and businesses will be assisted with:
- Assessing energy usage, if necessary with a site visit and audit
- Recommendations on technologies most appropriate to location and requirements
- Advice on available grants, and where relevant assistance with grant applications
- Assistance with the planning application process
- Impartial advice on contractors, suppliers and installers
- Overseeing all installations
- Training on how to use and maintain the chosen technology
- Post installation audits and the production of detailed case studies
For more information visit the Kent Energy Centre website or join the project’s mailing list by writing to villages@cen.org.uk Or call the Kent Energy Centre on 0800 358 6669.
Business and community groups should call 08454 602 1834 for further information.
See the Parish Council companion article
on the Environment Working Group
and
Report of their visit to the Great Higham Farm Project
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