This project seeks to address the lack of information for communities regarding energy interventions and climate issues. Garryowen Development project will recruit a dedicated Energy Animator for the Garryowen Community. A 3 month project covering a part time community worker position based out of Garryowen CDP. The project will;
1/. Address the misinformation and confusion around people’s rights and entitlements to implement energy solutions for their homes. Leaflet distribution, door to door canvassing, public meetings, and social media campaigns will form a core part of this element of the project. In particular, the person will ensure that residents are clear as to the level of grant support they can expect, whether or not they meet qualifying criteria and how they are expected to deal with contractors, assessors and advisors.
2/. Provide ongoing, support and accompaniment to residents making changes to their homes. Provide guidance on negotiating the application process and provide incentives for early uptake for residents most in need. This will involve sitting with residents filling application forms, advocating with social welfare and other bodies if necessary and following up on any queries raised by recipient organisations.
3/. Identify Community Energy Champions who will be prepared to showcase their achievements and be trained to provide peer support to other residents. It is essential for the sustainability of the project that some residents take on the role of Community Energy Champions who can maintain that support and accompaniment role beyond the life of the project. The project will have an emphasis on the local production of energy, initially with promoting installation of solar panels.
4/. Early adopters will be asked to display publicity material to encourage other residents to get involved. This will help to promote uptake within the community, dispel the myths that home energy improvement is unaffordable and encourage residents to talk about the challenges faced.
First Steps to Saving Energy
This project seeks to address the lack of information for communities regarding energy interventions and climate issues.
