Community Buildings - National Energy Foundation The National Energy Foundation: "Improving the use of energy in buildings"
Community buildings are often focal points of a community. They might be a community centre, a church hall or a scout hut. We have a wealth of experience of providing professional energy-related services for, and indeed in, all types of community buildings.
Not only can they be great places to host events, but community buildings can also become demonstrators of good practice and provide a unique opportunity to galvanise a community around one large-scale project, which can then inspire smaller projects elsewhere.
With our focus on improving the use of energy in buildings, we provide a variety of services in this area - for example: assessments, surveys or analysis. Other services are more bespoke and might be developed in response to particular funding streams becoming available or particular communities requiring specific help.
Multi-purpose buildings, needing to provide for very diverse needs.
Managed by volunteers who may not have the time or the expertise to invest in developing a sustainable refurbishment strategy.
Under-used in the summer months, which means they don't get the best benefit from solar photovoltaic (PV) installations.
Over-used in the winter which provides heating challenges.
Older buildings, some with heritage value, which makes them a challenge to retrofit.
We've conducted heating surveys, renewable energy feasibility studies, energy efficiency assessments and other projects on community and heritage buildings. We're always happy to discuss innovative solutions or unique projects so please get in touch.
How to choose a good installer.
Shelford Solar presentation. We were approached by Sustainable Shelford and asked to provide advice on solar thermal systems. The advice was to cover: how to find an installer, the different types of system etc and how to install solar thermal as a DIY project. Our technical and communities staff delivered a presentation to a packed audience in the local church hall, after which we were asked to provide a solar thermal assessment of the hall itself.
Luton feasibility study. We were called upon by the small Slip End community in Luton to investigate the possibilities for them to renovate a community building and and install on-site renewables. We were able to visit the area, conduct a survey and provide a full report on their options. Our advice included information on any grants that might be available and any planning permissions that might be needed.
Slip End Community Hall, Luton.
New Directions Community Centre, Reading.