Next month, on 16th April, we will be taking the “We Are All People of Power!” exhibition, now at the Library, to Kennaway House.
And along with the stunning portraits and film of Devon people doing what they can to reduce their energy, we will hear about several of our local Sidmouth energy champions – as part of a whole evening looking at how we as families, businesses and organisations can benefit from various government schemes.
It was a year ago when the District Council announced the winners in its drive to decarbonisation with its Carbon Action Fund grants – and they included Sidmouth winners, who will all feature at the Kennaway House event:
SID VALE SCOUTS
One successful recipient of a Carbon Action Fund grant were the scouts:
The 1st Sid Vale Scout Group have received a grant to expand their existing solar array and add battery storage. They propose to install 8.9kW of additional solar panelling on the roof of their building to reduce the amount they currently pay for import electricity. This will reduce their carbon emissions by around 2t per year.
And the Town Council, as trustees, agreed to these plans at their meeting this January:
The Scout Association made a request to install 10kw of solar panels onto the roof of the Scout Centre building. The panels would be adjacent to a previously installed set on the part of a slightly lower roof section. RESOLVED: Members agreed to the installation of 10kw solar panels to the roof of the Scout Centre building.
SIDMOUTH RUGBY CLUB
There were other Sidmouth recipients at last year’s Carbon Action Fund awards:
Sidmouth Rugby Football Club received a grant to install a 30kW solar PV system with battery storage on its main roof slopes. They predict this will save the club around £4,000 a year and allow them to export excess energy to the grid.
And the Herald carried a statement from the chair, on receipt of a Carbon Action Fund grant:
Matthew Barrett, Chairman, Sidmouth Rugby Football Club, said: “Our funding, secured through a successful bid, will enable Sidmouth Rugby Football Club (SRFC) to take meaningful steps toward decarbonisation. With this award, SRFC remains dedicated to providing exceptional rugby opportunities in Sidmouth, promoting environmental responsibility and advancing sustainable practices within the community.”
SIDMOUTH HOSPICE AT HOME:
A much valued organisation was provided with a council Carbon Action Fund grant:
Sidmouth Hospice at Home received funding to install a 9kW solar panel system with a 20kW battery. This will save them around £3,400 a year, reducing the running costs of a vital community facility.
And at the same time, the Hospice received funding from central government to transform end-of-life care, including energy efficiency measures to improve sustainability.
Finally, as reported on these pages, East Devon’s Carbon Action Fund is quite a big thing, with this year’s East Devon Carbon Action Fund champions including more impressive local schemes.
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