What is Energy efficiency?

Energy Efficiency is exactly what it says on the tin. It is about being more efficient with energy. It is about not wasting so much and about helping to save money, resources and the environment. It is also quite straightforward once you start to think about it.

It might mean turning lights off when you leave a room. It might mean using more efficient equipment. It might mean insulating your building so that you use less heating and have a more comfortable area to work, relax or play in.

We are all getting quite familiar with energy efficiency in our homes. Exactly the same principles and measures can be applied to community buildings and we are here to help.

You are here because you want to save energy and so are we. Energy efficiency is about maintaining the same levels of comfort, without using energy excessively. It can mean buying some items or it could simply be about changing the way you do things.

The benefits of energy efficiency

There are many reasons to consider energy efficiency for your community building.

Firstly, you could save money. Even if you decide to spend money on loft insulation or different energy efficient light bulbs, because they are saving energy you will be spending less in the long term. Not spending money on energy efficiency is a false economy. Saving money can make a big difference, especially if you have to do lots of creative fundraising just to pay for your heating bills.

Secondly, energy efficiency could help to increase comfort in the building. Nobody likes coming in from a rainy, muddy, rugby pitch and getting changed in a cold, damp changing room. Neither is sitting around for an important meeting or social evening with a very unpleasant breeze round your ankles. Draught proofing and insulation could make a big difference, not only may you need less heating but at certain times of the year you might need none at all.

Thirdly, energy efficiency in community buildings is especially important because it shows what can be done to a wide audience of people. They may then realise that they can do something in their own homes.

Lastly, energy efficiency in your community building will lessen your impact on the environment. Your community group will be showing that it is willing to stand up and do its bit. Together, everyone can make a big difference.

The following sections have all been created to help you better understand what you can do in your premises and how to go about making your community building more energy efficient, and an overview of the different measures available.

For more in-depth information on the different measures, how to decide what's right for you and case studies take a look at our Top Tips and Fact sheets.