Our step-by-step guide to considering and implementing energy efficiency measures

If, like for many, energy efficiency is new to you and your community group, it can be hard to know where to begin and what needs to be done to introduce the measures and concepts. Here is a simple guide to highlight some of the key things you need to remember when planning and implementing energy efficiency projects.

First of all, is everyone concerned with the running of the building aware that energy efficiency needs to be considered? If not, you need to engage all key stakeholders and raise this as a subject. Use the benefits listed on this website as a starting point and look at your energy bills and the way energy is used in your building to identify and measure possible areas of improvement.

There will be a number of different things you can do. You may like to decide which measures you would like to start first and draw up a plan of action. You will need to know what is involved with each measure, how much money it will cost and who is responsible for making it happen. It might mean that you need to raise some money to do it, so you need to start planning that.

Here are the key steps you need to follow in designing your plan:

1. Establish a willingness to make a change and engage all key stakeholders.

2. Make an assessment of usage of the building, its construction and energy use. Look at the tariff you are on, take regular meter readings to understand your consumption and establish a baseline and familiarise yourself with your energy bills. (These first two points can be switched around).

3. You will then be able to create a list of areas that need addressing so you can establish what can be done to improve your efficiency.

4. Use our fact sheets to help you decide on the measures you will implement. Find out what each involves, research different suppliers and installers and establish who needs to do it or know about it.

5. Make an assessment of the financial implications of what you wish to do – both the costs and the savings as this may affect what you will tackle first. For example, switching light bulbs over is relatively low cost, but will bring in savings. These savings can be used for the next measure.

6. Research funding opportunities. The SOURCE Fund has been set up to support community projects which either generate energy from a sustainable source or which reduce the amount of energy used by a community organisation. As such you might be able to apply for funding from us. You can also contact your local authority to see if they run any schemes which might be able to provide financial assistance.

7. Establish who can help you – the local council, parents, club members, local community members and enlist their help.

8. Draw up a plan of action and project timeline – you may not be able to tackle everything at once. Group items together that can be done simultaneously and remember to factor in communicating and encouraging behavioural change as well as the physical measures themselves. Items that require financial input may need a plan of their own.

9. Implement your plan and start making a difference!

10. Publicise what you are doing - helping other groups to learn from your good work as well as acting as inspiration for those who use your building.