Energy Saving

Energy Saving Week, which runs from 17th to 23rd January this year, is a national campaign aimed at helping people to save energy - reducing the negative effects on the planet and putting that money back in your pockets.

At CVL over the last six months, we have been doing a lot behind the scenes to see where we could be more efficient because as an organisation, we have a big impact on the environment. Plus, the more we do, the more we can help you to save and reduce too.

So, it started with an energy audit by Decerna, funded by Tees Valley Combined Authority on the main Thorntree building, which found possible improvements in our lighting, Solar PV and Space Heating. We also enrolled in ‘Going Green Together’ which sets us on our way to becoming net zero and gaining an Investors in the Environment accreditation, which includes audits on energy, waste, food, travel and buildings.

Last year, we completed the baseline assessments of our current usage to create a ‘Smart Carbon Dashboard' and we will spend the next nine months working to reach the targets we have set, with accreditation later this year. This is a big piece of work and we’re really proud that we are part of a cohort of VCS organisations in the North East working with Going Green, Genee, SmartCarbon and Vonne to be better.

For us, sustainability and energy saving aren’t just about reducing outputs or saving money, it’s also about how we can be more efficient as a community and save more energy and pounds by working better together. So, we hope all of this will also complement our current outdoor adventures at the allotment.

You can see all the hard work that has gone into it since last summer, in our blog, along with details on our plans to make it a community garden, where everyone can grow their own vegetables, learn how to prepare and cook them, all while getting fresh air and boosting mental health.

Our future plans to increase opportunities for people to travel by improving travel infrastructure and encouraging healthier ways to travel, are the next step in all of this. We understand the positive impact it could have on the environment if people are supported to travel more effectively and the way people travel is better connected, so we’re working with various partners to make this a priority.

That’s all about us but how can you do this at home you ask, well here’s some help. Let us know how you get on!