Stoke Climsland Parish Council, in a proactive move to combat climate change and promote energy efficiency, has launched an educational animation for its residents. This initiative, part of the council’s commitment to achieve a net-zero target by 2030, aims to introduce households to the concept of retrofitting and the systematic improvement of home energy efficiency.
Retrofitting, as explained by TrustMark, the UK Government-Endorsed Quality Scheme for home improvements, involves modifying existing buildings to reduce energy consumption and emissions, thereby creating warmer, healthier, and more comfortable homes. TrustMark’s guide, “A Guide to Retrofitting Your Home,” serves as a valuable resource in this endeavor.
The animation’s launch aligns with the broader context of national efforts towards decarbonising existing buildings, as detailed in the “Mission Retrofit – The Building Mission Zero” report by the Mission Zero Coalition. This comprehensive 2023 report underscores the critical role of public engagement and advice in advancing building decarbonisation and retrofitting, highlighting the need for initiatives like the one undertaken by Stoke Climsland Parish Council.
The animated guide focuses on six key areas for improving home energy efficiency:
- Understanding the underlying condition of a house itself
- Insulation
- Ventilation
- Heating a home
- Cooling a home
- The use of renewable and smart technologies
The Stoke Climsland Carbon Zero Homes Project, launched on 12th August 2023 at the annual Stoke Climsland Show, is a key element of this initiative. Funded by the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Fund, the project focuses on providing local, boots-on-the-ground support and advice, supplementing regional and national resources. Its goal is to empower households with knowledge and options for energy efficiency improvements, including guidance on technical aspects and available grants.
The Parish Council’s Carbon Net Zero Committee, accountable for this project’s delivery, reflects the council’s dedication to environmental sustainability. Stoke Climsland Parish Council, as an elected local authority and the first tier of local government, is instrumental in engaging with the community and shaping local responses to global environmental challenges.
Stoke Climsland itself, a village and rural civil parish located in the valley of the River Tamar in Cornwall, England, is characterised by its rich heritage and natural beauty. With a population of 1,703 as of the 2011 census, the parish lies within the Devon and Cornwall Mining World Heritage Site and the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
This animation, developed in collaboration with various community and health organisations, is directed by Ruby Ingleheart and written by Jaimie Lock.
The animation is accessible online via the Stoke Climsland Parish Council website and through social media, marking a significant step in Stoke Climsland Parish Council’s efforts to engage its community in sustainable living and energy efficiency.
