Futureproof Cumbria

Year: 2022

  • Job: Administrator x 2

    Job: Administrator x 2

    Closing Date: 28 March 2022

    We’re looking for two experienced administrators to help keep our organisation running smoothly and efficiently. You’ll be the first point of contact for public enquiries, and you’ll support our financial management – ranging from invoicing and expenses to payroll. You’ll help deliver our HR services, ensuring our staff have the equipment and working environments they need. You’ll also support our broad range of projects – from helping with events to administering meetings. It’s a role that will call on all your administrative expertise, and your skills in juggling a busy and diverse workload. No two days will be the same.

    When you join Cumbria Action for Sustainability, you’ll be part of a friendly and dedicated team of almost 30 staff – most of us part time. We offer a supportive and flexible working environment with lots of great benefits. And, you’ll be part of worldwide efforts to tackle climate change, with an organisation that’s been helping Cumbrians to live more sustainability for more than 20 years.

    Application and Interview Process

    Please apply by completing the application form below. Please do not send a CV. Guidance for submitting your application is included in the form.

    CAfS Application Form

    Closing date for the return of the application is Midnight 28 March 2022.

    Interviews will be via Zoom.

    Job Description

    If you would prefer to download the job description please use the link below:

    Administrators Job Description

    BENEFITS: CAfS offers an excellent working environment with benefits ranging from flexible working and a pension contribution. Find out more about the benefits of working at CAfS.

    EMPLOYER: Cumbria Action for Sustainability (CAfS)  

    LOCATION: Contractually based at our office, Rural Eden Foyer, Old London Road, Penrith, CA11 8ET. Whilst we would expect the role to be mostly office based, some home working may be possible with managers agreement. 

    REPORTS TO: Administration and Finance Officer 

    HOURS: 22.5 hrs a week. There may be some flexibility with the contracted hours, which can be discussed at interview if of interest to the applicant.    

    SALARY RANGE: £18,525 – £22,000 per annum full-time equivalent (£11,115 – £13,200 for the 22.5 hour week), depending on skills and experience. 

    DURATION: Fixed-term 12-month contract. With potential for extension subject to funding.  

    APPLICATIONS BY: Midnight on 28 March 2022. Please apply using the application form. CVs will not be considered.  

    ABOUT CAFS:  

    Our vision is a zero carbon Cumbria which is socially, environmentally, and economically beneficial for all. 

     Our mission is to promote and facilitate low carbon living and its benefits – inspiring and supporting individuals, communities and organisations across Cumbria and beyond to take action to decarbonise lives, communities and businesses by 2037 or sooner. We do this through events, advice, training and practical projects across the county as well as providing specialist consultancy services. We share our knowledge, skills and practical experience as widely as possible.  

     CAfS is an award-winning charity with a team of 28 highly skilled staff, working with a pool of specialist contractors and volunteers to deliver around 20 major, transformational low-carbon projects each year. Now in our 24th year, CAfS is the first point of reference in the county for information on sustainability and low-carbon living. 

    ABOUT ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE TEAM 

    CAfS’ Finance and Administration Team is the backbone of the charity. The team keeps everything running smoothly and efficiently at CAfS, looking after our HR and financial systems, from payroll to invoicing and expenses. It ensures we have the equipment and work environment that our staff need, and has an important role in ensuring their health and wellbeing. The team keeps our policies and processes up to date, helps to keep us legally compliant and is often a first point of contact for the public. The tight knit team also supports colleagues delivering our many projects, from organising meetings to helping with events.

    The two new administrators we’re recruiting will also be at the heart of the £2.5 million Zero Carbon Cumbria project, funded by the National Lottery. This exciting new project is helping Cumbria to reach its goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2037. Each administrator will support slightly different aspects of the project, and we’ll allocate these to the successful candidates according to their skills and experience. They include:

    • Administering the new Community Climate Grant Fund worth £100k, which CAfS runs. The administrator will process applications for funding from community groups across Cumbria. This will involve, for example, carrying out checks on details given in the applications, checking and recording of decisions, commissioning and ensuring payments, validating expense claims, and supporting the grant making panel.
    • Giving administrative support to the Zero Carbon Cumbria Partnership, which includes around 80 organisations from across Cumbria. The administrator will also help with our events and training programmes (online and face to face) – for example, setting up and managing event booking, coordinating meeting agendas, taking meeting minutes, and circulating papers.

    Both roles will help with a range of other administrative tasks for CAfS centrally and for our projects, as required.

    MAIN PURPOSE OF ROLES:    

    • To undertake a range of core administrative duties, such as collating and inputting data, managing contacts lists, responding to enquiries from the public and other organisations, assisting with staff recruitment etc.
    • To provide administration support for meetings and events – ranging from small, internal project team meetings to large online events involving people from multiple diverse organisations.
    • To provide support for our grant-making activity – ranging from processing applications and checking financial information to ensuring payments are made and keeping records. 

    KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:  

    • Administer and support various internal and external meetings as requested. This will include booking meetings (online and face to face), coordinating agendas, and taking and circulating minutes.  
    • Undertake work as directed by line manager and Project Managers, including but not limited to financial tasks, collecting and inputting data, data analysis, emails, meeting minutes, etc. 
    • Provide administrative support to the CAfS-based Zero Carbon Cumbria staff team.  
    • Provide an initial point of contact for enquiries about CAfS work.  
    • Perform a reception function, taking enquiries and requests and ensuring clear and full messages via phone, email or in person are logged and relayed to the relevant person and followed up as necessary.  
    • Ensuring purchases, invoices and payments associated with the projects are dealt with.  
    • Assist with the preparation of budget monitoring reports as directed by project managers.  
    • Support the delivery of CAfS events including dealing with bookings, event preparation, event set-up and event follow-up.  
    • Support the Zero Carbon Cumbria Project Manager to collate monitoring and evaluation data for the project.   
    • Establish and maintain contact lists for project managers.  
    • Order equipment for staff. 

     OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

    • Help to monitor and manage our office@ and finance@ email inboxes. 
    • Ensuring documents are completed and filed appropriately. 
    • Ensure CAfS’ financial protocols are followed.  
    • Take part in staff meetings, team meetings and training.
    • Perform other duties that may be required from time to time. 

     

    Person Specification

      Essential skills and attributes:   

    • Experience in providing administrative support in a dynamic and demanding environment.  
    • Excellent customer service to both internal and external customers.  
    • Proven ability to proactively handle a wide range of tasks and prioritise these effectively.  
    • Proven ability to use initiative and make effective decisions.  
    • Proven ability to use a comprehensive range of IT software (Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint and MS Teams) and the willingness to train in additional IT skills as and when required.  
    • Accuracy and attention to detail, and the ability to work to tight timeframes.  
    • A good level of numeracy.  
    • Good written and proofreading skills.  
    • Tact, patience and diplomacy.   

      

    Desirable skills and attributes  

      The following attributes are desirable but not essential:  

    • Experience of financial processes such as invoice processing, checking accuracy of payments. 
    • Experience of event organisation, meeting administration and effective minute-taking skills.  
    • Experience of Quickbooks finance package. 
    • Experience of database/customer relationship management systems.  
    • Experience of data gathering and collating eg customer event participant feedback data.  
    • Experience of setting up and helping to run online meetings eg MS Teams, Zoom. 
    • An understanding of the work of CAfS and the impact of climate change on the environment and economy.  
    • Understanding of and commitment to CAfS’ aims, values and objectives.  

      

    If you would like more information about the role, please contact CAfS: [email protected].  

  • Job: Project Manager – Community Energy

    Job: Project Manager – Community Energy

    Closing date: 9am on Thursday 10 March 2022.

    We’re looking for a specialist in renewable energy systems to take the reins on our projects supporting communities to generate their own clean power. 

    The post will draw on all your project management and delivery skills, from budgets to reporting, and you’ll also help us to develop new projects and secure funding to make them a reality. 

    Among the projects you’ll manage is ‘Solar Made Easy in the Lakes’, which supports people to install solar PV, also working with community groups to find sites in their areas for solar PV installation via the Big Solar Co-op Pioneer Programme. You’ll also identify and support two innovative and exemplar community energy projects under the Zero Carbon Cumbria Programme. 

    And, of course, you’ll have the passion and drive to inspire and support people in Cumbria to play their full part in tackling climate change, helping reach the county’s goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2037.   

    Application & Interview Process

    Please apply by completing the application form below. Please do not send a CV. Guidance for submitting your application is included in the form.

    CAfS Application Form

    Closing date for return of applications is 9am on 10 March 2022.

    Interviews will be held via Zoom on Wednesday 16 March 2022.

    Job description

    If you prefer to download the job description and person specification, please use the link below:

    Project Manager: Community Energy – Job Description

    BENEFITS: CAfS offers an excellent working environment, with benefits ranging from flexible working to a pension contribution. Find out more about the benefits of working at CAfS >

    EMPLOYER: Cumbria Action for Sustainability (CAfS).

    LOCATION:  Contractually based at our office, Eden Rural Foyer, Old London Road, Penrith, CA11 8ET, however we are open to flexible working patterns and blended (home, site and office-based) or home working is possible for this role.

    REPORTS TO: Programme Manager (Low Carbon Communities Team).

    HOURS: Between 22.5 and 30 hours per week (to be negotiated on appointment).

    SALARY RANGE: £24,000 to £30,000 per annum (starting salary dependent on experience) full-time equivalent. Pro rata at 22.5 hours per week is £14,400 to £18,000 pa and at 30 hours per week is £19,200 to £24,000 pa.

    LEGAL RIGHT TO WORK: You must have a legal right to work in the UK as CAfS is not in a position to act as a sponsor.

    DURATION: Fixed-term contract from 1 April 2022 to end March 2023 (12 months with potential for extension subject to funding).

    APPLICATIONS BY: 9am on Thursday 10th March 2022. Please apply using the application form. CVs will not be considered.

    ABOUT CAfS:

    Our vision is a zero carbon Cumbria and we strive to bring about a better way of life, in balance with our environment.

    Our mission is to empower and enable people, communities and businesses to live and work more sustainably by sharing our knowledge, practice, skills, networks and practical experience.

    Now in our 24th year, CAfS is the leading organisation in Cumbria showcasing low-carbon living, energy-efficiency improvements, renewable technology and reduced use of fossil fuels, both on a domestic scale and in the community. We are an award-winning charity, with a team of 28 highly staff who manage and deliver events, advice, training and practical projects across the county as well as providing specialist consultancy services to enable individuals, communities, businesses and local authorities to drive a shift towards a zero carbon Cumbria.

    CAfS is a dynamic, pro-active and responsive organisation, continually striving to deliver effective projects that make an impact and drive real change towards a low-carbon future. As such, we continually initiate new projects, accessing funding from a variety of sources or earning income from delivering specialist services.

    CAfS LOW CARBON COMMUNITIES WORK:

    The Low Carbon Communities Team takes an area or sector-based approach, delivering carbon reduction projects which unite people through shared action and provide benefits to their community. The term ‘community’ can include groups of residents or businesses or other groups with a common interest. We also support businesses (and occasionally residents) on an individual basis.

    Our team supports communities to deliver tried and tested reduction activities as well as to trial new approaches. We practice exemplary engagement, consultation and involvement techniques, transfer knowledge and skills and provide project management.

    The scope of our work is dependent upon funding opportunities and the interests of the communities. During 2022/23, our main projects include community energy, conserving and enhancing the natural and cultural heritage in the North Pennines, business support and managing the CAfS carbon footprint calculator. Past and pipeline projects include those around food, waste, electric vehicle charge points and car clubs.

    MAIN PURPOSE OF ROLE: 

    • To coordinate and deliver a range of projects which provide support and advice to communities wishing to implement renewable energy schemes.
    • To manage budgets, delivery, timescales, monitoring, evaluation and reporting in line with funder requirements.
    • To work with the Programme Manager to develop and secure new funding for other projects which enable communities, businesses, organisations and individuals to respond to the challenges of climate change.

    KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS :

    • To take overall responsibility for the coordination, budgeting, delivery, evaluation and reporting of the Low Carbon Communities Team’s community energy projects. During 2022/23 this will initially include managing the delivery of the ‘Solar Made Easy in the Lakes’ project, a scheme to support individuals to install solar PV, and working with community groups to find suitable sites in their areas for solar PV installation via the Big Solar Co-op Pioneer Programme. These projects are funded by South Lakeland District Council and Electricity North West.
    • Identify and facilitate support for two innovative and exemplar community energy projects as part of the delivery of the Zero Carbon Cumbria Programme (funded by the National Lottery’s Climate Action Fund).
    • To research, monitor, collate and share examples of best practice and innovation and other resources about community energy approaches, funding and delivery models and technological advances.
    • To provide and co-ordinate advice to those wishing to increase renewable energy in their community, including, where required, working up options and managing feasibility work.
    • To co-ordinate and facilitate learning and skill sharing amongst communities within and outside of Cumbria around community energy.
    • To support those wishing to improve the energy efficiency of their buildings and, where appropriate, link them to the CAfS Energy Team.
    • To work with the CAfS Cumbria Sustainability Network Co-ordinator to identify communities wishing to increase renewable energy.
    • To work with the Programme Manager and other CAfS staff to develop and deliver new community energy projects, including securing additional funding.

    RESOURCE MANAGEMENT:

    • To manage project budgets effectively to maximise outcomes for each project.
    • To manage contractors and advisors as required to support the delivery of the projects.
    • To manage volunteers as required to support the delivery of the projects.

    OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

    • Help to raise the profile of CAfS other work as opportunities arise.
    • Contribute to news articles, web content and other information about the projects for publicity and CAfS’ profile raising.
    • Report to funders, line manager and board of trustees on progress, learning and impact.
    • Ensure compliance with CAfS policies, procedures and guidance, GDPR, procurement, and contribute to the organisational development of these.
    • Carry out other tasks or projects required from time to time, as directed by line manager or trustees.
    • Contribute to the on-going work of CAfS generally including attending appropriate networking meetings, team meetings and training.

    Person Specification

    Essential skills and attributes:

    • Specialist knowledge of renewable energy systems, in particular solar PV systems.
    • Knowledge and understanding of sustainability issues and a strong interest in the objectives that CAfS seeks to deliver.
    • A degree-level qualification or sufficient relevant experience in a relevant field.
    • Ability to evaluate different delivery options and assess technical and financial feasibility.
    • A creative and innovative approach to work and an ability to draw on ideas from elsewhere.
    • Experience of managing multiple projects including budget, programme, quality and risk management.
    • Excellent communication skills, including: the ability to put complex information across simply and concisely and to a range of different audiences; the ability to speak in public; good written communication and IT skills.
    • Understanding of relevant national and local government policies and schemes of support and legislation in relation to community and renewable energy.
    • Ability to build networks and relations with other organisations.
    • Ability to work in a small team as well as on own initiative without day-to-day supervision.
    • Ability and willingness to prioritise, work to deadlines and juggle multiple priorities.
    • Ability to work flexibly including evening and weekend working by agreement.
    • Ability to arrange your own travel throughout rural Cumbria.

    Desirable criteria:

    The following attributes are desirable but not essential:

    • Experience of delivering community-led schemes, especially community energy schemes.
    • Experience or understanding of different funding and delivery models for community energy generation.
    • Specialist knowledge of at least one other topic of relevance to the decarbonisation of communities and organisations e.g. energy efficiency in buildings, district heating systems, low carbon transport, carbon auditing, waste reduction and circular economy, low carbon food and farming. If you have more than one specialism, this will be an advantage.
    • Event and training organisation and delivery skills.
    • Knowledge of and contacts from across Cumbria, preferably across various community and/or sustainability-driven initiatives.
    • Experience of engagement, consultation and support to multiple stakeholders, including the ability to record and track interactions with individuals.
    • Experience of procuring and managing contracts for delivery of project outcomes.
    • Fundraising experience, specifically the ability to act quickly on opportunities and attract contract and grant funding.
    • Experience of monitoring and evaluating projects.
    • Experience in online meeting platforms and webinars.

    If you would like more information about the role, please email: [email protected]

  • Job: Project Manager – Carbon Reduction

    Job: Project Manager – Carbon Reduction

    Closing date: 9am on Thursday 10 March 2022.

    We’re looking for an experienced and knowledgeable practitioner to lead carbon reduction projects in Cumbria.

    It’s a role that will draw on all your project management skills – from coordination through to budgeting and reporting. You’ll also help us to develop new projects and secure funding to make them a reality.

    You’ll have proven expertise in environmental management and sustainability, particularly carbon reduction within small businesses, including carbon auditing. The ideal candidate will also have specialist knowledge of at least one topic relevant to decarbonisation e.g. renewable energy, energy efficiency in buildings, district heating systems, low carbon transport, waste reduction and circular economy, low carbon food and farming, or offsetting.

    And, of course, you’ll have the passion and drive to inspire and support communities to play their full part in tackling climate change.

    Application & Interview Process

    Please apply by completing the application form below. Please do not send a CV. Guidance for submitting your application is included in the form.

    CAfS Application Form

    Closing date for return of applications is 9am on 10 March 2022.

    Interviews will be held via Zoom on Thursday 17 March 2022.

    Job description

    If you prefer to download the job description and person specification, please use the link below:

    Project Manager: Carbon Reduction – Job Description

    BENEFITS: CAfS offers an excellent working environment, with benefits ranging from flexible working to a pension contribution. Find out more about the benefits of working at CAfS >

    EMPLOYER: Cumbria Action for Sustainability (CAfS).

    LOCATION: Contractually based at our office, Eden Rural Foyer, Old London Road, Penrith, CA11 8ET, however we are open to flexible working patterns and blended (home, site and office-based) or home working is possible for this role.

    REPORTS TO: Programme Manager (Low Carbon Communities Team).

    HOURS: Between 22.5 and 30 hours per week (to be negotiated on appointment).

    SALARY RANGE: £24,000 to £30,000 per annum (starting salary dependent on experience) full-time equivalent. Pro rata at 22.5 hours per week is £14,400 to £18,000 pa and at 30 hours per week is £19,200 to £24,000 pa.

    LEGAL RIGHT TO WORK: You must have a legal right to work in the UK as CAfS is not in a position to act as a sponsor.

    DURATION: Fixed-term contract from 1 April 2022 to end March 2023 (12 months with potential for extension subject to funding).

    APPLICATIONS BY: 9am on Thursday 10th March 2022. Please apply using the application form. CVs will not be considered.

    ABOUT CAfS:

    Our vision is a zero carbon Cumbria and we strive to bring about a better way of life, in balance with our environment.

    Our mission is to empower and enable people, communities and businesses to live and work more sustainably by sharing our knowledge, practice, skills, networks and practical experience.

    Now in our 24th year, CAfS is the leading organisation in Cumbria showcasing low-carbon living, energy-efficiency improvements, renewable technology and reduced use of fossil fuels, both on a domestic scale and in the community. We are an award-winning charity, with a team of 28 staff who manage and deliver events, advice, training and practical projects across the county as well as providing specialist consultancy services to enable individuals, communities, businesses and local authorities to drive a shift towards a zero carbon Cumbria.

    CAfS is a dynamic, pro-active and responsive organisation, continually striving to deliver effective projects that make an impact and drive real change towards a low-carbon future. As such, we continually initiate new projects, accessing funding from a variety of sources or earning income from delivering specialist services.

    CAfS LOW CARBON COMMUNITIES WORK:

    The Low Carbon Communities Team takes an area or sector-based approach, delivering carbon reduction projects which unite people through shared action and provide benefits to their community. The term ‘community’ can include groups of residents or businesses or other groups with a common interest. We also support businesses (and occasionally residents) on an individual basis.

    Our team supports communities to deliver tried and tested reduction activities as well as to trial new approaches. We practice exemplary engagement, consultation and involvement techniques, transfer knowledge and skills and provide project management.

    The scope of our work is dependent upon funding opportunities and the interests of the communities. During 2022/23, our main projects include community energy, conserving and enhancing the natural and cultural heritage in the North Pennines, business support and managing the CAfS carbon footprint calculator. Past and pipeline projects include those around food, waste, electric vehicle charge points and car clubs.

    MAIN PURPOSE OF ROLE: 

    • To coordinate and deliver a range of projects which provide support and advice to individuals, businesses, organisations and communities wishing to reduce their carbon footprint.
    • To manage budgets, delivery, timescales, monitoring, evaluation and reporting in line with funder requirements
    • To work with the Programme Manager to develop and secure new funding for other projects which enable communities, businesses, organisations and individuals to respond to the challenges of climate change.

    KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS :

    • To take overall responsibility for the coordination, budgeting, delivery, evaluation
    • and reporting of specific Low Carbon Communities Team projects. During 2022/23 this will initially include managing the delivery of a programme of business support in South Lakeland District and managing, promoting and supporting the use of CAfS online carbon footprint calculator. These projects are funded by South Lakeland District Council.
    • To research, monitor, collate and share best practice, innovation and other resources about carbon reduction.
    • To keep up to date with funding and other programmes of support for carbon reduction within Cumbria (including other programmes within CAfS) and help people to access them.
    • To provide and co-ordinate advice to individuals, businesses, organisations and communities wishing to reduce their carbon footprint.
    • To deliver low-carbon training events on a range of topics and to a range of audiences.
    • To co-ordinate and facilitate learning and skill sharing amongst business and residential communities around carbon reduction.
    • To support those wishing to improve the energy efficiency of their buildings and, where appropriate, link them to the CAfS Energy Team.
    • To work with the CAfS Cumbria Sustainability Network Co-ordinator to identify communities wishing to reduce their carbon footprint.
    • To work with the Programme Manager and other CAfS staff to develop new carbon reduction projects, including securing additional funding.
    • To monitor CAfS carbon footprint and work with other CAfS staff to develop a zero carbon action plan for CAfS’s own operations.

    RESOURCE MANAGEMENT:

    • To manage project budgets effectively to maximise outcomes from the project.
    • To manage contractors and advisors as required to support the delivery of the projects.
    • To manage volunteers as required to support the delivery of the projects.

    OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

    • Help to raise the profile of CAfS other work as opportunities arise.
    • Contribute to news articles, web content and other information about the projects for publicity and CAfS’ profile raising.
    • Report to funders, line manager and board of trustees on progress, learning and impact.
    • Ensure compliance with CAfS policies, procedures and guidance, GDPR, procurement, and contribute to the organisational development of these.
    • Carry out other tasks or projects required from time to time, as directed by line manager or trustees.
    • Contribute to the on-going work of CAfS generally including attending appropriate networking meetings, team meetings and training.

    Person Specification

    Essential skills and attributes:

    • Proven expertise in environmental management and sustainability, particularly in relation to carbon reduction within small businesses, and including carbon auditing.
    • Specialist knowledge of at least one topic of relevance to the decarbonisation of communities and organisations e.g. renewable energy, energy efficiency in buildings, district heating systems, low carbon transport, waste reduction and circular economy, low carbon food and farming, offsetting. If you have more than one specialism, this will be an advantage.
    • A degree-level qualification or sufficient relevant experience in a relevant field.
    • A strong interest in the objectives that CAfS seeks to deliver.
    • A creative and innovative approach to work and an ability to draw on ideas from elsewhere.
    • Experience of managing multiple projects including budget, programme, quality and risk management.
    • Excellent communication skills, including: the ability to put complex information across simply and concisely and to a range of different audiences; the ability to speak in public; good written and IT skills.
    • Event and training organisation and delivery skills
    • Understanding of relevant national and local government policies and schemes of support and legislation in relation to carbon reduction.
    • Ability to build networks and relations with other organisations.
    • Ability to work in a small team as well as on own initiative without day-to-day supervision.
    • Ability and willingness to prioritise, work to deadlines and juggle multiple priorities.
    • Ability to work flexibly including evening and weekend working by agreement.
    • Ability to arrange your own travel throughout rural Cumbria.

    Desirable criteria

    The following attributes are desirable but not essential:

    • Experience of delivering community-led schemes, especially on carbon reduction.
    • Knowledge of and contacts from across Cumbria, preferably across the business and community support sector and public sector.
    • Experience of engagement, consultation and support to multiple stakeholders, including the ability to record and track interactions with individuals.
    • Experience of procuring and managing contracts for delivery of project outcomes.
    • Fundraising experience, specifically the ability to act quickly on opportunities and attract contract and grant funding.
    • Experience of monitoring and evaluating projects.
    • Experience in online meeting platforms and webinars.

    If you would like more information about the role, please email: [email protected]

  • Help design green support services in the South Lakes

    Help design green support services in the South Lakes

    A large group of organisations has developed a survey to find out what support businesses need to be able to prosper, while also having a positive impact on people and planet. Transitioning to a greener and safer future will bring enormous benefits to us all as well as improving business resilience.

    The group includes South Lakeland District Council, Cumbria Action for Sustainability, Green Small Business, Future Fixers, Lancaster and Lancaster, CBEN, Lake District Foundation, University of Cumbria, Cumbria LEP, Cumbria Tourism and Cumbria Chamber of Commerce and the Zero Carbon Cumbria Partnership.

    They are working together with a shared vision to create an integrated programme of support for local businesses to help achieve the benefits of becoming more sustainable. This survey will guide how packages of support are co-ordinated, without duplicating, and make it easier to find help.

    The responses from this online survey will help improve the support currently on offer to better meet the needs of local businesses. As this network strengthens, the hope is to co-ordinate efforts with more business support organisations across Cumbria for a greater impact.

    The survey is open until Friday March 18th.

    To access the survey please go to https://online1.snapsurveys.com/greensupport or scan this QR code:

    Low Carbon Solutions Workshops

    In the meantime, you may be interested in attending one of these free Low Carbon Solutions Workshops that are being delivered by Cumbria Action for Sustainability on behalf of Eco I NW.  Follow the link for booking via eventbrite.

    Hospitality, Food and Drink, Tue 22nd Mar, 8am-2pm, Langdale Leisure (Great Langdale, nr Ambleside)

    Leisure and Events, Tue 19th Apr, 8am-2pm, venue in Cumbria TBC

    Buildings, Construction and Retrofit, Tue 10th May, 8am-2pm, Sunbeams (Penrith, nr Rheged)

     

  • Series of free online courses on home renovations launched

    Series of free online courses on home renovations launched

    If you’re thinking about renovating your home to make it warmer and reduce your energy bills, snap up a free place on our new series of online courses.  

    We’ll take you through all the main things to consider – from planning your retrofit through to insulation, airtightness and ventilation. There are even sessions all about windows and doors.  

    You can book onto one course or the whole series – whatever you need. We’re able to offer the courses free of charge thanks to funding from the Energy Industry Voluntary Redress Scheme.  

    Introduction
    We kick off with unit 1 on 21 February, giving you a good introduction to doing a renovation and some general principles to think about. We’ll take you through the need to consider the building as a whole, how buildings lose and gain heat, and the basics of airtightness, insulation and managing moisture. It’s a great overview to get you off on the right track. (We’re also repeating this unit on 14 March.)

    Airtightness
    Unit 2 looks in more depth at airtightness, on 3 March. We all know that draughty homes are hard to heat, and this session looks at what airtightness is and what factors influence it. You’ll learn about steps to improve airtightness and the kinds of materials and techniques you might use.  

    Insulation
    Unit 3 on 10 March delves into insulation. You’ll learn about insulating walls, roofs, floors, windows and doors, looking at different ways of going about it and the wide range of materials to choose from. We’ll also cover building regulations for insulation.

    Ventilation
    Unit 4 on 16 March covers the all-important topic of ventilation. You don’t want uncontrolled draughts in your house, but you do need to get the air flow right so you don’t end up with damp. Ventilation also plays a big part in having good air quality in your home.  

    Windows & doors
    The series rounds off with two units dedicated to windows and doors. The first one, on 24 March, will help you to choose the right ones for your property, comparing different types and how well they keep your heat in. The final unit, on 28 March, looks at how to install windows and doors, considering airtightness, positioning and detailing around them.  

    Throughout the series, you’ll hear from experts with hands-on experience and technical knowledge, and we’re particularly pleased to be running them in partnership with URBED and the Carbon Coop. All the courses are online, via Zoom.

    So, go ahead and get booked on, and please do also tell anyone you know who might be interested. We hugely appreciate your help to spread the word. Here are the direct links to each unit, where you can find out more about them and book on: 

    Unit 1 – Understanding Retrofit (21 Feb) 

    Repeat of unit 1 on 14 March

    Unit 2 – Airtightness 

    Unit 3 – Insulation 

    Unit 4 – Ventilation 

    Choosing doors & windows 

    Installing doors & windows 

  • New sustainability opportunities for young people created

    New sustainability opportunities for young people created

    As we emerge into a new year, emerging alongside us are many opportunities for engagement with young people on sustainability. Through the brilliant work of our Youth projects Coordinator Ceri, CAfS is looking to place the needs of this generation at the heart of the transition to net zero. We thought we’d give a little update on what sort of things young people can expect in 2022 from us.

    Work with schools and youth groups

    The new Greener Schools project has appointed environmental auditors who will shortly begin working with students in 16 primary and secondary schools on Cumbria’s west coast to lower carbon footprints (more on this soon). Subsidised spaces are being offered to teachers, governors and support staff in schools on CAfS’ carbon literacy training courses, who are welcome to join general sessions or request specific training for staff within one or more schools. To build on the momentum created by last October’s Cumbria Green Jobs Summit, CAfS is working with Friends of the Earth, CDEC (Cumbrian Development Education Centre), schools and youth groups to hear from young people on their specific needs and perceptions on living and working in the county, especially regarding opportunities and obstacles to be overcome as we move to net zero.

    New Youth Climate Café

    The Youth Climate Café aims to create a positive, friendly space for like-minded people of secondary school age to meet, support one another and share their experiences, including the positive action that they are taking – or would like to take – within their schools or local areas. The group meetings will also aim to help overcome the isolation that young people mention that they can sometimes feel when acting individually or in a small group in their area. The Climate Café will take place online to give young people a chance to meet from across the county. Although the meetings will be facilitated by CAfS, the aim is for it to be led by young people themselves. The first meeting is on Wednesday 9th February at 4.30pm. Please spread the word with young people you know that may be interested.

    Following-up young people’s recommendations

    We are following-up the recommendations made by young people at the Cumbria Youth Climate Summit. These extended from coverage of transport and building infrastructure, growing food, community involvement, improving public understanding of climate issues, climate action including lobbying of local MPs and impact on national government, through to improving the representation of young people in decisions made at local level. We are looking to actively involve young people across different sector groups represented across the Zero Carbon Cumbria Partnership, local authorities and community groups. Please get in touch if you know of opportunities that can support this involvement.

    For more information or to share ideas that can support young people on sustainability, please contact Ceri Holman, Youth Projects Coordinator: [email protected]

  • Zero Carbon Cumbria celebrates first birthday

    Zero Carbon Cumbria celebrates first birthday

    It’s been one whole year since the Zero Carbon Cumbria project first set sail, and we thought it would be worth taking a quick look back at what’s been achieved over the past 12 months.

    Firstly, for those new to the project, the Zero Carbon Cumbria Partnership (ZCCP to their friends) is a partnership of 80 organisations from across Cumbria and different sectors of society. Their aim is to drive Cumbria to becoming the first county with net-zero carbon emissions in the UK by 2037. On behalf of ZCCP, CAfS helped to secure a generous grant of £2.5 million from the National Lottery’s Climate Action Fund to help develop the partnership and deliver a range of community-led projects.

    Development

    The first order of business was to recruit the people who would run the project.  This included community action officers for Penrith Action for Community Transition (PACT), Sustainable Carlisle and Art Gene, as well staff based at CAfS itself and some of the other partners. We welcomed Hazel, Helen, Nigel, Ceri, Angie and John to the ZCCP team alongside increased support from our growing marketing and admin teams as well as our chief executive Karen. The Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) host David and Cumbria County Council host Tim and Natalie.

    This veritable army of folks has been developing the partnership since its kickoff. It is now co-chaired by Karen and Angela Jones and supported by Tim.

    Next up, we had to start thinking about how to let people know about the partnership and the work being undertaken through the Lottery funded project. A communications strategy was drawn up and a number of sector groups were established to focus on specific issues such as housing and waste.

    Delivery

    Like many things, ZCCP was initially restrained by the COVID-19 pandemic limiting the activities the team could be involved in. Through the second half 2021 however, a lot of community led delivery was carried out by the group. A lot of this action was centred on Great Big Green Week in September and COP26 in November and was carried out by Sustainable Carlisle, PACT, Art Gene and a huge number of people and community groups across the county.  The CAfS based staff met up with a team of film makers in Burneside in October as part of a COP26 tour, an event that featured on BBC Radio Cumbria and ITV Border news.

    The Carbon Literacy arm of ZCCP has been an outstanding success. New courses designed to inform keen individuals of the latest science around climate change have been developed and delivered to hundreds of people around Cumbria. These people have ranged from private interested citizens to councillors in local government. Every course has received incredible feedback and we’re delighted to see the evidence of the impact in terms of improved knowledge and influence.

    The Copeland People’s Panel was established of citizens of the region to learn about climate change and recommend policy to the district council and other key stakeholders. Recommendations so far have been very well received and include the prioritisation of green jobs and training, an overhaul of the public transport system and a net-zero carbon buildings policy.

    The Youth Climate Summit was attended by around 500 pupils from 15 schools. Youth representatives of the summit subsequently took the conclusions reached by the pupils and presented them to Karen and Councillor Tibble, Cumbria County Council’s policy holder for Climate Change as well as to the wider partnership.

    The Vista Veg project has been unstoppable as the grower’s cooperative becomes more and more popular. The team at Vista Veg grow seasonal food and deliver to their subscribers in a responsible and sustainable manner while also delivering healthy eating courses and growing clubs with local schools.

    Elsewhere in the county, Simply Repair have been undertaking research into Repair Cafés and encouraging those with broken and damaged goods to bring them to be fixed free of charge.

    Alongside all of this stuff going on in the real world, the team are also hard at work developing the framework needed to monitor and evaluate the project going forward, ensuring that we’re always keeping our eyes on the target of 2037.

    In short, the ZCCP team has been busy over the past 12 months. And with these early successes under their belt, it’s extremely exciting for all of us at CAfS to watch as bigger and bigger plans are made for the next few years of striving for a better, greener Cumbria.

  • Big Energy Saving Week celebrates our partnership

    Big Energy Saving Week celebrates our partnership

    This week (17 – 23 Jan) is Big Energy Saving Week and  one of our key partnerships is being celebrated for all it does to help residents keep hold of their cash during Winter.

    Cold to Cosy Homes is our large scale project that offers free independent energy advice and energy saving measures to vulnerable households.

    It has now offered advice and measures like draughtproofing to hundreds of households throughout the region, saving locals huge amounts of energy and money.

    Working in partnership with local authorities, this year the project has extended its reach to the entire county. Homelife Carlisle is one of these partners who similarly offer home improvement grants of up to £7,500 for households in need.

    Representatives from CAfS and Homelife Carlisle, a Home Improvement Agency, provided by Carlisle City Council, met with MP John Stevenson in Carlisle this week to discuss the work.

    January is usually the most difficult of months with homeowners experiencing a long wait until payday along with a higher demand on their home energy requirements due to the colder temperature.

    This year, families are experiencing even tougher conditions with energy prices skyrocketing leading them to have to make tough choices when it comes to the affordability of heating their homes.

    The best way to discover ways of how to reduce energy costs is to get independent, specialist advice and Cold to Cosy homes Cumbria offers that free to eligible households. They can also offer so much more in terms of support with switching suppliers or tariffs, installing smart meters or smaller measures like LED bulbs and radiator reflectors, draught proofing and sign posting on to larger measures which can lead to a reduction in bills of hundreds of pounds per year.

    Of course, it’s not just about saving money but reducing our carbon emissions and reducing energy use can go a long way in supporting the Cumbria target of becoming carbon neutral by 2037.

    Residents wishing to access energy saving support should contact Cold to Cosy Homes or Homelife Carlisle and they will be cross referred to receive the maximum support and guidance for their situation with just one phone call.

    Carlisle MP John Stevenson said: “This partnership is one of a number across Cumbria made by Cold to Cosy Homes which enables every household to get free independent advice, an example of how they are committed to reaching as many vulnerable and low-income households as possible during these difficult times.”

    CAfS representative Kieran Macfadzean said: “By working in close partnership with Homelife Carlisle we can offer a broad range of households sound, independent advice on all aspects of staying warm and reducing their energy bills. We often advise about support that may be available from Homelife Carlisle to achieve larger works such as insulation and installation of renewable heating systems.

    “In a time of escalating energy bills, we can all benefit from finding out how we can change our energy use and save ourselves some money.”

    In December 2021 a Cumbrian Sustainable Warmth consortium of district councils – that aims to address fuel poverty, improve energy efficiency and carbon savings – was told that they had received £19,955,000 funding from the UK Government.

    The application for the Sustainable Warmth Competition, was submitted on the consortium’s behalf by Carlisle City Council.

    The funding aims to boost the local economy to retrofit a target of 1,310, mainly private sector homes, with energy efficiency measures, including low-carbon heating across Cumbria.

    Carlisle City Cllr Paul Nedved, Portfolio holder for Economy, Enterprise and Housing, added “We would encourage any residents who would like energy advice or find out what grants are available for energy saving measures to get in contact with CAFS or Homelife Carlisle to see how we can assist you save energy and keep warm.

    “We will soon be launching a new grants scheme after we successful bid for government funding on behalf of the district councils in Cumbria. Keep an eye on www.carlisle.gov.uk/homelife for updates.”

    Households can find out more and apply at www.cosyhomes.org.uk or call 01768 216500 to talk to one of the team.