Futureproof Cumbria

Month: May 2023

  • Celebrating our partnership with Shed One Distillery

    Celebrating our partnership with Shed One Distillery

    Last month, Shed One distillery hosted a fundraiser for us to celebrate three years of our charity-business partnership, alongside launching their new 100% recycled glass bottles. We were joined on the night by many local businesses, who all enjoyed the opportunity to sample Shed One’s award-winning gin whilst sharing lots of constructive conversation around green business practice.

    Since their launch in 2016, Shed One have won many awards for their sustainable business practices, providing a great role model for others looking to reduce the carbon footprint of their business in a manageable way.

    Distillery owners, Zoe and Andy, gave a tour of their operations and explained their sustainability initiatives, and representatives from CAfS talked about our work and the support that we can offer businesses on their low carbon journey. There were gin and vodka tastings and a raffle to help raise funds for CAfS.

    It was great to see so many local businesses there and the night was a really positive experience. We truly value the amazing support we receive from all our local green business partners, helping us to extend our work and move us all closer to a zero carbon Cumbria.

    Partnering with CAfS can contribute to your corporate social responsibility policy, raise your profile and improve your employee engagement. It also helps demonstrate your values to your clients and customers, showing them that you are working in the interests of our planet.

    Nick & Caroline represented CAfS at Shed One Distillery
    Shed One Sustainability Award

  • We could see the world’s climate warming by 1.5° in 2027. What can we do?

    We could see the world’s climate warming by 1.5° in 2027. What can we do?

    You won’t have been able to avoid the news last week when scientists confirmed that our continuing use of fossil fuels means a high chance that we could see the world’s climate warming by 1.5° before 2027. 

    Why warming of 1.5° is important.

    The global temperatures warming by 1.5° is spoken about frequently because it represents a ‘tipping point’ for many of the world’s ecosystems.  It would mean that 14% of the Earth’s population will be exposed to severe heatwaves once every five years and a devastating effect on habitats and ocean systems. If it reaches 2°, 37% of the Earth’s population would be exposed to disastrous heatwaves and we could see the annihilation of most coral reefs as well as a complete loss of summer ice in the Arctic.  

    Here in Cumbria, a 2010 report by Natural England predicted the changes we will experience, and are already experiencing due to climate change. An increase in extreme weather such as flooding and summer droughts, more soil erosion and wildfires impacts on water quality, the effects of which will significantly impact farming and tourism.  Local wildlife such as the mountain ringlet butterfly will also face changes to their habitat.   

    But what can we do here in Cumbria?  

    This predicted breach of 1.5° warming may only be temporary, but it could be the wake-up call that our governments and communities need.  Cutting carbon emissions has never been so urgent, and CAfS runs numerous projects across Cumbria to help do this, such as: 

    • Supporting householders to reduce the amount of energy being wasted from heating damp, draughty homes. Our Cold to Cosy team have given advice that could prevent 520 tonnes CO2e from entering the atmosphere over the next ten years.  
    • Our ‘Farming for a Future’ projects works with different types of farms across the county to explore renewable energy sources, making savings in money and energy.  
    • Our award-winning Climate Literacy courses have helped over 1200 people understand the climate crisis, their own carbon footprint and identify the action they will take to reduce it. 

    As part of the Zero Carbon Cumbria partnership we are supporting a wide range of community based and sustainability groups.  The partnership is working Cumbria-wide across four sectors, identified as key sources of emissions in our baseline report.  

    It involves over 80 organisations, has a grants programme to support local community groups to reduce their carbon footprint, has developed citizens juries and is building strong relationships across all sectors. Together we can do our bit to reduce emissions. You can find out more on the Zero Carbon Cumbria site.

     

    Read more:  

    NASA: Why Global Temperatures Matter  

    2010 Report: Impact of Climate Change in Cumbria

  • Take one minute to nominate CAfS for Movement for Good

    Take one minute to nominate CAfS for Movement for Good

    This month, we are asking our supporters to spare a minute of their time to nominate CAfS for the chance to win £1,000 through the Movement for Good Awards. For over 135 years, the Benefact Group have been putting charitable giving at the heart of their business, gifting all available profits to charity.  And this year, we could be one of those charities!

    The nomination process is free and simple. Simply follow this link to fill in the short form on the Benefact Group’s website. Only one nomination is allowed per person, so we would love it if you could share this opportunity widely as the more times we are nominated, the greater our chances of success.

    Winners are selected for the awards three times throughout the year and the next draw will be on 1st June (nominations close at 23:59 on 31st May). Unsuccessful nominees will then be rolled over to the next draw so there are multiple chances to win.

    Help us to bring climate solutions to Cumbria by nominating us here today!

    Please also share the opportunity with your friends and family. Thank you!

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    Take a minute – nominate us by 31 May!
  • Job: Sector Group Administrator

    Job: Sector Group Administrator

    We’re looking for an experienced administrator to provide support to the Zero Carbon Cumbria Sector Groups.

    You’ll be an excellent communicator, and be able to provide administrative support in a dynamic environment. Able to liaise with sector groups Convenors and members to organise meetings, maintain details of group membership and support the Cumbria Emissions Reduction Project Manager as required.

    Closing date: Wednesday 31st May

    SALARY RANGE: £21,500 to £24,000

    LOCATION: Contractually based at our office, Eden Rural Foyer, Old London Road, Penrith, CA11 8ET. Homeworking can be agreed. Occasional meetings required at venues across Cumbria.

    HOURS: 22.5 – 37.5 hours a week with flexibility across 3, 4 or 5 days.

    START DATE AND DURATION: Fixed term contract from June 2023 to June 2024 (12 months, with potential for extension subject to funding)

    ZERO CARBON CUMBRIA PARTNERSHIP

    The ZCCP is made up of more than 80 organisations from the public, private and third sectors, with the shared ambition of a net zero carbon Cumbria by 2037 for our emissions from energy, travel, land-use, food and the other goods we buy, and waste.

    On behalf of the ZCCP, CAfS secured £2.5 million in 2020 from the National Lottery’s Climate Action Fund for a five-year Zero Carbon Cumbria (ZCC) project, which is funding this post along with several others.

    Four emission sector groups have recently been created, comprising representatives from relevant partner organisations, and tasked to produce Emissions Reduction Action Plans (ERAPs) by the end of November 2023 for:

    • Buildings
    • Transport and mobility
    • Farming and other land use
    • Consumption, waste and the circular economy

    To develop their ERAP, each group is expected to meet 6 – 12 times and there are likely to be 1 to 3 sector group meetings taking place each week.

    More information about the ZCCP, the National Lottery funding and the sector groups is available here: https://zerocarboncumbria.co.uk/

    MAIN PURPOSE OF ROLE:

    • To provide administrative and other support to the Zero Carbon Cumbria Sector Groups to help them develop their Emissions Reduction Action Plans (ERAPs).

    WORKING FOR CAFS

    As an employee of Cumbria Action for Sustainability (CAfS), you’ll be working for an organisation that is flexible, supportive and values your wellbeing. We can offer you a healthy work/life balance, including some flexibility in when and where you work your hours, along with an employer pension contribution of 6% from day one of employment and holiday entitlement of 22 days pro rata plus bank and public holidays.

    CAfS is Cumbria’s climate change organisation. Our vision is a zero carbon Cumbria which is socially, environmentally, and economically beneficial for all. We aim to achieve this by promoting and facilitating low carbon living and its benefits – inspiring and supporting individuals, communities, and organisations across Cumbria and beyond to decarbonise lives and businesses by 2037 or sooner.

    We 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. 

    We hope you will consider joining us and being part of Cumbria-wide efforts to tackle climate change while making lives better.

    Job Description: Sector Group Administrator

    Download the full job description and person specification to see full details about the role

    PDF doc: Job Description – Sector Groups Administrator

    Word doc: Job Description – Sector Groups Administrator 

    How to apply

    Please return this Application-Form by 9am Wednesday 31st May to [email protected]

    INTERVIEWS: Applicants selected for interview will be contacted by 5pm Friday 2 June. Interviews will be held on Tuesday 13 June

    Some great benefits of working at CAfS

    Deciding whether to apply? Working at CAfS comes with some great benefits. You’ll be joining a friendly and supportive organisation, and your wellbeing and work/life balance are hugely important to us. As well as flexibility around your working hours and location, as mentioned above, you’ll have 22 days of paid annual leave pro rata, plus bank/public holidays. We pay an employer pension contribution of 6% from day one of employment.  

    Find out more about the benefits of working at CAfS >

  • Our latest newsletter – 6 May 2023

    Our latest newsletter – 6 May 2023

    Read our latest newsletter for details of our brilliant news about our Carbon Literacy courses being awarded platinum status, thanks for Big Give donations, a last call for Climate Champions in Copeland, a call out for opinions from upland hill farmers and an offer of low carbon business support. Plus forthcoming events, and recruitment and volunteering opportunities.

    We send our newsletters every couple of weeks. We’ll let you know about our forthcoming events, webinars, and courses; top tips for cutting your carbon footprint, our services and projects. To get this direct to your inbox, subscribe to our newsletter!

    Follow us on social media for the most up to date news!

  • CAfS recognised as one of the best charities in the country 

    CAfS recognised as one of the best charities in the country 

    CAfS awarded platinum status by the Carbon Literacy Project

    Cumbria Action for Sustainability, Cumbria’s climate change charity, is one of only ten organisations in the country to have received the prestigious award of Platinum Status. Accredited by the Carbon Literacy Project, this is the highest award level and recognises organisations that demonstrate outstanding delivery of the Carbon Literacy course and educate and inspire businesses, organisations, communities, and individuals to act on climate change.  

    As part of their drive to support Cumbria to reach its ambition of becoming carbon net zero by 2037, Cumbria Action for Sustainability has trained over a thousand people, and written, accredited and delivered courses for multiple sectors. They also run Train-the-Trainer programmes for organisations outside of Cumbria.  

    The Carbon Literacy Project promotes awareness and understanding of climate change, and the action that can be taken to reduce carbon emissions. The day long course covers the latest science behind climate change, the impacts of climate change and the solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change. The course is designed to educate people on the importance of carbon reduction and to provide them with the tools and knowledge they need to reduce their own carbon footprints, and to communicate with others about the urgency of the climate crisis. It can be tailored by Cumbria Action for Sustainability to meet the needs of specific organisations and can be delivered online or in person. 

    Chris Nattress, Principal of Lakes College West Cumbria said “The training CAfS developed and delivered was excellent and exactly what we needed. Staff found the session informative, thought-provoking and ideal in providing an evidence-based, well-informed overview of the challenges we all face in reducing carbon emissions. CAfS are a pleasure to work with, very well informed and hit just the right tone in the session.’  

    Andrew Seekings, Chief Executive of Cumberland Council said “I have attended climate change training before, when I felt that I have been talked at…or blamed…, this isn’t the case with CAfS, the approach is one that is reflective, balanced and pragmatic. It is based on an understanding that not all of us can take every action, inhibited by our ability to change for various reasons, but instead, raises your consciousness to make you want to do something, whatever is right for you.”  

    Sam Plum, Chief Executive of Westmorland and Furness Council, said; “I would highly recommend the CAfS Carbon Literacy Training.  The course is accessible, compelling, and incredibly well delivered, with plenty of opportunities for participants to really get involved.  It absolutely resonates with our Council Plan priorities and brings a sometimes unattainable or challenging subject to life with real examples and practical steps.” 

    Hazel Graham, CAfS Climate and Carbon Literacy Training Manager said; “We are delighted to be one of the few organisations in the country to achieve platinum status. This is a real recognition of the quality of the work of our team of eight specialist climate trainers.  

    At CAfS, we’ve been supporting individuals and organisations to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions for 25 years and we have built an incredibly strong team of specialist staff. It is brilliant to see that hard work and expertise recognised in this award. 

    We have trained over 1200 people so far, but we aim to train 3000 people in the next 2 years. If you want to be one of them, please get in touch!” 

    CAfS Carbon Literacy course is available to businesses, organisations and individuals looking for a deeper understanding of climate change and methods of reducing carbon in their businesses and lives. The course is also offered free of charge to those on low incomes, using a pay-as-you-can-afford model, ensuring everyone has access to the knowledge they need to make a positive impact on the environment. The course encourages connection with a network of people working towards a greener future.  

    If you are looking to take steps to reduce your carbon footprint and become more sustainable in your life, community, business or organisation, check out the links. 

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    Trained by CAfS in Carbon Literacy!

  • Job: Cumbria Emissions Reduction Project Manager

    Job: Cumbria Emissions Reduction Project Manager

    A unique opportunity to play a crucial role in planning Cumbria’s pathway to net zero carbon emissions.

    Cumbria’s groundbreaking Zero Carbon Cumbria Partnership initiative brings together many diverse organisations together to plan the county’s pathway to net zero carbon emissions. We’re looking for an experienced project manager to manage and support four sub-groups of the partnership to ensure they have the resources they need to develop wide ranging emission reduction action plans for Cumbria. You’ll use your excellent communication, relationship management and planning skills to work closely with the groups and other stakeholders to ensure they make progress in identifying the actions that need to be taken, by who and how. Your understanding of the causes and impacts of climate change will help underpin this vital contribution to Cumbria’s ambition to decarbonise.

    You’ll also ensure that any needs are met for training or events to help the groups and the wider partnership progress action on climate change.

    To apply, please email your completed application form to us by 9am Wednesday 24 May.

    Candidates selected for interview will be contacted by Friday 26 May. Interviews will be held on Tuesday 6 June.

    About the Zero Carbon Cumbria Partnership

    The ZCCP is made up of more than 80 organisations from the public, private and third sectors, with the shared ambition of a net zero carbon Cumbria by 2037 for our emissions from energy, travel, land-use, food and the other goods we buy, and waste.

    On behalf of the ZCCP, in 2020 CAfS secured £2.5 million from the National Lottery’s Climate Action Fund for a five-year Zero Carbon Cumbria (ZCC) project, which is funding this post along with several others.

    Four emission sector groups have recently been created, each with a clearly defined scope and terms of reference. The groups comprise of  representatives from relevant partner organisations, and have been tasked to produce Emissions Reduction Action Plans (ERAPs) by the end of November 2023.

    As part of the Lottery-funded project there is also a programme of climate and emission-reduction events and training which is coordinated by CAfS on behalf of ZCCP and delivered jointly by a range of partners.

    The programme helps partners, organisations, communities and individuals overcome barriers to reducing emissions such as lack of knowledge, understanding, skills and confidence. It provides a supportive framework for community engagement, enabling groups to share campaigns, messaging, action and successes.

    National Lottery Community Fund logo
    Click for more info on the Zero Carbon Cumbria Partnership

    The important stuff

    • SALARY RANGE: £24,000 – £32,000 (FTE)

    • LOCATION: Flexibility between our office in Penrith, and from home, plus occasional meetings.

    • HOURS: 22.5 – 37.5 hours a week, to be worked across 3, 4 or 5 days.

    • START DATE AND DURATION: Fixed term from June 2023 – June 2024 with potential for extension

    You’ll love working at CAfS

    Working at CAfS comes with great benefits. You’ll be joining a friendly and supportive organisation, and your wellbeing and work:life balance are hugely important to us. As well as flexibility around your working hours and location, you’ll have 22 days of paid annual leave pro rata, plus bank/public holidays. We pay an employer pension contribution of 6% from day one of employment.

    What a job at CAfS offers you…

    • The opportunity to be on the frontline driving action on climate change as part of a respected organisation that is making a difference.

    • Collaboration with dedicated colleagues, communities, local authorities and other organisations who are striving towards the same goal.

    • A dynamic working environment in which we continually innovate to achieve the best outcomes for employees, communities and planet.

    • A consultative working culture where staff are encouraged to contribute to new developments.

    Our work culture and benefits…

    • We are a friendly and supportive team of colleagues and board of trustees

    • We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in all that we do.

    • We will provide the equipment you need to do your job.

    • Employee wellbeing is very important to us. We do what we can to help colleagues achieve a great work/life balance.

    • We have a flexible working policy and we use it. Most staff work part time so we are accustomed to managing different work patterns. Staff can also work at home where possible.

    • We invest in learning and development and encourage people to develop their skills and commit time and resources to development.

    Find out even more about the benefits of working at CAfS >