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  • Research collaboration with Lancaster University and Cumbrian businesses

    Research collaboration with Lancaster University and Cumbrian businesses

    Lancaster University is launching an innovative sustainability research initiative designed to empower small and medium-sized businesses and social enterprises in the Westmorland and Furness region. This new programme, supported by the Westmorland and Furness Green Energy Hub offers a unique opportunity for local businesses to collaborate with Lancaster University’s talented students, unlocking valuable insights and strategic recommendations tailored to their specific sustainability goals. 

    Conducted over a minimum of two weeks, the research projects will provide businesses with practical solutions, actionable strategies and fresh perspectives to enhance their sustainability practices. By partnering with Lancaster University, businesses can utilise the expertise and resources of students to move towards a more sustainable future. Joanne Larty from Lancaster University says:  

    “Businesses can struggle to find the time and resources to reduce their environmental impact, and understand ways sustainability might both help to reduce costs and waste, leading to new market opportunities with customers. Every business is unique, so this is an opportunity to tailor research to the specific needs of your business. We have students from a range of subject areas who are passionate about sustainability and want to use their expertise to help local businesses thrive in a more sustainable way.”  

    Zoe Hebblethwaite, Business Decarbonisation Manager at the W&F Green Enterprise Hub, added, “With places available for up to 5 businesses, this is an excellent opportunity for businesses to take proactive steps towards sustainability. For those interested in participating, the closing date for applications is the 13th of May. Apply now at https://cafs.org.uk/for-businesses/wf-green-enterprise-hub/funded-sustainability-research/” 

     

    In addition to the research projects, Lancaster University will host two informational events for businesses interested in sustainable innovation. These events will provide networking opportunities and insights into recent research on sustainable businesses in Cumbria. Attendees will also learn about creative approaches to sustainability and have the chance to engage in discussions with industry experts. For more information on the events, please visit https://cafs.org.uk/for-businesses/wf-green-enterprise-hub/greenhub-events/ 

    The Westmoreland and Furness Green Enterprise Hub is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. 

     

  • Age UK North Tyneside – Breaking down barriers and spreading the word with Carbon Literacy

    Age UK North Tyneside – Breaking down barriers and spreading the word with Carbon Literacy

    Sonya Roe, and Age UK North Tyneside are on a journey of positive, practical climate action. And the motivation all started with an urge to make a difference, both personally and at the organisation, with climate action.

    Age UK North Tyneside serves a diverse community, providing services such as exercise classes, will writing, information and advice, and support for the older LGBTQ+ community. It has a predominantly female workforce, many who live locally. Priorities in their 2020-2025 strategy concentrate on supporting the local economy, improving the lives of people in later life and being a partner, and employer ‘of choice’.

    With these aims and purposes in mind, Sonya, Head of Charity Services, explains that there were many different motivations for undertaking CAfS Climate and Carbon Literacy course. Chief in mind was the increasing urgency of the climate crisis; the low-level events which were becoming increasingly hard to ignore. The anxiety that this caused, and conversations within the charity from both a climate and a cost-of-living angle.

    The course gave Sonya the motivation and confidence to undertake several actions within the organisation. She was on the online course – and found the interaction between the cohort to be interesting and stimulating. “There was a huge amount of knowledge in the ‘room’ but no one felt unable to contribute regardless of their own knowledge levels.”

    There was a recognition that many of the actions that could be taken would have co-benefits, and would empower a largely female workforce, helping to reduce the anxiety that the changing climate was causing. Practical information allowed for concrete decisions and action plans to be made, for example – replacing an aging fleet of vehicles with electric hybrid, but, as this is a considerable investment for a charity, ensuring that this was done when the vehicles were, as Sony put it, ‘on their last legs’.

    A key challenge, ensuring that you are bringing your colleagues with you, was solved by giving agency within the organisations for others to act, but supported by Sonya and with co-benefits in mind. For example, organising clothes swaps – which, as clothes are a recognised challenge for carbon emissions is a good place to start, but also removes the ‘stigma’ of buying pre-loved clothes, saving money, and starting conversations in the office.

    Sonya also wrote a travel action plan, emphasising climate-friendly active travel such as bikes – and planning for car shares. This is another example of a positive action which has co-benefits for health and money-saving.

    Looking to the future, Age UK North Tyneside is continuing on it’s carbon-friendly journey with the local authority, applying for and working with the framework for The North Tyneside Carbon Reducation Award (link:

    Carbon Reduction Award Scheme Leaflet AoCC Sep 22.pdf (northtyneside.gov.uk)).

  • Alpacally Ever After – Utilising food waste, alpaca dung and worms!

    Alpacally Ever After – Utilising food waste, alpaca dung and worms!

    As delivery partners in the Westmorland and Furness Green Enterprise Hub, CAfS have been able to support small and medium enterprises with tailored carbon reduction and sustainability support. “Our mission is to empower organisations to reduce their carbon footprint, drive innovation, and unlock the benefits of a cleaner, greener future.”

    One of the businesses we’ve been working with is Alpacally Ever After, a social enterprise that rehomes alpacas and llamas from all over the country and give them a wonderful new home with the very best of care, while bringing people in touch with the landscape and the natural world through outstanding alpaca and llama experiences, their sites are accessible to all.

    Anna inoculates with worms

    With a basecamp that boasts an amazing farm café and shop and a beautiful new community growing space to provide organic supplies to the cafe, they are an ideal site to demonstrate food waste composting, utilising the power of Alpaca dung and worms, increasing the reach of “Vermiculture Cumbria” to farmers, growers and enterprise.

    Look out for a video of the workshop on Alpacally’s Youtube channel.

    Alpacally Ever After have been monitoring their food waste over time and their average daily waste is 17kg. They hope to reduce their CO2e by using vermiculture for all their kitchen waste.

    17kg of food waste / day equates roughly to 32.3kg of Co2-e emissions or the equivalent of 2.88 days of electricity consumption for one household.

    We are working with Anna de la Vega, who set up The Urban Worm CIC, Anna is a vermiculture expert with years of international experience delivering training and consultancy on vermiculture food waste solutions to tackle this huge global issue.

    And there’s more! Read here about: Vermiculture Cumbria! Worms and the field to fork journey. – CAfS

    Sign up for and read back issues of The New Worm Order Newsletter here: Newsletter Archive – The Urban Worm

  • Event Report: Solar Made Easy on Cartmel Peninsula

    Event Report: Solar Made Easy on Cartmel Peninsula

    Our recent Solar Made Easy event in Grange Over Sands saw over 100 people from 70 households in attendance. The receptive and knowledgeable audience posed a raft of technical and testing questions to the installers Create Energy and Glow Solar who are two of five installation companies vetted by CAfS and working with us on the Solar Made Easy project. Many of the households have already progressed to obtaining quotes.

    The solar map commissioned by CAfS identifies over 4,500 rooves across the seven towns and villages on the Cartmel Peninsula that are suitable for solar panel installations, with the total energy output calculated to be an estimated annual energy output of 19Gwh. See maps across Cumbria here.

    The event was hosted in conjunction with local sustainability group PEAT, with their volunteers supporting the event with a leaflet drop, putting up posters and helping on the evening to set up and serve refreshments, laying out chairs, registering attendees and helping to clear away at the end. Chair of PEAT, Annette Hennessy said “A shining success for the Solar Made Easy event in Grange over Sands with nearly 100 people. Lots of enthusiasm, engagement and insights from CAfS, the installers and the audience, with follow up interest already. It’s helped us to reach out to a new group of people as well as recruit new members. PEAT was proud to work with CAfS to bring this very positive evening about renewable energy to the Cartmel peninsula. It was easy to do and we would definitely encourage others to try the same.”

    This project is funded by Energy Redress.

  • Fight for our Future: CAfS gets ready for annual Big Give appeal

    Fight for our Future: CAfS gets ready for annual Big Give appeal

    CAfS are gearing up for their “Fight for Our Future” appeal, to raise awareness of the effects of climate change on Cumbria’s young people and promote urgent action to protect their futures. CAfS aims to raise £20,000  to support this work, and between the 18th and 25th of April, any donations made will be doubled thanks to the Big Give’s Green Match Fund. 

    With the effects of climate change becoming more acutely felt, through extreme weather events, such as severe flooding, heatwaves and air pollution, recent studies have highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change on young people. One study found that around 70% of people aged 16-25 are extremely worried or very worried about the climate*.  

    CAfS recognises the urgent need to address these pressing challenges and is taking action to tackle climate change through schemes focused on home energy efficiency, community engagement and renewable energy projects among many others.. 

    Karen Mitchell, CEO of CAfS, said, ‘Climate change poses significant threats to the health and well-being of young people, and it’s imperative that we take action now to prevent this. Through our ‘Fight for our Future campaign,’ you will be supporting projects that are reducing our reliance on polluting fossil fuels and improving the quality of life for everyone.’ 

    Earth Day (22nd April) falls within the appeal week, which offers a great opportunity to raise awareness of climate change and the importance of taking positive action. If you are planning activities for Earth Day and would like to support CAfS appeal by fundraising, please get in touch via [email protected]. 

    If you wish to donate to CAfS during the week of the Big Give 18th-25th April you can pledge here.

    *The Lancet, 2021 

    All donations will be doubled!
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  • Wishing you an ethical and sustainable Easter!

    Wishing you an ethical and sustainable Easter!

    It’s just 3 days until Easter and if you’re looking to celebrate sustainably you may be wondering about the footprint of your Easter egg and how you can do your bit for the climate. 

    Alongside issues such as child labour and workers’ rights, climate issues such as palm oil, excess packaging and whether to go vegan are all to be considered when making any chocolate purchase. Ethical Consumer have a useful guide to navigating your Easter egg choices here: Easter Eggs | Ethical Consumer 

    If you are in the habit of sending cards at Easter, why not check out our E-cards: Cumbria Action for Sustainability Easter eCards | DontSendMeACard.com. Every paper card posted accounts for 140g CO2e – the equivalent of travelling 1km by train. We have several bright and cheery designs to choose from and with all proceeds going towards supporting climate action in Cumbria, there’s plenty to feel positive about if you choose to make the switch. 

    With families coming together for the holidays, you may also be looking to stock up on groceries or making purchases for short breaks away. ‘Give As You Live’ (GAYL) is an online shopping platform which donates a % of sales to your chosen charity every time you shop. With over 6000 stores to choose from, whether you are buying the ingredients for your Easter Sunday lunch, a new pair of sunglasses, or food for the rabbit, Give as you Live helps you to make a difference without any extra hassle – or expense! 

    CAfS have their own online profile so why not hit the link and see how you can support climate action in Cumbria this Easter. https://www.giveasyoulive.com/charity/cumbriaactionforsustainability 

  • Supporting Local Climate Action this Earth Day

    Supporting Local Climate Action this Earth Day

    Over the last year, the UK has experienced drought, widespread flooding and frequent storms. This has been mirrored across the globe where extreme weather events are becoming the norm. Here in Cumbria, we are working hard to reduce carbon emissions as quickly as possible, working with individuals, businesses and communities on everything from domestic and community energy to retrofit, green business support and sustainable agricultural practices.  

    Earth Day this year falls on Monday April 22nd – and we are talking to local schools, and youth groups, to encourage activities and conversations to raise awareness of climate action. 

    Earth Day activity suggestions (we’d also love to hear yours!): 

    • Go Green for the Planet Day – staff and pupils could wear green or bring something green to school to show they care about the climate/planet earth and donate £1. 
    • Take part in our Earth Bingo or Quiz (get in touch to get your copies!) 50p a go? 
    • Organise a sponsored litter pick or school plastic count. 
    • Have a walk or cycle to school day. 

    And during the week 18th-25th April, we are running our “Fight for our Future” appeal aiming to raise £20,000 to support vital climate action in Cumbria. This is a great opportunity to talk about climate issues and raise the profile with the community of ways everyone can take positive action.  Any funds raised during this week will be doubled – and you can find out more about the campaign here. 

    If you don’t feel able to fundraise, Earth Day is still a great opportunity to showcase the sustainable actions you are already taking in your school and raise awareness about the climate crisis. We’d love to hear about what you get up to – contact us and let us know! 

    Donate between 18-25 April!
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  • Job: Energy Team Project Officer – Cold to Cosy Homes Cumbria

    Job: Energy Team Project Officer – Cold to Cosy Homes Cumbria

    Cold to Cosy Homes Cumbria is expanding its service to deliver more free home energy advice support across all districts of Cumbria. We are looking for a project officer with skills and experience of providing  excellent customer service and experience of working with a diverse range of  people and communities.

    You will be part of a passionate team, working cooperatively to provide home energy advice in clients’ homes, but telephone and at events across Cumbria. You’ll develop and maintain relationships with external stakeholders including charities, local authorities and voluntary organisations.

    Key Responsibilities and Tasks

    • Service delivery: energy advice by telephone, online, in-person at people’s homes and at events in Cumbria
    • Provide high quality customer service – building a friendly rapport with clients and a strong reputation for Cold to Cosy Homes and CAfS
    • Communication – maintain effective communication with relevant stakeholders.
    • Contribute to the review and development of the service, supporting the project manager and the team of advisors.

    You will also be able to contribute to the on-going work of CAfS generally, including attending appropriate meetings and training sessions.

    To apply, please email your completed application form to us by 9am on Wednesday 10 April 2024.

    Interviews dates are flexible and will be confirmed upon shortlisting. 

    The important stuff

    • SALARY SCALE: £23,000 – £29,000 (FTE)

    • LOCATION: Flexible working patterns with blended home, site and office (Penrith) work.

    • HOURS: 22.5 – 37.5 hours per week, with flexibility to be worked three to five days per week.

    • START DATE AND DURATION: Start as soon as possible with a fixed term contract until 31 March 2025 (possible extension due to funding)

    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 >

  • Job – Project Manager: Energy Team

    Job – Project Manager: Energy Team

    Our award winning Cold to Cosy Homes Cumbria service is expanding, and we are looking for an exceptional Project Manager to support the service to deliver even more home energy saving advice and support across Cumbria.

    This is a brilliant opportunity if you have experience of managing customer services including systems, processes and compliance. You will be part of a passionate team, leading the customer service and operational aspect of Cold to Cosy Homes and developing new project and contract requirements to meet service specifications and client demands.

    Key Responsibilities and Tasks

    • Service delivery and development to include the delivery of Cold to Cosy Homes and other building energy services.
    • Deliver high quality customer advice services through managing customer services processes and embedding a customer focussed delivery ethos within the team.
    • Finance and budgets to include supporting budget and resource management processes and to plan resources, including team capacity, contracts and recruitment.
    • Forecasting, reporting and performance management to include ensuring weekly and monthly performance reports on service delivery are produced as required and to feedback into quality assurance processes.
    • People management to include line managing the delivery team and being responsible for recruitment.

    You will also be able to contribute to the on-going work of CAfS generally, including attending network meetings and work alongside other managers to expand services as needed.

    To apply, please email your completed application form to us by 9am on Wednesday 3 April 2024.

    Interviews dates are flexible and will be confirmed upon shortlisting. 

    The important stuff

    • SALARY SCALE: £26,000 – £34,000 (FTE)

    • LOCATION: Flexible working patterns with blended home, site and office (Penrith) work.

    • HOURS: 30 – 37.5 hours per week, with flexibility to be worked over up to five days per week.

    • START DATE AND DURATION: Start as soon as possible with a fixed term contract until 31 March 2025 (possible extension due to funding)

    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 >

  • Inspiring Good Business Networking Event brings a feel-good vibe to decarbonisation!

    Inspiring Good Business Networking Event brings a feel-good vibe to decarbonisation!

    Businesses across Westmorland & Furness are invited to an ‘Inspiring Good Business’ networking event on the 7th of March, in Kendal Town Hall Organised by Future Fixers CIC as part of the W&F Green Enterprise Hub, The event is aimed at making connections with local organisations who are looking to become more sustainable. It will provide an opportunity for informal networking as well as inspiration from an internationally acclaimed speaker, good music and local, low-carbon food and drink.

    The event is an evening with inspirational speaker, Mark Shayler. Mark Shayler is an innovation and environmental advisor and author of You Can’t Make Money from a Dead Planet: The sustainable method for driving profits. 

    Mark has worked with some big-name brands, to help them think small and some small companies to think big. Bestselling author and sustainability strategist Mark will talk about his manifesto for change and why there is no contradiction between being profitable and doing the right thing for the planet and for your customers.

    The event is to be held at Kendal Town Hall on the 7th March 2024, 6.00pm – 8.30pm. It will be co-hosted by music curator and presenter, Tom Salmon, of Oh My Days: low carbon event services, with music from local bands Caravanouche and The Native Cult. Hot food will be provided by the Waste into Wellbeing project with Julia Savory The W&F Green Enterprise Hub team will be on hand to answer questions.

    The Westmorland & Furness Green Enterprise Hub is open to any industry sector, including the third sector, hospitality, manufacturing, retail and transport to name a few. It’s a chance for both businesses and social enterprises to receive free or subsidised tailored advice, training and support, and to apply for grants of up to £10,000, making the move to low carbon practices and technologies more affordable.

    As part of innovative delivery partnership, CAfS have support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Westmorland and Furness Council. The W&F Green Enterprise Hub has received £571,359 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

    Karen Bentley-Brown, from Future Fixers, says: “We are really excited that thanks to the UK Shared Prosperity funding through Westmorland and Furness Council we are able to host an inspirational speaker like Mark Shayler at our first event.”

    “Mark has a way of making you feel optimistic about a low carbon future and the benefits it can bring. His mission is making stuff better and making better stuff, and this really fits with our Inspiring Good Business ethos. Many wonderful local businesses have already bought their tickets but there’s still time to get yours. We’d particularly like to thank sustainable businesses Ginger Bakers, Heywood-MacDonald Accountants and Jo from the Woods for their kind support.”

    She adds, “Making it easier for everyone to enjoy the benefits of a greener future is a key priority for Future Fixers and it’s great to see the partnership approach and additional support that the Green Business Hub offers.”

    Tickets are £25 and available through Ticket Source