CAfS

Blog

  • Job: Events and Training Coordinator

    Job: Events and Training Coordinator

    CAfS is co-chair of the Zero Carbon Cumbria Partnership (ZCCP), which involves more than 80 organisations spanning the public, private and third sectors with the aim of delivering a coordinated emission reduction programme to bring about a zero-carbon Cumbria by 2037.
    CAfS has been awarded £2.5 million from the National Lottery’s Climate Action Fund, on behalf of the ZCCP, for a five-year Zero Carbon Cumbria project. Eleven of the organisations in the ZCCP, as well as CAfS, will be involved in delivering elements of the project, to support the goals of the wider partnership.
    The Lottery-funded project will tackle some of the main sources of carbon emissions in Cumbria, with a particular focus on food, energy generation, transport and the goods we buy. Further information about ZCCP can be found on the Zero Carbon Cumbria website.

    We’re looking for an Events and Training Coordinator to coordinate and lead the design, organisation, delivery, reporting and evaluation of the events and training programme. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a thriving and growing organisation of friendly, skilled and highly supportive colleagues, that plays a crucial role in helping Cumbria tackle the climate crisis. We encourage and welcome applications from suitably skilled candidates from all walks of life.

    About the role

    As part of the Lottery-funded project, CAfS leads the development of a programme of climate and emission-reduction related events and training which is delivered jointly by CAfS and a range of partners.
    The programme aims to inspire and enable partners, organisations, communities and individuals to overcome barriers to reducing emissions, such as lack of knowledge, skills and confidence. It is a supportive framework for community and partner engagement, enabling groups and other partners to share campaigns, messaging, action and successes.

    The role will involve:

    • Collaboration with the Zero Carbon Cumbria Partnership, colleagues, communities and other organisations across Cumbria to identify skills and knowledge gaps and the demand for training and events.
    • Coordination and leading the design, organisation, delivery, reporting and evaluation of the events and training programme.
    • Developing and testing an income generating model which will ensure the longer term delivery of an events and training programme after the Lottery funding comes to an end in December 2025.

    To apply, please email your completed application form to us by 9am on Tuesday 23 January 2024.

    Interviews are planned for Wednesday 31 January 2024. 

    The important stuff

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

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

    • HOURS: 22.5 – 30 hours per week, with flexibility to be worked over up to five days per week.

    • START DATE AND DURATION: Fixed-term until December 2025

    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: Office and People Support Manager

    Job: Office and People Support Manager

    Our mission is to achieve net zero by 2037 or sooner 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. We provide practical support for the development of low carbon plans and policies for places, communities, businesses, local authorities, other organisations, and individuals. We inspire behaviour change and seek to deliver sustained shifts from high to low carbon emissions through new social norms and influencing key policies, strategies, and funding streams.  

     We’re looking for an Office and People Support Manager to oversee the provision of professional, friendly and comprehensive administration support to CAfS employees, volunteers and contractors.  The role also includes overseeing the ongoing implementation, review and improvement of CAfS people management and support systems and procedures to help maximise staff wellbeing, efficiency and effectiveness. 

    About you

    You’ll have experience of leading a team and managing staff performance. Managing a diverse workload, and prioritising tasks and time will be strengths. You’ll have practical experience of using an accounting system, and excellent IT skills.

    You’ll also have excellent verbal and written communication skills and an understanding of charity administration.

    To apply, please email your completed application form to us by 9am on Tuesday 16 January

    Interviews will be held on Wednesday 24 January in person at our offices.

    The important stuff

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

    • LOCATION: Blended home and office (Penrith) work.

    • HOURS: 30 hours per week, can be worked flexibly over 5 days

    • START DATE AND DURATION: Start February | Permanent contract

    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 >

  • Launch of the Westmorland & Furness Green Enterprise Hub

    Launch of the Westmorland & Furness Green Enterprise Hub

    CAfS along with several partners are celebrating a significant funding boost of £571,359 to establish a pioneering business decarbonisation hub. The initiative, set to exclusively support the Westmorland & Furness area, is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and aims to bolster the sustainability efforts of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), charities, community businesses, and social enterprises. 

    Up to 300 local organisations looking to reduce their carbon footprint and save costs will be able to benefit from a range of free and subsidised services, a comprehensive ‘one stop shop’ of carbon reduction support. The services available from the project partners will include expert advice, one-to-one support, training, events and auditing across a wide range of emission sources. The initiative will also distribute £215,000 in grants to support businesses implementing carbon reduction measures. 

    The programme boasts a diverse group of experienced industry partners, including Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, Future Fixers, Cumbria Tourism, Lancaster University, Art Gene, Green Small Business, Electricity Northwest, CBEN, Donna Munro, A Muir Surveying, Verday, and Simon Brace EV Consulting, which will collectively contribute to delivering the different elements of the support programme.  

    CAfS Low Carbon Communities Programme Manager, Molly Hogg, said, “For several years, we’ve been working together with our partners to support businesses to cut carbon and reap the benefits of becoming more sustainable. It’s fabulous to receive this funding, which allows us to strengthen that collaboration. The grant programme also means organisations can immediately get financial help to act on that advice.” 

    To find out more you can access the CAfS Westmorland and Furness here.

     

  • Contractor Opportunity: Retrofit Assessors

    Contractor Opportunity: Retrofit Assessors

    As our domestic energy advice service expands, we are looking to grow our team of freelance energy assessors to provide bespoke advice to householders and property owners to enable them to develop strong retrofit plans.

    We are seeking individuals with a holistic approach to retrofit of modern and or historic buildings, considering not only energy reduction, but also implications for heritage, culture, building and human health and building use.

    You will have experience of building energy modelling, be self-motivated and highly organised, with an excellent ability to develop rapport and communicate effectively with clients from a range of backgrounds, including those who are self-funded and those seeking grant support to complete measures.

    About our retrofit service

    Retrofit Assessors will work to deliver home retrofit plans, within the context of our wider energy service. This supports domestic clients with detailed information that identifies areas of thermal weakness in their buildings and retrofit measures that could be most suitable to improve their property’s energy performance. The support includes an initial advice call, home energy audits (using the Home Retrofit Planner (HRP) software), thermal imaging surveys and other subsequent retrofit advice services (including a Bespoke Retrofit Plan (BRP), pre-design, design and specification advice, advice around suitable contractors and on-site retrofit monitoring (NB these latter stages are to be developed).

    CAfS has also recently won funding to provide a new retrofit advice service to householders via our Cold to Cosy Homes service. This will provide clients with retrofit advice visits, HRP audits, and advice around accessing relevant grant funding.

    We also provide support in relation to non-domestic properties. This support is currently subcontracted to a pool of commercial building energy auditors, and the nature of it depends upon the needs of the clients.

    To apply as a contract Retrofit Assessor, complete the application form. This is our preferred application method, but a CV and covering letter would be accepted as an alternative. Please send your application to [email protected] by 9am Tuesday 16th January 2024 (shortlisted candidates will be contacted by Thursday 18th January).

    Short listed candidates will be invited to take part in a group assessment workshop and short individual interview on Tuesday 23rd January 2024 (Successful contractors will be notified on Thursday 25 January 2024.)

    How It Works

    Virtual and onsite appointments are arranged by CAfS for the assessor, for days the assessor chooses and specifies as available (via our online calendar). Assessors should agree with CAfS the days they are normally available, to enable the service to provide sufficient availability to meet demand across the team of assessors. There is some scope for Assessors to negotiate specialist expertise and geographical area they wish to work in – we encourage operating in your local area to limiting travel by car however also need to ensure all property types and areas of the county are covered.

    Technical support, report review and mentoring is provided by CAfS.

    Assessors are responsible for ensuring their own continued professional development to ensure knowledge of building science and retrofit strategies remains current.

    Assessors are responsible for their own tax, national insurance, and public liability and professional indemnity insurance. (In some cases, CAfS may be able to provide Professional Indemnity insurance.)

    Assessors are required to provide all equipment required to deliver assessments, based on a guidance document provided by CAfS.

    Assessors are paid on issue of reports and should invoice to CAfS monthly.

    Key responsibilities and tasks

    Work with clients and the Home Retrofit Planner (HRP) app to identify client aspirations for retrofit, model current building energy demand and its cost and carbon implications, and create a range of suitable scenarios to support the client in the concept stage of their retrofit project.

    This will involve:

    • Completion of Home Retrofit Planner training (provided by CAfS).
    • Leading virtual assessment appointments with clients to understand their ambitions, priorities and budget.
    • Carrying out physical assessments of properties
    • Modelling building energy using the HRP app
    • Creating potential retrofit scenarios for clients using the HRP app
    • Producing written report content, to communicate rationale for the scenarios and highlight any building-specific risks.
    • Conducting follow up meetings with clients to interpret reports, and explain them clearly to clients to ensure they are understood and facilitate their decision making.
    • Make use of intelligence provided by CAfS about grants for means tested and non means tested retrofit work to signpost clients to funding which may extend their retrofit budget.
    • Engage in mentoring from CAfS Technical Lead to support the professional development of this role.
    • Attend monthly Assessor meetings, to receive updates on the service and retrofit developments.

    Person Specification

    We are seeking individuals with the right mix of enthusiasm, ethos and personal attributes. If you feel you are the right person for the job, but do not meet all of the essential criteria, we would be happy to hear from you if you are prepared to undertake additional training to increase your skills.

    Essential Skills
    • Expert knowledge of home energy retrofit and domestic energy saving, the domestic construction sector, fabric-first improvements and renewable energy.
    • A level 3 qualification in a green building or retrofit subject.
    • At least one year’s experience of providing domestic retrofit advice.
    • Experience of building energy modelling.
    • Willingness to undertake HRP training and mentoring.
    • Ability to interpret findings from energy audits and make judgements around suitability of measures for the clients, based upon an understanding of their needs, motivations and budget.
    • Strong team player and capability to work cooperatively as part of a small team as well as on own initiative without day-to-day supervision.
    • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, to provide clear and robust energy audit advice and assessments to clients via written reports and verbal consultations.
    • The proven ability to adapt language to communicate effectively with clients from a wide range of backgrounds.
    • An interest in the objectives that CAfS seeks to deliver.
    • Ability to use remote working systems such as Teams, SharePoint and Microsoft Outlook.
    • Ability to follow risk assessments and record accidents and near misses.
    • Ability to work to tight deadlines and juggle multiple priorities.
    • Ability to work flexibly including evening and weekend working by agreement.
    • Ability to travel independently throughout rural Cumbria.
    • Willingness to apply for a DBS check.

    Desirable skills

    • At least three years’ experience of providing domestic retrofit advice.
    • A level 5 or higher qualification in a green building or retrofit subject.
    • Experience working with people from a wide variety of backgrounds.
    • Experience of working in a dispersed team and using Microsoft Teams or similar.
    • Additional experience/qualification in energy auditing and/or thermography.

    The important stuff

    • LOCATION: CAfS office is at Eden Rural Foyer, Old London Road, Penrith, CA11 8ET, however contractors operate from their own premises. Regular travel to client sites throughout Cumbria and occasionally to neighbouring districts to Cumbria.

    • HOURS: A minimum of one Home Retrofit Plan per week comprising: Virtual assessment, onsite assessment and written report per week, 10 months per year, or equivalent time commitment across other areas of our retrofit . Usually achievable in 2 days per completed report.

    • REMUNERATION: A fixed fee is paid per completed report depending on complexity and size of building, normally between £312 and £400.

    • DURATION: Work for self funded clients is ongoing. In addition, grant funding is secured to deliver the service to eligible clients until March 2025.

    • BENEFITS: Working with 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. There is also flexibility around your working hours and location.

  • Dream placement – jobs for the future?

    Dream placement – jobs for the future?

    Tuesday saw the selection event for the Centre for Leadership Performance’s ‘Dream Placement’.

    The project places young people in a work based placement for a week, encouraging them through a rigorous application process, attendance to networking events and interviews with a range of businesses and sectors.

    CAfS are very proud to take part this year, adding a ‘green careers’ theme to the scheme by offering an insight at events and leading a  workshop with students about linking their interests to their careers. This week we were interviewing those young people who had got through the application process for their work-based placements later on in the year.

    Nida Batchelder, CAfS Youth Project Coordinator explains our involvement,

    “It has been fantastic to collaborate with CforLP adding a Green Careers theme to their Dream Placement scheme this year. Presenting to host companies about highlighting their environmentally sustainable values and actions as well as boosting the visibility of green role or jobs within placements as well as recruitment was a privilege. The fact that 97% of young people who attended the workshop valued working for an organisations with sustainable values and 97% were also interested in or concerned by climate change. This is useful for organisations to know in order to proudly promote their values, increase the visibility of green jobs and attract talent.”

    The placements take place in February half term, and we’ll be sure to share what we get up to!

  • What is COP28 – and what can it achieve?

    What is COP28 – and what can it achieve?

    What is ‘COP’? 

    COP stands for Conference of the Parties – and it is the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference, now in it’s 28th year. The ‘parties’ are the original countries which signed up to the UN Climate change treaty in 1994. . The president of this year’s COP, which begins on 30 November in Dubai  is Sultan Al Jaber, who is the president of the state oil company of the United Arab Emirates – a highly controversial choice. 

    Over the years there have been numerous targets, agreements, hopes and disappointments at different COPs.  

    The Paris agreement in 2015 (COP 21) set out legally binding requirements for countries to hold global temperature rises to “well below 2C” while “pursuing efforts” to stay within 1.5C, yet the world remains on course for a 2.5 C increase.  

    Recent COP meetings have focussed on exploring areas such as a loss and damage fund to support developing countries. At COP27 there were significant pledges by Australia, and a commitment from Brazil to reduce deforestation. As is traditional, the hosts of the COP set the focus for the discussions which this year will be: 

    • Clean energy – fast tracking the renewable energy transition. 
    • Putting nature, people, lives and livelihoods at the heart of climate action, including supporting the most vulnerable.  
    • Delivering on finance; making good on old promises and setting a new deal for finance 
    • Mobilising inclusivity; ensuring decisions, solutions and discussions are truly inclusive of local communities and indigenous peoples.  

    What have the conferences done for Cumbria?  

    An important question, as here in Cumbria you could be forgiven for thinking that decisions and pledges made on the other side of the world don’t have a huge local impact.  

    However, some UK policies have been influenced by COP pledges.   

    For example, the UK government is committed to reducing energy use in buildings, which has led to funding for nationwide retrofit projects. (£1.8 billion awarded to boost energy efficiency and cut emissions of homes and public buildings across England – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) Here at CAfS, retrofitting and cutting energy use in buildings have been a focus of our work for some time as carbon emissions from buildings are around 21% of our total emissions footprint in Cumbria. You can help by stopping the wasting of heat in your home or work – and our Retrofit Made Easy project is a good place to start   

    With Cumbria’s farming and agriculture sector in mind, there was a significant focus on methane at COP26. Last year, the UK government released a memorandum: United Kingdom methane memorandum. 

    CAfS is now working with farmers and their representative organisations to help ensure we can produce and consume low carbon food. 

    COP 27 also, for the first time, included a reference to health as, “the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.” At CAfS we have recognised for many years the co-benefits for communities to be gained from adopting low carbon initiatives, such eBikes and locally grown food, so that we fight climate change AND improve our well-being and healthy habits. You can read more about this on the Zero Carbon Cumbria site here.  

    We’ll be sharing updates from COP 28 on our social media channels, so do make sure you are following them: Twitter/X | Facebook |LinkedIn |

  • Community Energy England Award Success

    Community Energy England Award Success

    And we’re winners!

    We were very proud indeed to receive not one, but three awards on Friday night at the Community Energy England awards in Salford.

    We took home the Community Energy Organisation of the Year (large) award and the Climate and Environmental Impact award. We were also highly commended for the Fuel Poverty Action award.

    The awards are recognition of the work, passion and dedication of all of the team here at CAfS, and acknowledge the breadth of work that we do. Our projects from our Cold to Cosy Homes, through to our Solar Made Easy work to make changes for Cumbrians that reduce carbon emissions, save money and make our lives more comfortable. To be recognised at a national level is incredibly fulfilling, as Karen Mitchell our CEO explains:

    “We’ve had another incredibly busy year – developing new partnerships and projects and securing funding to deliver them, growing the team and inspiring and supporting all kinds of people and organisations to change the way they do things to benefit the environment. The awards gave us a chance to recognise and celebrate all that we’ve achieved, to feel good about the difference we’re making and feel part of the national movement of action on the climate crisis. It’s also been heartwarming to receive all the lovely messages about our awards too from our network. It’s a win for the whole Cumbria community!”

    You can read more about the categories and winners here. 

     

     

  • Job: Finance & Resources Manager

    Job: Finance & Resources Manager

    We’re looking for a finance professional to take the lead on the day-to-day management of our finances who also has the appetite to work strategically and develop new, more efficient ways of managing our budgets and staffing capacity – which will in turn help CAfS deliver more climate action. It is a role which sits at the heart of CAfS, working across all our teams and closely with the chief executive and board of trustees. It involves delivering both daily financial activities and helping to shape the longer term direction of CAfS.

    You will have a track record of developing and implementing financial management, monitoring and reporting systems. You will have an interest and ability in working at a strategic level. Your numeracy skills will be excellent as will your ability to develop collaborative relationships with your colleagues.

    The role also leads our tight-knit finance and admin team of four part time employees with one direct report. This team is the backbone of CAfS. The finance manager line manages our office and people support manager, who ensures the day-to-day implementation of various aspects of office administration and HR including recruitment, induction, performance management, data protection and health and safety. The team also includes a dedicated administration and finance officer who delivers day to day support for financial management.

    To apply, please email your completed Expression of Interest form and your CV to us by 9am on Tuesday 2 January 2024.

    Interviews are planned for Wednesday 10 January 2024. 

    The important stuff

    • SALARY SCALE: £32,000 – £42,000 (FTE)

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

    • HOURS: 22.5 – 30 hours per week, with flexibility to be worked over up to five days per week.

    • START DATE AND DURATION: This is a permanent role, with the start date as soon as possible.

    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 >

  • Carbon Literacy Action Day

    Carbon Literacy Action Day

    Monday 4 December sees the world’s largest climate education-and-action training event – Carbon Literacy Action Day – and we are very proud to be playing our part!

    Carbon Literacy Action Day (CLAD) is led by the Carbon Literacy Project and coincides with the UN Climate Change Conference; COP 28. And whilst world leaders gather in Dubai, Carbon Literacy learners everywhere will undergo training that educates and inspires them to take meaningful action on climate change. It offers an opportunity for as many learners as possible from organisations, sectors, backgrounds and nations all around the world, to complete their Carbon Literacy training simultaneously on a single day, and as a result, pledge positive action to reduce carbon emissions and become officially certified as Carbon Literate

    Here at CAfS our course on the day is getting back to face-to-face courses that are open to everyone. Holding an event in Penrith that will generate increased levels of activity, involvement and allow like-minded people to come together in a common motivation to pledge positive action.

    Hazel Graham, our Carbon Literacy Training Manager explains the excitement,

    “It is a real privilege to be part of the Carbon Literacy Project action day, our Climate and Carbon literacy courses have gone from strength to strength since their inception in 2019.  This course will mean we have trained over 1500 individuals from Cumbria and beyond in a variety of climate and carbon literacy courses, empowering people and organisations in the fight for strong action on the climate crisis and giving them the tools needed to make reductions in their carbon footprint. This day means that we will part of action that will include thousands of people from all walks of life and from all over the planet. And we can’t wait!”

    Our event is at the Eden Rural Foyer building in Penrith, and will include a delicious low-carbon lunch. Attendees on the day will receive, along with their carbon literacy accreditation, a special Carbon Literacy Action Day certificate.

    Find out more here.

  • Three times award nomination success!

    Three times award nomination success!

    Brilliant news this week: we are finalists in three categories of the Community Energy England Awards this year.

    We’re shortlisted for the Climate & Environmental Impact, the Community Energy Organisation of the Year and Fuel Poverty Action. 

    The Community Energy Awards is an annual event that recognises and celebrates outstanding achievements in community energy. This ceremony brings together individuals, organisations, and initiatives that are making significant contributions to the advancement of sustainable and locally-driven energy solutions. This year’s ceremony, supported by Electricity North West, will take place in Manchester on Friday 17 November, 6-10pm.

    Karen Mitchell, our CEO explains what the shortlisting means to us, “Its brilliant to have been nominated for three awards in recognition of the talent and dedication of the CAfS team, our passion for our precious environment here in Cumbria and our determination to fight climate change. We are inspired by the rural communities we work with to help tackle fuel poverty, support the retrofit of buildings and the installation of solar panels and many other projects besides. Through the Zero Carbon Cumbria Partnership we are working collaboratively with a host of diverse organisations to make a difference for future generations. We are all proud of our work and of this recognition and want to take the opportunity to congratulate the other nominees, all of which are deserving.”

    Read an outline of the three awards below, and what the panel has said about our nominations.  We can’t wait!

    Fuel Poverty Action: This award celebrates the contributions of community energy organisations in addressing the multifaceted challenges of fuel poverty and energy efficiency in England.  We’ve been nominated for our  ‘Cold to Cosy Homes’ project – which is recognised as being transformational, wide-reaching and a provider of comprehensive support.

    Climate and Environmental Impact: This award recognises community energy organisations that are proactively addressing environmental issues or contributing positively to local environments and biodiversity, and inspiring others through their activities. We have been nominated thanks to our active engagement in education, environmental conservation, and empowering individuals and communities to make sustainable choices. The award recognizes that we reduce emissions through projects like Cold to Cosy Homes and Solar Made Easy. And that these community-driven renewable energy initiatives are engaging local communities in energy-saving activities and reducing overall carbon footprint. We are continuing to pave the way for a sustainable future, demonstrating that collective action and community engagement can create lasting change.

    Community Energy Organisation of the Year (large) : This award recognises one community energy organisation that has demonstrated excellence across their operations, delivery, impact, engagement, innovation, and contribution to the broader sector.  We have been nominated for our work steering the Zero Carbon Cumbria partnership. This award recognises our multi-faceted approach that includes community events, mapping tools, and local partnerships, ensuring impactful climate action with data-driven strategies for emissions reduction. Our innovative projects, community engagement, and supportive work culture are all recognised as setting a remarkable precedent for climate charities nationwide.

    We’ll be sharing the awards on the 17 November  – so look out for us on our social channels.