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  • Events shed light on funding for home improvements

    Events shed light on funding for home improvements

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    Two online events by CAfS are offering households and landlords the chance to find out about support available for home improvements, including the government’s new Green Homes Grant.

    The free sessions will shed light on some of the main schemes that households can take advantage of now, to make their homes warmer and use less energy.

    “This is a really good time to get on with improvements to save energy and reduce carbon emissions, given the support that’s out there right now,” said Andrew Northcott, energy services manager at CAfS. “But it’s not always easy for people to work out which improvements they should make and which schemes they might be eligible for. That’s where our two talks will help.”

    The first event, on 10 November, is a detailed look at the Green Homes Grant. The CAfS energy services team will explain which improvements the grant covers, how to apply, the small print and some challenges to be aware of, with ample time for questions. It’s free thanks to support from the Energy Industry Voluntary Redress Scheme.

    “This is the perfect session for anyone who’s ready to install insulation, heating systems, double-glazing, energy-efficient doors and heating controls, for example, because this grant could provide you with up to £10,000 towards these measures, depending on your circumstances,” Andrew said. “The scheme runs until the end of March. All the works have to be completed by then, so we’d advise people to act quickly if they want to take advantage of it.”

    The second session, on 25 November, takes a broader look at a range of schemes, including the Green Homes Grant, the CAfS free advice scheme called Cold to Cosy Homes Cumbria and other free and paid-for services covering everything from draughtproofing and home audits to thermal imaging.

    Molly Hogg from CAfS, who’s hosting the event, funded by South Lakeland District Council, said: “This workshop will be very helpful for anyone struggling with a cold home or high energy bills, or if you want to get information to pass on to others who need support.”

    There’s an added bonus for community groups and volunteers who might like to help others to make their homes warmer, save money and protect the environment. A member of Ambleside Action for a Future will talk about how their volunteers are gearing up to share energy advice and signpost residents to the support that’s available.

    Both sessions are open for booking now:

    Green Homes Grants – What You Need to Know

    Home Improvements to Save Energy – Funding & Support

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  • Job: Project Support Officer – Zero Carbon Cumbria

    Job: Project Support Officer – Zero Carbon Cumbria

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    Date posted: Thu 8 Oct 2020
    Closing date: 9am, Mon 2 Nov 2020

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    We are looking for an experienced, skilled and highly organised administrator with superb attention to detail to help us deliver the most extensive climate change action programme ever seen in Cumbria.

    You’ll be a core part of the day-to-day running of the ambitious five-year Zero Carbon Cumbria project, funded by the National Lottery’s Climate Action Fund. You’ll support the project team based at CAfS and administer the meetings of the Zero Carbon Cumbria Partnership, which includes more than 70 organisations from across the county.

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    Application & Interview Process

    Please apply by completing the application form below. We do not accept CVs. Guidance for submitting your application is included in the form.

    Application Form – Project Support Officer Zero Carbon Cumbria

    The closing date for return of applications is 9am on Monday 2 November 2020. Candidates shortlisted for interview will be informed by Wednesday 4 November 2020. Interviews will be held on Wednesday 11 November 2020 via Zoom.

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    Job description

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

    Job Description – Project Support Officer Zero Carbon Cumbria

    EMPLOYER:  Cumbria Action for Sustainability (CAfS).

    LOCATION: Principally home working. Occasional meetings or events may be required at our office in Penrith (Rural Eden Foyer, Old London Road, Penrith, CA11 8ET) and other Cumbria locations when Covid-19 restrictions allow.

    REPORTS TO: Project Manager – Zero Carbon Cumbria.

    HOURS: 18.75 hours a week (2.5 days). Flexible working hours.

    SALARY RANGE: £18,500 – £22,000 per annum full-time equivalent (£9,250 – £11,000 for the 18.75-hour week), depending on skills and experience.

    DURATION: Fixed-term contract from Nov 2020 to end Dec 2025 (5 years).

    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. 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.

     CAfS is an award-winning charity with a team of seventeen highly skilled staff, working with a pool of specialist contractors and volunteers to deliver around 20 major, transformational low-carbon projects each 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. Now in our 22nd year, CAfS is the first point of reference in the county for information on sustainability.

    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, scrutinise, refine and launch new projects, accessing funding from a variety of sources or earning income from delivering specialist services.

     

    BACKGROUND TO THE ZERO CARBON CUMBRIA PROJECT:

     Cumbria Action for Sustainability has been awarded £2.5 million from the National Lottery’s Climate Action Fund for the five-year Zero Carbon Cumbria project. The bid was led by CAfS on behalf of the Zero Carbon Cumbria Partnership (ZCCP), which involves nearly 70 organisations spanning the public, private and third sectors with the aim of cutting greenhouse gas emissions. Eleven of the organisations in the ZCCP will be involved in directly delivering elements of the Lottery-funded project and the whole partnership will be involved in wider decarbonisation programmes in order to reach the county’s zero-carbon goal.

    People who live, work and study in Cumbria will be able to take advantage of a whole range of opportunities to cut their own carbon footprint and that of their communities, playing their part in global actions to stop climate change.

    The project will tackle some of the main sources of carbon emissions in Cumbria, with a particular focus on food, energy generation and the goods we buy. The sub-projects have been devised by a range of community organisations and chosen because of their wide benefits to local communities. More information about the project is available here: https://cafs.org.uk/our-projects/zero-carbon-cumbria-programme/.

    MAIN PURPOSE OF ROLE: 

    To provide support to the Project Manager, supporting the day-to-day running of the project. The role includes administrative tasks to support the Zero Carbon Cumbria project team based at CAfS, including the Events and Training Officer, Communications Manager, Cumbria Sustainability Network Coordinator, Carbon Literacy Coordinator and the Project Manager, as well as administrative support for the meetings of the full Zero Carbon Cumbria Partnership.

    KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

    • Administer and support meetings of the project board, delivery partner meetings and wider partnership meetings as requested. This will include coordination of agendas and minute taking.
    • Undertake administrative tasks as directed by the Project Manager, including but not limited to financial tasks, inputting data, monitoring and evaluation data collection, data analysis, emails, meeting minutes, etc.
    • Provide administrative (and other) support to the CAfS-based Zero Carbon Cumbria staff team.
    • Provide an initial point of contact for enquiries about the project.
    • 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.
    • Process all purchases, invoices and payments associated with the project.
    • Ensure CAfS’ financial protocols are followed.
    • Assist with the preparation of budget monitoring reports.
    • Undertake administrative tasks as directed by the Events and Training Officer and Carbon Literacy Training Coordinator, including but not limited to bookings, event preparation, event set-up and promotion.
    • Set up and manage an event-booking system.
    • Support the Lottery Project Manager to collate monitoring and evaluation data for the project.
    • Administer onwards community grants.
    • Establish and maintain a contact list for the delivery partners and wider partnership.
    • 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.
    • Event organisation, meeting administration and effective minute-taking skills.
    • Ability to proactively handle a wide range of tasks and prioritise these effectively.
    • Ability to use initiative and make effective decisions.
    • 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 criteria

    The following attributes are desirable but not essential:

    • Experience in undertaking invoice processing, managing incoming and outgoing payments.
    • Experience of setting up and supporting online meetings.
    • Experience in inputting information to finance/bookkeeping packages.
    • Experience of Quickbooks finance package.
    • Experience of database/customer relationship management systems.
    • Experience of data gathering, manipulation and reporting, e.g. customer event participant feedback data.
    • Experience of providing support.
    • 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].

    [/fusion_text][fusion_imageframe image_id=”3857|medium” max_width=”” sticky_max_width=”” style_type=”” blur=”” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align_medium=”none” align_small=”none” align=”none” margin_top=”” margin_right=”” margin_bottom=”” margin_left=”” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” lightbox_image_id=”” alt=”” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″]https://cafs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/lottery-community-fund-300×98.png[/fusion_imageframe][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

  • Job: Community Carbon Literacy Coordinator

    Job: Community Carbon Literacy Coordinator

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    Date posted: Thurs 24th September 2020
    Closing date: 9am, Mon 19 October 2020

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    Join our active team and take overall responsibility for our new Community Carbon Literacy Project. This project will develop, recruit and train a brand-new network of twenty community trainers, to run a widespread programme of events on climate science and solutions, including open home events and carbon literacy training courses across Cumbria.  The role includes the responsibility of recruiting and training the volunteers and supporting them to deliver the project in their communities and driving forward carbon literacy in the county.

     

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    Application & Interview Process

    Please apply by completing the application form below. We do not accept CVs. Guidance for submitting your application is included in the form.

    Application Form – Community Carbon Literacy Coordinator

    The closing date for return of applications is 9am on 19th October 2020. Candidates shortlisted for interview will be informed by Wednesday 21 October 2020. Interviews will be held on Thursday 5th November 2020 via Zoom.

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    Job description

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

    Job Description – Community Carbon Literacy Coordinator

    EMPLOYER:  Cumbria Action for Sustainability (CAfS).

    LOCATION: Principally home working, with meetings and training events required in various locations in Cumbria and at our office in Penrith when Covid-19 restrictions allow (Rural Eden Foyer, Old London Road, Penrith, CA11 8ET).

    REPORTS TO: Zero Carbon Development Manager.

    HOURS: 0.4 FTE or 2 days a week = 15hrs per week.

    SALARY RANGE: £21,000 – £24,000 per annum full-time equivalent (£8,400 – £9,600 for the 15-hour week), depending on skills and experience.

    DURATION: Fixed-term contract, starting immediately, to end September 2021 (with potential to extend or opportunity for extra hours subject to additional funding).

    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. 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.

    CAfS is an award-winning charity with a team of seventeen highly skilled staff, working with a pool of specialist contractors and volunteers to deliver around 20 major, transformational low-carbon projects each 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. Now in our 22nd year, CAfS is the first point of reference in the county for information on sustainability. 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, scrutinise, refine and launch new projects, accessing funding from a variety of sources or earning income from delivering specialist services.

    BACKGROUND TO THE COMMUNITY CARBON LITERACY PROJECT

    This project will develop, recruit and train a brand-new network of twenty community trainers, to run a widespread programme of events on climate science and solutions, including open home events and carbon literacy training courses across Cumbria.

    A training package of information and interactive exercises will be developed, and the network of community trainers will be supported to deliver this training to those they wish to influence, including businesses, councils, schools, churches and other organisations. All community trainers will receive an induction, a full day of training as a group, one-to-one support, opportunities for additional training and learning and opportunities to socialise and support each other.

    Individuals will also be supported to become open home hosts to showcase sustainable living, renewable energy and other solutions to support community knowledge sharing. The project is funded by a grant from the Emergence Foundation.

    Project Outcomes

    • 20 community trainers and 5 open home hosts will report improved quality of life, reduced feelings of helplessness about the climate crisis and increased sense of purpose, confidence, empowerment, and agency.
    • 20 communities-of-interest report that their community has been enhanced through stronger networks, reduced feelings of isolation, increased opportunities to socialise, shared learning across groups and peer support.
    • 400 individuals (trained by community trainers) report shift in consciousness, increased knowledge of climate science and solutions, and ability to make positive changes, increased agency, sense of purpose and responsibility.
    • 400 people (trained by community trainers) make substantive pledges to benefit the environment through taking action to reduce emissions and tackle climate change in their own lives and in their workplace or community.

    MAIN PURPOSES OF ROLE:

    We are seeking a Community Carbon Literacy Training Coordinator to take overall responsibility for CAfS’ new Community Carbon Literacy Project. Specifically, to:

    • Recruit and train 20 community volunteer trainers and coordinate and support them to deliver training in their communities.
    • Coordinate volunteer open home hosts to deliver 5 open home events.

    As a result of the Covid-19 crisis, all, or some, delivery may have to take place online to ensure the safety of staff, volunteers and attendees.

    This is an outstanding opportunity for an individual to make a real impact in increasing awareness, confidence, agency and knowledge of climate science and solutions in Cumbria. Every opportunity should be taken to ensure this work is integrated into the other work that CAfS delivers so that benefits are maximised.

    TASKS WILL INCLUDE:

    Volunteer/community trainer coordination and support

    • Ensure that 20 training events (these may be virtual) are run by community trainers and 400 people are trained by community trainers within one year.
    • Recruit and induct 20 volunteer community trainers.
    • Develop a clear offer for community trainers.
    • Complete volunteer agreements with community trainers.
    • Ensure all community trainers attend full day accredited carbon literacy training.
    • Coordinate 3 or 4 focused one-hour training sessions for community trainers.
    • Support community trainers to move on to join our pool of professional trainers if they wish, and if they show capability.
    • Direct community trainers to further opportunities for learning and development.
    • Coordinate opportunities for community trainers to socialise and support each other.
    • Ensure that community trainers represent a diverse range of groups, reflective of Cumbria’s population.
    • Manage enquiries about training courses and direct to community trainers.

    Supporting development of, and leading delivery of (a small number of) training sessions directly:

    • Mentor and support community trainers at the first session they deliver, if needed.
    • Update and improve training materials as needed.
    • Support community trainers with answers to queries.
    • On occasion, deliver short one-hour sessions on climate science and solutions.

    Open Homes event programme coordination

    • Coordinate and attend five open home events (these may be virtual).
    • Liaise with marketing team to promote open home events, manage bookings and donations.
    • To recruit and liaise with event hosts.
    • To attend and introduce events where needed.
    • To be responsible for ensuring that a risk assessment is completed for every event.

    Administration

    • Administer trainer expenses claims, manage room bookings, refreshments etc.
    • Negotiate partnerships and free venues and refreshments wherever possible.

    Project Management

    • Manage project budget.
    • Develop monitoring and evaluation approach.
    • Ensure that community trainers complete all required monitoring and evaluation.
    • Liaise with and report to funder.

    General

    • Provide updates for CAfS Zero Carbon Development Manager as required.
    • To be a conduit for information to individuals on wider CAfS projects.
    • To contribute news articles, web content and other information about the project to the Marketing Team for publicity and CAfS profile raising.
    • To contribute to the on-going work of CAfS generally including attending appropriate networking meetings, team meetings and training sessions and carry out other tasks or projects required from time to time, as directed by the manager or trustees.

    Person Specification

    Essential skills and attributes:

    • Confident knowledge of climate science, sustainable living and low carbon solutions.
    • Experience of volunteer coordination and support.
    • Highly organised with experience of planning, scheduling and delivering projects and events.
    • Ability to host and attend events and speak confidently in front of small groups, both online and in person.
    • Experience of delivering training sessions or presentations.
    • Ability to work flexibly including evening and weekend working.
    • Highly motivated and independent worker requiring minimal supervision.
    • Ability to work cooperatively as part of a small team.
    • Good knowledge of Cumbrian geography and the ability to travel independently throughout rural Cumbria, although many elements of the role could be completed from home or the CAfS office.

    The following are desirable but not essential:

    • Experience of managing grant-funded projects.
    • Experience of delivering meetings, events or training remotely using Zoom, MS Teams or other means.
    • Knowledge of, and contacts across, Cumbria’s network of sustainability groups.
    • Experience of managing budgets.

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

    [/fusion_text][fusion_imageframe image_id=”3860|full” max_width=”” sticky_max_width=”” style_type=”” blur=”” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align_medium=”none” align_small=”none” align=”none” margin_top=”” margin_right=”” margin_bottom=”” margin_left=”” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” lightbox_image_id=”” alt=”” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″]https://cafs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Emergence_Foundation_Logo_Vertical_200px.jpg[/fusion_imageframe][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

  • Job: Project Manager – Zero Carbon Cumbria

    Job: Project Manager – Zero Carbon Cumbria

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    Date posted: Thurs 24th September 2020
    Closing date: 9am, Mon 19 October 2020

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    Join our busy team in delivering the Zero Carbon Cumbria Partnership along with a huge host of organisations from around the county. The ZCCP involves nearly 70 partners spanning the public, private and third sectors with the aim of cutting greenhouse gas emissions. The role includes taking overall responsibility for the coordination and management of the project, recruiting other members of the ZCCP team, developing a rolling programme plan and creating a programme management framework as well as a host of other responsibilities that come with heading up Cumbria’s effort towards carbon neutrality.

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    Application & Interview Process

    Please apply by completing the application form below. We do not accept CVs. Guidance for submitting your application is included in the form.

    Application Form – Project Manager – ZCCP

    The closing date for return of applications is 9am on 19th October 2020. Candidates shortlisted for interview will be informed by Wednesday 21 October 2020. Interviews will be held on Tuesday 3rd November 2020 via Zoom.

    [/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”default” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”” top_margin=”” bottom_margin=”20″ border_size=”” icon=”” icon_size=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” content_alignment_medium=”” content_alignment_small=”” content_alignment=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” class=”” id=”” font_size=”” fusion_font_family_text_font=”” fusion_font_variant_text_font=”” line_height=”” letter_spacing=”” text_color=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]

    Job description

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

    Job Description – Project Manager – ZCCP

    EMPLOYER:  Cumbria Action for Sustainability (CAfS)

    LOCATION: Principally home working. Occasional meetings may be required at our office in Penrith (Rural Eden Foyer, Old London Road, Penrith, CA11 8ET) and other Cumbria locations when Covid-19 restrictions allow.

    REPORTS TO: Chief Executive Officer.

    HOURS: 22.5 hours a week (3 days). Flexible working hours.

    SALARY RANGE: £24,000-£30,000 per annum full-time equivalent (£14,400 to £18,000 for the 22.5-hour week), depending on skills and experience.

    DURATION: Fixed-term contract from Nov 2020 (or sooner) to end Dec 2025.

    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. 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.

    CAfS is an award-winning charity with a team of seventeen highly skilled staff, working with a pool of specialist contractors and volunteers to deliver around 20 major, transformational low-carbon projects each 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. Now in our 22nd year, CAfS is the first point of reference in the county for information on sustainability. 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, scrutinise, refine and launch new projects, accessing funding from a variety of sources or earning income from delivering specialist services.

    BACKGROUND TO THE ZERO CARBON CUMBRIA PROJECT:

    Cumbria Action for Sustainability is one of a small number of organisations to be successfully awarded £2.5million from the National Lottery’s Climate Action Fund for the five year ‘Zero Carbon Cumbria Partnership – By the People, For the People’ project. The bid was led by CAfS on behalf of the Zero Carbon Cumbria Partnership (ZCCP) which involves nearly 70 organisations spanning the public, private and third sectors with the aim of cutting greenhouse gas emissions. Eleven of the organisations in the ZCCP will be involved in directly delivering elements of the Lottery-funded project and the whole partnership will be involved in wider decarbonisation programmes in order to reach the county’s zero carbon goal. There will be a Partnership Manager based at Cumbria County Council who will be co-ordinating the wider Partnership projects that fall outside of this National Lottery funded project.

    Through this project, people who live, work and study in Cumbria will be able to take advantage of a whole range of opportunities to cut their own carbon footprint and that of their communities, playing their part in global actions to stop climate change.

    The project will tackle some of the main sources of carbon emissions in Cumbria, with a particular focus on food, energy generation and the goods we buy. The sub projects have been devised by a range of community organisations and chosen because of their wide benefits to local communities. More information about the project is available here: https://cafs.org.uk/our-projects/zero-carbon-cumbria-programme/

    MAIN PURPOSE OF ROLE: 

    The post has several key roles: principally to establish and coordinate the effective delivery of the Zero Carbon Cumbria project, to manage the day to day running of the project, manage the grant budget, coordinate and support delivery partners and liaise with the National Lottery, coordinate the project steering group, manage a team of project staff and work closely with the delivery partners.

    KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

    • Take overall responsibility for the coordination and management of the Zero Carbon Cumbria: By the People, For the People lottery-funded project.
    • Recruit and manage the Communications Manager, Events & Training Officer, Community Carbon Literacy Officer and Cumbria Sustainability Network Coordinator and manage the Project Administrator.
    • Work closely with the Partnership Manager to ensure the smooth running of the project.
    • Develop a rolling programme plan which enables activities, outcomes and budgets to be effectively monitored.
    • Develop an effective programme management framework which will allow the whole suite of projects to be viewed as an integrated whole, and within which partners can develop detailed and consistent project plans (while being mindful of the need for effort to be proportional to the scale of each partner’s project).
    • Develop a framework to monitor, measure, evaluate and report on success and produce routine and exception reports on the programme (budget, capacity, deliverables, outcomes etc) which allow the CAfS CEO, Trustees, The Lottery and all delivery partners to understand and respond to the progress of the project.
    • Work alongside Project Delivery Partners to maximise outcomes and ensure partners are delivering to plan, capturing learning, sharing information and networking locally and nationally.
    • The effective management and mitigation of project risks.

    TASKS TO INCLUDE

    • To co-chair meetings of the Zero Carbon Cumbria Partnership.
    • To convene the Project Board on a quarterly basis, ensuring adequate representation from delivery partners and key communities, and reporting mechanisms.
    • To coordinate all payment and reporting processes for the project.
    • To work alongside partners and project staff to raise additional funds that will allow the benefits of the programme to be maximised.
    • To develop consultant briefs, commission, contract and manage consultants to carry out a range of expert advice and project work.
    • To manage the central funding pots for the partnership: to overcome disadvantage; share learning; and access expert advice where needed.
    • To liaise with other National Lottery Climate Action Fund grant recipients.
    • To work with all delivery partners to ensure consistency and timeliness regarding staff recruitment and/or contracting delivery of posts in their organisations.
    • To act as media spokesperson for the project as required.
    • To maintain and ensure compliance with the project delivery partnership agreement.
    • To adhere to CAfS project management processes.
    • To develop and maintain all project documentation including project GANTT chart, risk log, action log etc.
    • To assess and manage any changes to the project baseline.
    • To arrange and deliver project planning meetings.

    Person Specification

    Essential skills and attributes:

    • An understanding of and personal commitment to the objectives that CAfS seeks to deliver.
    • Ability to develop a shared vision across a diverse and multi-organisational project and drive momentum to deliver agreed goals.
    • Strong networking skills and ability to effectively communicate and negotiate with a wide range of partners from a variety of backgrounds, including community groups and young people.
    • Experience of complex programme management, including planning, organising, scheduling, budget management, financial analysis, risk management, management information, report writing and monitoring and evaluation of multiple projects.
    • Experience of capturing and sharing learning.
    • Experience of tendering, letting, and managing contracts and partnership agreements.
    • Experience of recruiting and managing staff.
    • Ability and willingness to prioritise, work to deadlines and juggle multiple priorities.
    • Ability to travel independently throughout rural Cumbria.
    • Understanding of relevant requirements of Data Protection Act 2018.
    • Ability to work to tight deadlines.
    • Flexible working including evening and weekend working by agreement.
    • Computer skills specifically Microsoft office applications, including Excel, and PowerPoint, Zoom and MS Teams.

    Desirable criteria

    The following attributes are desirable but not essential:

    • A degree-level qualification in a relevant field e.g. project management, sustainability, community development.
    • Experience of delivering community-led projects or schemes, especially concerning energy generation, food growing and sourcing, and repair cafes or managing other emission reduction programmes.
    • Experience of reporting to project boards/steering groups and major funders.
    • Experience in running online meetings and webinars.
    • Experience of liaising and reporting to The National Lottery.

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

    [/fusion_text][fusion_imageframe image_id=”3857|medium” max_width=”” sticky_max_width=”” style_type=”” blur=”” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align_medium=”none” align_small=”none” align=”none” margin_top=”” margin_right=”” margin_bottom=”” margin_left=”” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” lightbox_image_id=”” alt=”” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″]https://cafs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/lottery-community-fund-300×98.png[/fusion_imageframe][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

  • Education leads the charge in South Cumbria

    Education leads the charge in South Cumbria

    [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” status=”published” publish_date=”” class=”” id=”” link_color=”” link_hover_color=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” gradient_start_color=”” gradient_end_color=”” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center center” linear_angle=”180″ background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_blend_mode=”none” video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″ type=”legacy”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” hover_type=”none” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” border_radius=”” box_shadow=”no” dimension_box_shadow=”” box_shadow_blur=”0″ box_shadow_spread=”0″ box_shadow_color=”” box_shadow_style=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” background_type=”single” gradient_start_color=”” gradient_end_color=”” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center center” linear_angle=”180″ background_color=”” background_image=”” background_image_id=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_blend_mode=”none” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” filter_type=”regular” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″ last=”true” border_sizes_top=”0″ border_sizes_bottom=”0″ border_sizes_left=”0″ border_sizes_right=”0″ type=”1_1″ first=”true”][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” content_alignment_medium=”” content_alignment_small=”” content_alignment=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” class=”” id=”” font_size=”” fusion_font_family_text_font=”” fusion_font_variant_text_font=”” line_height=”” letter_spacing=”” text_color=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]

    A sunny Monday morning saw the latest electric vehicle (EV) chargepoint installation from Charge My Street resplendent in a delicately adorned red ribbon. This wasn’t to last long though as the ribbon was promptly cut by staff from Kendal College to announce the chargepoints official opening for public use. On site were two Nissan Leafs and a Renault Zoe whose owners were eager to get in on the first kilowatts of juice from the sockets.

    The two new chargepoints are located in the college’s small car park off Vicarage Drive and represent the latest step forward in our partnership with Charge My Street to install 100 of them throughout Cumbria and Lancashire.

    The installation enhances Kendal College’s drive for sustainability, and the college is planning an extensive campaign to educate its staff and students, as well as the wider community about the new chargepoint stations to encourage more electric vehicle users.

    As part of a £200,000 development of the college’s automotive facilities, the college have also purchased two electric and hybrid cars and specialist equipment, to enable the college to train the next generation of automotive students and local employers in new hybrid and electrical transport technology. This new equipment will see hybrid and electric automotive courses start from September 2020.

    Principal Kelvin Nash said “adding these charging stations, and investing in electric and hybrid specialist equipment for our automotive department, not only positions us as a leader in sustainability, but also ensures we are preparing our students for the future”.Two nissan leafs charging at a charge my street chargepoint

    Daniel Heery, Charge my Street Director said “we are delighted to have collaborated with Kendal College to install our first community chargepoints in Kendal and its fantastic that community investment from local people has helped make this happen”.

    South Lakeland District Council became the first local authority in Cumbria to declare a climate emergency in February 2019, as part of its commitment to tackling climate change and its ambition is to be a ‘Carbon-Neutral’ Council by 2030 and support a district wide target by 2037.

    Councillor Dyan Jones, SLDC’s Portfolio Holder for Climate Emergency and Localism, said “At South Lakeland District, we are delighted to be one of the delivery partners on this exciting and forward-looking project. Everybody can make a difference, no matter how small, to reduce their carbon emissions and help address the impact of climate change. Increasing the number of chargepoints in the district is an important, key factor in making the use of electric vehicles more accessible.”

    “SLDC is making great strides with our Climate Action Plan, which places emphasis on working collaboratively with other authorities, partner agencies, businesses, charities, community group and residents. This project at Kendal College is a fantastic example of great partnership working, and is welcomed wholeheartedly.”

    Charge my Street would like to hear from community organisations across Cumbria, including parish councils, community/village halls and private businesses who may be interested in hosting an EV chargepoint, as well as local residents who would like to make the switch to an electric vehicle, but can’t because they don’t have off-street parking to be able to charge a vehicle. Anyone who would like to suggest a potential site can do this at https://chargemystreet.co.uk/cluster/cumbria or for more information email [email protected]

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  • Cold to Cosy Champions training goes virtual

    Cold to Cosy Champions training goes virtual

    [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” status=”published” publish_date=”” class=”” id=”” link_color=”” link_hover_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” gradient_start_color=”” gradient_end_color=”” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center center” linear_angle=”180″ background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_blend_mode=”none” video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” border_radius=”” box_shadow=”no” dimension_box_shadow=”” box_shadow_blur=”0″ box_shadow_spread=”0″ box_shadow_color=”” box_shadow_style=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” background_type=”single” gradient_start_color=”” gradient_end_color=”” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center center” linear_angle=”180″ background_color=”” background_image=”” background_image_id=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_blend_mode=”none” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” filter_type=”regular” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″ last=”no”][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]

    The Cold to Cosy Homes team here at CAfS are announcing a brand new roster of free training sessions for people interested in becoming a Cold to Cosy Champion.

    The training will give you (or relevant members of your team or community) a thorough understanding of the service, how to refer clients and what their customer journey will be. You’ll be able to fully explain the service to clients and help them to access this fantastic free support for vulnerable individuals.

    Cold to Cosy Homes offers clear advice and practical help on how to save energy in your home – including free draught proofing and energy saving equipment, LED bulbs, advice on energy tariffs and referrals for other improvements.

    The service has been an enormous success, helping Cumbrian households over the last winter. We’re now planning for the cold weather coming again and have new, ambitious targets to reach even more homes.

    To help us reach as many households as possible we work with an expanding group of Cold to Cosy Champions who can share info about the service or refer clients. Many champions are frontline workers who help and care for others in their job, some are volunteers in their communities who attend events and look out for their neighbours and some are simply those who let their friends and relatives know that the service is available.

    You don’t need to be an energy expert and no prior knowledge is required to turn you into a Cold to Cosy champion!

    The free training sessions for Champions will be held via zoom link with several dates available. These are:

    Friday 4th September 2020 -10:00 – 11:30

    Tuesday 15th September 2020 – 10:00 – 11:30

    Thursday 24th September 2020 – 10:00 – 11:30

    Monday 5th October 2020- 14:00 – 15:30

    Thursday 22nd October 2020 – 11:00 – 12:30

    If you can’t make any of the sessions , we can run an extra one to suit. Please email [email protected] or call 01768 216500 to register an interest in this training instead.

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  • Tackling climate change in Cumbria gets £2.5 million National Lottery boost

    Tackling climate change in Cumbria gets £2.5 million National Lottery boost

    [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” status=”published” publish_date=”” class=”” id=”” link_color=”” link_hover_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” gradient_start_color=”” gradient_end_color=”” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center center” linear_angle=”180″ background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_blend_mode=”none” video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” border_radius=”” box_shadow=”no” dimension_box_shadow=”” box_shadow_blur=”0″ box_shadow_spread=”0″ box_shadow_color=”” box_shadow_style=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” background_type=”single” gradient_start_color=”” gradient_end_color=”” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center center” linear_angle=”180″ background_color=”” background_image=”” background_image_id=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_blend_mode=”none” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” filter_type=”regular” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″ last=”no”][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]

    Cumbria’s bid for £2.5 million of National Lottery funding to cut carbon emissions in the county has been successful, it was announced today. 

    CAfS is one of nearly 70 organisations from many walks of life in Cumbria that came together to submit the bid to the National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK. The award to the Zero Carbon Cumbria Partnership will fund a five-year programme of action aiming to make Cumbria the first carbon-neutral county in the UK, in a way that benefits communities and is led by them.  

    “This is incredible news for Cumbria and we’re delighted to have developed this successful bid on behalf of the partnership!” said Karen Mitchell, chief executive of CAfS, which co-chairs the partnership. “The grant brings a significant investment into the county just when we need it most, as we begin to rebuild after the Coronavirus pandemic. It will create 12 green jobs and will see a whole range of activities led by communities that will make them more sustainable, stronger and more resilient for the future.” 

    An ambitious programme will begin in January 2021 led by the partnership, which spans the public, private and third sectors, including community groups, councils, the NHS, police, national parks, businesses and the farming community, among others.  

    “This community-led programme will tackle some of the main sources of carbon emissions in our county, with a particular focus on food, energy generation and the goods we buy. Thanks to this funding, we can make the shift towards a zero-carbon Cumbria at the urgent pace required by the climate crisis,” Karen said.

    The programme will also build strong working relationships among a wide range of organisations across the county, raising their ambition to tackle climate change and sharing learning and resources. The voice of local people will be at the heart of it. 

    “People from all walks of life will be able to influence and drive climate action through citizens’ juries and other projects, with community groups steering the programme,” Karen said. “Young people, whose futures will be particularly affected by the climate crisis, will be able to take advantage of a leadership programme to help them make their voices heard, enhancing their skills and giving them access to people in positions of influence.” 

    Another example of the diverse range of projects, activities and events is Grow Local Eat Local, which will see local producers growing more fruit, vegetables and cereal crops in Cumbria for local use. The number of repair cafes will be expanded, saving people money while reducing waste. Cumbria will also be a test bed for two new community-energy projects, with innovative community-owned models of generating, storing and sharing energy, with benefits staying in communities.  

    Climate change has been identified as a risk to public health in Cumbria, and therefore reducing the emissions that are causing it is part of the county’s Public Health Strategy, led by Cumbria County Council. Colin Cox, director of public health, jointly chairs the partnership along with CAfS. All six district councils have also committed to the county’s carbon-neutral goal. 

    “Cumbria is on the front line of the climate crisis in the UK, feeling the devastating impacts of extreme weather, from increased flooding and storms to longer dry spells,” Karen said. “We also have particular challenges here, such as rural isolation, which make our communities even more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.” 

    The breadth of partners and community involvement were strong points for Cumbria’s bid, along with the fact that it will also contribute to climate action beyond the county, by trialing projects and ways of working that could be replicated elsewhere. 

    “We’re extremely grateful to the National Lottery for entrusting our partnership with this award,” Karen said. “Thanks to National Lottery players, this grant offers Cumbria an unprecedented opportunity to drive real, positive change in our carbon emissions and our sustainability, while benefiting our communities for generations to come.”  

    This grant is one of the first fourteen awards to be announced as part of the National Lottery-funded Climate Action Fund, a ten-year £100 million fund that will reduce the carbon footprint of communities demonstrating what is possible when people take the lead in tackling climate change. All the projects across the UK will work together, share their learning and be active participants in a broader movement of change within and beyond these communities. 

    Find out more about the programme of action made possible by the National Lottery funding >

    See the National Lottery’s announcement >

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  • New government scheme for improving energy efficiency of homes

    New government scheme for improving energy efficiency of homes

    [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” status=”published” publish_date=”” class=”” id=”” link_color=”” link_hover_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” gradient_start_color=”” gradient_end_color=”” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center center” linear_angle=”180″ background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_blend_mode=”none” video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” border_radius=”” box_shadow=”no” dimension_box_shadow=”” box_shadow_blur=”0″ box_shadow_spread=”0″ box_shadow_color=”” box_shadow_style=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” background_type=”single” gradient_start_color=”” gradient_end_color=”” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center center” linear_angle=”180″ background_color=”” background_image=”” background_image_id=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_blend_mode=”none” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” filter_type=”regular” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″ last=”no”][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]

    The government has announced a new scheme to help households to make their homes more energy efficient. Here we share our view on it and some advice for anyone thinking of taking advantage of it.

    About the new ‘Green Homes Grant’

    On Wednesday 8 July 2020, the Chancellor announced a voucher scheme for households to help with the cost of measures such as insulation. It is part of the government’s new ‘Plan for Jobs 2020’, aiming to stimulate the economy. You can read the plan in full on the Treasury website >

    Here is what the plan says about the new energy-efficiency scheme for households:

    “To meet the UK’s target of reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, emissions from heating buildings need to be significantly reduced. To support this objective, the Plan for Jobs announces that over £2 billion will be provided to support homeowners and landlords in making their homes more energy-efficient in 2020-21. This funding could support over 100,000 green jobs, so that local tradespeople can make homes warmer, cheaper to heat and more environmentally friendly.”

    “The government will introduce a £2 billion Green Homes Grant, providing at least £2 for every £1 homeowners and landlords spend to make their homes more energy efficient, up to £5,000 per household. For those on the lowest incomes, the scheme will fully fund energy efficiency measures of up to £10,000 per household. In total this could support over 100,000 green jobs and help strengthen a supply chain that will be vital for meeting our target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The scheme aims to upgrade over 600,000 homes across England, saving households hundreds of pounds per year on their energy bills.”

    We understand that the scheme will start in September and we’ll be interested to see the full details when released.

    CAfS’ view on this scheme

    While this funding is a good start, it must be part of a much bigger programme. As the government said in its announcement, heating buildings accounts for a fifth of the UK greenhouse gas emissions that are causing climate change, and to properly address the poor energy efficiency of UK properties would require a suite of measures, including:

    • financial support for households to retrofit their properties;
    • much more stringent building regulations for energy efficiency in new buildings (with the ideal being a standard such as Passivhaus);
    • training for construction professionals in building ultra-low-energy homes and retrofitting pre-1920s properties in an appropriate way; and ensuring these are a strong focus on these in construction and architecture courses for students.

    Unfortunately, the chancellor’s announcement addresses only the first of these.

    Our advice for householders

    We would urge any householders thinking of taking part in the scheme to seek independent advice before you commission work, to make sure it’s right for your property.

    If you have a pre-1920s home (e.g. solid wall/rubble-filled wall):

    Using cement-based and non-breathable products in a pre-1920s building can trap moisture, making them damp, and therefore unhealthy and uncomfortable to live in, as well as harder to heat. It can also degrade the stone over time – particularly sandstone, which is softer. Unfortunately, it’s still common to see cement used for flooring, pointing and render in these properties, along with non-breathable insulation. It’s a problem we’ve come across many times when offering energy-efficiency advice to households in Cumbria.

    One of the challenges is the shortage of builders with the skills and knowledge to use materials that allow these properties to manage heat, moisture and ventilation in the way they were intended to – for example, lime-based materials. This is a problem we’ve been trying to help overcome, by offering training courses for construction professionals, including architects and builders.

    If you have a cavity-wall home:

    If you are considering cavity-wall insulation, it’s important to make sure that it is appropriate for your property. Cavity-wall insulation may not be right for your property – particularly if it is exposed. It can lead to damp, and may have to be removed at a later date.

    If cavity-wall insulation is appropriate for your home, it’s crucial to choose the most appropriate type of insulation. Some materials that are still commonly used can leave gaps, or gaps can develop over time, leading to cold spots and damp.

    How CAfS can help

    Our Cold to Cosy Homes Cumbria service can offer advice as well as free energy-saving equipment, and referrals for more substantial improvements.

    There is guidance on our website about retrofitting different types of properties. Visit the For your home section >

    We also run events throughout the year to upskill householders and construction professionals. Please keep an eye on our events page and social media for details, or sign up for our newsletter to be first to hear about new events.

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  • Contract: Development of carbon footprint calculators

    Contract: Development of carbon footprint calculators

    [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” status=”published” publish_date=”” class=”” id=”” link_color=”” link_hover_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” gradient_start_color=”” gradient_end_color=”” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center center” linear_angle=”180″ background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_blend_mode=”none” video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” border_radius=”” box_shadow=”no” dimension_box_shadow=”” box_shadow_blur=”0″ box_shadow_spread=”0″ box_shadow_color=”” box_shadow_style=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” background_type=”single” gradient_start_color=”” gradient_end_color=”” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center center” linear_angle=”180″ background_color=”” background_image=”” background_image_id=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_blend_mode=”none” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” filter_type=”regular” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″ last=”no”][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]

    Date posted: 2 July 2020
    Closing date: 9am on 17 July 2020

    [/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”default” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”” top_margin=”” bottom_margin=”20″ border_size=”” icon=”” icon_size=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]

    We are seeking a contractor to develop two online carbon footprinting calculator tools: one for residents and one for businesses.

    These tools will be piloted and tested in Ambleside, with a view to rolling them out elsewhere in Cumbria.

    The proposed timescale for developing and testing these tools will be September to December 2020, with training of facilitators planned for January 2021 and roll-out from February 2021.

    The total budget available for delivery of both carbon footprint calculators is £16,000.

    How to apply for this contract

    Please Pre-application questionnaire (PAQ) for full details of the work required and instructions on applying.

    Deadlines

    Bidders intending to submit a response to the PAQ should confirm their intention to submit by emailing [email protected] by 9am 8 July 2020.

    Completed PAQs should then be submitted electronically to the same email address, by 9am on 17 July 2020.

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  • Deputy mayor opens Walney’s first electric vehicle chargepoint

    Deputy mayor opens Walney’s first electric vehicle chargepoint

    [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” status=”published” publish_date=”” class=”” id=”” link_color=”” link_hover_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” gradient_start_color=”” gradient_end_color=”” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center center” linear_angle=”180″ background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_blend_mode=”none” video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” border_radius=”” box_shadow=”no” dimension_box_shadow=”” box_shadow_blur=”0″ box_shadow_spread=”0″ box_shadow_color=”” box_shadow_style=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” background_type=”single” gradient_start_color=”” gradient_end_color=”” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center center” linear_angle=”180″ background_color=”” background_image=”” background_image_id=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_blend_mode=”none” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” filter_type=”regular” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″ last=”no”][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]

    The newest electric vehicle (EV) chargepoint in our project with Charge My Street has been installed in Barrow and charged its maiden car, this week.

    West Point House is now the first place on Walney Island and one of the first in Barrow to be equipped with EV chargepoints. A double socket has been installed with the hope of increasing charging opportunities for locals and the 40 residents of West Point House.

    Deputy mayor of Barrow Helen Wall officially opened the chargepoint as it gave its first charge this week. Helen said: “I was very thrilled to take part in launching the chargepoint today. We in Barrow are proud to have a low carbon committee and all our members are extremely passionate about low carbon issues. This chargepoint represents a great step forward for Walney”.

    The installation was part of an ongoing project to establish 100 new publicly accessible EV chargepoints across Cumbria and Lancashire. Charge My Street are still looking for sites that are eligible for further installations.

    Heather Cockett Phillips, joint owner of West Point House said:
    “We are truly delighted that we are able to offer our residents and the wider community the opportunity to go green and use an electric car. Recent weeks where people have had to stay at home and not travel in their cars has shown a reduction in pollution levels -wouldn’t it be great if we could keep this going to reduce the damage humans do to the earth!”

    Will Maden of Charge My Street said: “The level on enthusiasm for more sustainable ways of living we’ve seen on Walney has been brilliant to see. We are looking for sites where landowners have a desire to see more EVs on the roads and a sense of benefit to their community and we have certainly found that at West Point House”.

    Charge My Street will be hosting a webinar on Tuesday 30th June about their project to install 100 EV chargepoints. Anyone who would like to discover more about the project or attend the webinar should register.

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