A pilot ‘test and learn’ initiative will train 20 groups in Birmingham on the green deal to benefit their communities.
BRE writes:
Twenty Birmingham community groups are set to learn how the green deal works so that they can spread the energy saving message in their neighbourhood. The pilot community initiative is part of the green deal – go early programme, being undertaken by BRE and Groundwork West Midlands, working with Birmingham City Council.
BRE has identified 20 community groups in Birmingham, including the Kings Heath Transition Initiative, Sparkbrook Neighbourhood Forum and St George’s Church, Newtown. The ‘test and learn’ project will give them support and training on the government’s green deal energy-saving initiative and show them how to make it work for their communities. The groups will be able to raise awareness among other local residents and help them take advantage of the green deal. BRE will work closely with Carillion Energy Services, which is the preferred delivery partner for the council’s £600 million Birmingham Energy Savers programme.
Birmingham Energy Savers scheme
The Birmingham Energy Savers (BES) scheme aims to put community groups at the heart of the green deal, and is set to benefit up to 60,000 households across the city by 2020, as well as schools and other local authority premises.
The scheme is also set to:
1. Create/safeguard 2,000 jobs by 2020
2. Save between £120 and £300 a year in domestic fuel bills
3. Save households and businesses a total of £1.2 million a year by 2015
4. Help 40,000 people out of fuel poverty by 2015
5. Cut 18,000 tonnes of carbon emissions per year by 2015.
Councillor James McKay, Birmingham City Council cabinet member for green, safe and smart city, said: ‘Fuel poverty affects an estimated 27 percent of more than 400,000 households in Birmingham. This programme can make a huge difference, and given that the savings are calculated on current energy prices which are expected to rise, BES should deliver even greater support to hard-pressed families and businesses.’
Eurocities Environment Forum role
Birmingham’s lead in city greening has been recognised with McKay’s appointment as chair of the Eurocities Environment Forum. McKay will be the spokesperson on behalf of European cities on environmental matters. At the same time, council leader Sir Albert Bore has been appointed Eurocities secretary.
The forum, which comprises more than 90 cities, shares knowledge and expertise on sustainable development and works with the European Commission and European Environment Agency on developing policies and actions. Its priorities over the next 12 months include green growth, air quality and health, and climate adaptation and mitigation.
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