Energy saving project powers off on a high

A two-year project to deliver positive energy-related results to two Isle of Lewis communities has come to a close.

The Community LED by Energy Champions initiative, run by Urras Oighreachd Chàrlabhaigh (UOC) and Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn (UOG), was launched in April 2018 included home visits, training days, informative events and workshops to benefit individuals. Some received official qualifications and training as a direct result of their involvement.

Additionally, 319 homes across the two estates gained advice on how to make their homes more energy efficient.

Funded by the Climate Challenge Fund (CCF), staff were employed to deliver the project, led by a part-time project administrator.

Significant energy achievements have been made as a result, with lasting legacies. Home visits carried out by project staff focused on helping households to cut energy bills and make homes more efficient. Individuals who participated in carbon literacy training can now provide advice to colleagues and family, enabling them to better refer others to key associated services.

The project also enabled 36 volunteers, many of them young people, to gain film-making and editing experience through creating a bilingual documentary called ‘An-Dràsta’ (Now!) which highlights the effects of and responses to climate change in the Outer Hebrides.

In February 2020, the film won a prestigious FilmG award in the Dùthchais as Fheàrr category, which explores the connection between the Gaelic language and the environment.

Carloway Project Officer Ally Maciver, Galson Project Officer Louise Senior, and Project Administrator Abigail Leach.

This aspect of the project has created strong vocational outputs for the young people involved. Civic engagement amongst them has also increased as a result.

Kathleen Macdonald of Community Energy Scotland said: ‘The Community LED project has showcased the drive and desire for community groups to take the real and serious issues being faced by individuals within their communities and try and positively impact on them.’

Rachel Elliott of Scottish Water added: ‘By working directly with the community, Carloway Estate Trust was able to give personalised advice, ensuring residents got the advice and water saving devices they will get the most benefit from.’

It is hoped the project will continue to have a lasting impact on people’s behaviour towards their energy use to the benefit of future generations.