Energise your community

Mar 12 2010 by Kenneth Speirs, Paisley Daily Express

COMMUNITY groups can find out more about energising the places where they live.

The new East Renfrewshire Community Enterprise Trust is hosting a conference on Wednesday, March 31, to bring together local and national funders of renewable energy projects, with community groups across the area.

And groups and residents can get information and practical ideas on how renewable energy can improve their community, reduce costs or even increase income for their group.

Michael Roy, Chief Executive of East Renfrewshire Community Enterprise Trust, explained: “There are opportunities for communities to make an impact on their carbon emissions. We’re bringing together some of the funders and community organisations from around Scotland who have gone through the process of making their idea happen.

“Any community group across East Renfrewshire can come along to find out how they can benefit from renewable energy and best practice elsewhere.

“The conference will provide information on different kinds of renewable energy generation projects, the benefits of developing a community energy project and what funding and support might be available to bring your idea to life.

“Community groups could reduce running costs in their community buildings or they could have long term ambitions for income generation through a renewable energy scheme. This conference is not going to be dry or technical. It will give community groups some real food for thought through real life examples.”

“Energise Your Community: Realising your community energy potential in East Renfrewshire” takes place from 10am until 4pm, at Carswell Hall, Montgomery Street, Eaglesham.

East Renfrewshire Council’s economic development convener, Councillor Tony Buchanan, said: “Renewable energy development is something we in Scotland can excel at. It is appropriate that this conference takes place in Eaglesham, right on the doorstep of Europe’s largest onshore windfarm.”

The conference is free and is open to all community groups in East Renfrewshire. Places are limited so register today at: www.community-energy-conference.org.uk