Energy

Transition Black Isle’s Energy group is pursuing ways of reducing our use of energy, and switching away from fossil fuels to renewable sources.

Current projects are:

Greening Homes & Gardens

In September 2009 we held the first Greening Homes and Gardens event. Ten local householders opened their homes to the public to demonstrate the practical use of renewables for domestic heating and electricity generation, and ways of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by composting and vegetable growing. The hub for the event was Munlochy Village Hall, where around 300 people attended to pick up maps showing the open properties, and to see stalls set up by local renewable energy companies.

2010’s event is planned for 11th September, and will follow a similar format. Part of the promotion of the event will be through an Energy Saving Trust mailshot, and we will be looking for volunteers to follow up the mailing to encourage people to complete a Home Energy Check to see if they are eligible for financial assistance with insulation.

Smart Meters

With funding from the Climate Challenge Fund, we have bought a number of electric “Smart Meters” which are available to lend to householders wanting to use them to reduce their electricity consumption. The meters are loaned out for three month periods, and participants encouraged to share experiences. Participants have reduced consumption by up to 50%.

We are about to extend this project with the help of Fortrose Academy, who plan to use the meters as part of their science curriculum – this will mean 120 households per year using one of the meters to investigate their electricity usage.

Community wind farm

We are investigating the possibility of a community wind farm for the Black Isle, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and producing an income stream for the community.

Other ideas

There are any number of the other possible projects, it would be great to hear from anyone with a new idea and some time to help put it into action.