Community Groups - case studies
These case studies, some presented as videos or video interviews, bring together information on the wide variety of community energy projects.Our aim is to demonstrate the many possible ways to approach low carbon projects as a developing resource for community groups and local authorities videos. This resource will change and grow over time.
Do you have a helpful video links or website to share with others?
We are "featuring" one community (group or local authority) each month and invite information information and other material (see below).
We are also inviting video links (e.g. on You Tube) or website links which you feel could benefit others to add to list below. Please send links via the Contact Us page, for our consideration.
Examples of particularly relevant material:
- videos by LEAF winners e.g. on community engagement, feasibility studies, achieving full spend in time, outcomes of LEAF funding, visits to similar installations
- videos of a community group and/or local authority consulting with community groups
- videos on "choosing a technology" (please avoid mentioning product "brands" or particular companies)
- video interview relating to motivation, volunteering and key triggers
- videos of the training of community champions
- a local authority facilitating a community group.
Further case studies
This month's featured community group - Ashton Hayes
Ashton Hayes in Cheshire has a population of around 1000 residents. It is aiming to become England’s first carbon neutral village. The residents have undertaken activities such as changing old light bulbs, developing solar and wind power and influencing behaviour through on recycling. Ashton Hayes, with support from Carbon Connections, has also created a rural microgrid. For further information, see a selection of Ashton Hayes' community group videos:
Example of an urban community share offer
Brixton Energy is the first project of Repowering South London and has opened a share offer to put solar panels on the top of buildings in Brixton which could provide a model which might be considered for other urban centres.
Case studies available from MCS approved installer companies and case studies
MCS installers are required to access financial incentives and Government grants with the exception of hydropower and anaerobic digestion (for which there are no MCS certificated installers or products). If individual technologies are <50kWs for electricity and <45kWs for heat, community groups can contact an MCS installer for advice on technical issues, outputs, costs, feasibility. An MCS installer company should be able to supply case studies on similar installations and offer contact details. To contact an approved installer companies, see
Local Authority - Case Studies
The Local Government Association's Compare Renewables website is aimed at local authorities developing renewables. It sets out various
Case studies on the "Compare Renewables" resource page.
For further information on each technology, with accompanying case studies:
The Carbon Trust publishes informative reports on case studies on installations funded by DECC's Low Carbon Buildings Programme (now closed). The Carbon Trust also offers an advice service on renewables to local authorities.
Further useful case studies