On 26th October 2024, we ran a launch event to celebrate the incorporation of Climate Action Thornbury and Surrounding Areas (CATSA), at the Methodist Hall in Thornbury. The event introduced the mission and purpose of CATSA CIC… namely, to widen awareness of and access to energy saving and generation technologies, practices, funding, and services fairly and evenly across our community.
In keeping with CATSA’s goals, we also heard from members of our own community, and partners from across our network. The event showcased a wide range of inspiring community energy initiatives from across South Gloucestershire and Bristol.
Retrofit
The event celebrated CATSA’s partnership with Retrofit West, intro to Retrofit West’s services, and an example from one of CATSA’s own Directors, Danny Bonnett, who has recently worked with them for insulation and heat pump installation in his property.
Tracey Kovacs from CHEESE highlighted the health and financial issues associated with poorly insulated homes in the UK, as well as the environmental impact, and explained how CHEESE’s thermal imaging surveys help homeowners to identify and address causes of heat loss. David Baker-Faulkner then talked us through the actions he has taken since getting a thermal imaging survey of his home by CHEESE.
The White-Horne family shared their journey so far toward making their cottage net zero, including switching from non-mains gas to solar thermal and PV for heating and hot water.
Energy generation
CATSA Director Andy O’Brien discussed local solar energy projects in Bristol, including Bristol Energy Co-operative’s model for installing rooftop solar on commercial buildings, and introduced the wider social, economic, and policy context.
Rob Jones shared Big Solar’s model for generating electricity from rooftop solar on commercial and community buildings, which is then provided at preferential rates to those organisations
Dr Charles Gamble from Bristol Energy Network discussed the Lawrence Weston wind energy project including the legal, financial, and social practicalities of getting the project off the ground
Peter Boait explained how Gloucester Community Energy Co-Op provide financing and project management for renewable energy installations, typically for community buildings and schools
Other community energy initiatives
Jess Farr introduced some of the initiatives taking place through Transition Stroud – and explained the ethos of transition towns with references to Stroud’s projects which focus on energy as well as community building and engagement
We also heard in depth from SGC about managing their own CO2 emissions, followed by a lively discussion of relevant policy including regulation of new housing.
The overall feel of the event was one of overwhelming positivity: it was fantastic to get so many people and organisations involved in community energy in one place to share their learning, knowledge, and ideas. CATSA is proud to be a part of this active, innovative, and inspiring network and we are looking forward to sharing our own success stories very soon!
