The Ellen MacArthur Foundation is working together with the community of Chale on the Isle of Wight and Southern Housing Group to eliminate fuel poverty, create local employment opportunities in the renewable energy industry and provide a blueprint for change.
We are adopting a hands-on approach, focusing on specific, measurable objectives together with DECC (Department of Energy and Climate Change), the Energy Saving Trust and Salford University.
Last December, Chale was lucky enough to have been selected as one of only 10 places in the UK to pioneer a new Government initiative to look at how communities themselves can drive sustainable change.
Phase 1: February - September 2010
One of the biggest, most concentrated installation of renewable technology in housing association properties in the UK - a winning mix of air source heat pumps and solar PV (photovoltaic) panels - managed by South Wight Housing Association.
Every household offered a free consultancy from the Footprint Trust and given guidance on energy efficiency in the home.
A training for jobs scheme for local people, focusing on renewable technologies and energy efficiency.
Working together with key 'Community Contacts' who have volunteered to support members of the community with energy efficiency guidance and help manage the change.
A revolving community fund generated from the new technology Feed-in-Tariff and planned Renewable Heat Incentive. This fund will be used for future sustainability related projects for the benefit of the whole community.
A joint initiative with Southern Vectis to provide a discounted bus fare for residents to encourage the use of public transport.