A new book to be released 7 June from the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT), provides a 'manifesto' for home and community energy revolution, says Transition movement founder, Rob Hopkins.
The Home Energy Handbook, written by Allan Shepherd, Paul Allen, Peter Harper, Nicky Ison and Jarra Hicks, aims to increase community participation in energy projects, deepen social resilience and help to “re-direct the profits of energy production back to the households and communities that generate, save and use it”.
Rob Hopkins praised the book as being a “hugely valuable resource for individuals, households, communities and local and national decision makers. There is a revolution afoot in terms of how we imagine energy generation. This is its manifesto.”
Based on environmentally responsible technologies, The Home Energy Handbook is the first single-volume handbook to cover areas of home and community energy and includes sections on calculating and cutting carbon emissions and implementing practical energy projects in homes or communities. There are also ten case studies showing how community focused energy projects ‘enhance living standards, cut carbon emissions and create community cohesion’, which include a self-build housing scheme in Bristol and a renewable energy scheme in the Scottish islands.
The book has received praise from Brighton Pavilion’s Green MP, Caroline Lucas: "The Home Energy Handbook helps communities and householders take control of their energy destiny with its fresh attitude, positive outlook and creative mix of practical information and inspiring case studies. Innovative and life-changing."
CAT is an environmental education centre based in Wales who promote sustainable living and is home to the Graduate School for the Environment, the Zero Carbon Britain project and the Wales Institute for Sustainable Education.
The Home Energy Handbook is available to buy from the CAT website
Get our weekly digest
resource.co article ai
How will the government and DMOs address the challenges of including glass in DRS while ensuring a level playing field across the UK?
There's no easy solution to include glass in the DRS while maintaining a level playing field. Potential approaches include a phased introduction of glass, potentially with higher deposits to reflect its logistical challenges. The government and DMOs could incentivise innovation in glass packaging design and subsidise dedicated return points for glass-handling. Exemptions for smaller businesses unable to handle glass might also be necessary. Any successful solution will likely blend several approaches. It must address the differing priorities of devolved administrations, balance environmental benefits with logistical and cost implications, and be supported by robust consumer education campaigns emphasizing the importance of glass recycling.