Nailsworth CAN have been thinking about projects that the town, community groups and businesses can sponsor or participate in. These projects will help us to Build Back Better and help achieve the carbon net-zero goal that SDC has set for 2030.

• Sharing stories: To share experiences of homeowner retrofit projects, to learn from and inspire each other.

• Raising the profile of retrofit: To work with communities, councillors and trades to highlight opportunities for improved building performance.

• Community retrofit scheme: To explore options for a community interest company to deliver retrofit projects.

• Lobby for funding: To lobby for a fare deal and funding for those unable to fund retrofit work on their homes.

• Promoting solar PV: To provide support and local links for those wanting to install solar photovoltaic on a roof, or ground mounted.

• Promoting heat pumps: To provide support and local links for those wanting to replace a gas boiler with a heat pump.

• Lobbying for green construction: To scrutinise new building plans to ensure they are consistent with SDC’s own 2030 net-zero goals.

• Water management: To promote better waster management to reduce flooding during heavy rain and conserve water during droughts.

• Working with local businesses & institutions: To promote more efficient buildings and smarter built environment.

• Promoting EV charging & secure bike parking: To promote lower carbon options for shoppers, public servants and business employees.

What are the benefits of these projects?

Carbon Reduction: Keeping homes and other buildings warm by keeping the heat in (retrofit), and by changing the way we heat them (renewable heat), is the single most important thing most householders can do to reduce their carbon footprint..

Local Economy: There are many ways that retrofit and renewable heat could move from being a niche industry to a significant sector, with opportunities for training and apprentices for school leavers, but also cross-training for existing trades.

Fairness: Ensuring low-cost funding for retrofit and renewable heat, to improve access.

Health & Wellbeing: Livable homes in cold winters and heat waves.

Nature Restoration: Better water management by greening the surroundings of buildings will help with nature as well as flooding.

Resilience: Buildings that are livable in winter, can also be made to be livable during the heat waves, which are already more likely, and will be an increasing feature during summer (Met Office) due to global warming.