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Climate Action Rural North East programme launched at AGM

22nd Nov 2024

Climate Action Rural North East programme launched at AGM

Rural communities across Northumberland and Durham are set to benefit from a pioneering new initiative to reduce energy costs and combat climate change.

The Climate Action in Rural North East (CAIRN) project, launched at CAN’s 2024 AGM on 18th November, offers tailored support to help small communities take control of their energy usage and create a greener future.

CAN and its partners came together to create the project recognising rural areas face unique challenges.

Andy Dean from CAN explains:
“Many homes rely on costly heating oil, public transport options are limited, and infrastructure can be outdated. These factors often leave rural households grappling with higher energy costs and fewer support options than their urban counterparts. CAIRN is designed to address these issues by empowering communities to develop practical, long-term energy solutions.” 

The CAIRN project builds on CAN’s established experience in delivering energy advice and nurturing community energy projects. It is set to deliver a range of innovative programmes to help rural communities make a meaningful impact: 

  • Community Energy Projects: Supporting local groups to establish energy initiatives, inspired by the success of Northumberland Community Energy Ltd, which is equipping community buildings across the county with solar panels and batteries. 
  • Carbon Assessments: Conducting whole-community assessments to pinpoint opportunities for reducing emissions and improving energy efficiency in homes, businesses, and shared spaces. 
  • Free Energy Advice for Households: Offering 500 households in Northumberland and Durham free, tailored advice on transitioning away from fossil fuels, delivered through expert home visits. 
  • Training and Skills Development: Providing workshops and resources on energy efficiency, renewable technologies, and retrofitting to equip residents with practical knowledge and tools. 
  • Engaging Young People: Partnering with schools and youth groups to inspire the next generation to take action against the climate crisis. 

To learn more about how your community can participate, contact CAIRN:
- Email: energy@ca-north.org.uk  
- Phone: 01670 517178 
- Web: https://ca-north.org.uk/promoting-rural-issues/climate-action-in-rural-north-east

CAIRN is the result of a partnership between Community Action Northumberland (CAN), Durham Community Action (DCA), the Rural Design Centre (RDC), and the National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise (NICRE). The project is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, bringing vital resources to support climate action in rural North East communities. 

Paul Cowie, Chief Executive of the Rural Design Centre said:
“Rural Communities often lack the capacity to engage fully with the challenges around developing community energy initiatives. CAIRN is a great opportunity to build capacity within rural communities to ensure energy projects are designed and developed by and for rural communities.” 

Kate Burrows, Chief Executive at Durham Community Action said:
“We are delighted to be working closely with our rural partners across the region, building on our strong relationships to support communities across County Durham to take action. As individuals and communities come together to address the issues they face, together we can adopt the solutions we need that contribute to longer term energy security. “

The partnership believes CAIRN can reduce energy costs, cut carbon emissions, and build a brighter, more resilient future for rural Northumberland and Durham.