Climate Action in Rural North East

Take Charge of Your Community's Energy Future

Are you part of a small community in rural Northumberland or Durham? Are you looking for ways to reduce your energy costs and do your bit for the environment? The Climate Action in Rural North East (CAIRN) project is here to help you take control of your energy usage and make a positive impact on the climate crisis.

Why This Matters to You

Rural communities like ours often face unique challenges. We rely more on private transport, often use expensive heating oil, and struggle with poor infrastructure. Energy costs can be high, and it’s not always easy to access the same support and services available in larger towns. But by working together, we can change that.

CAIRN is all about supporting small communities to take charge of their energy needs and find practical, long-term solutions that benefit everyone.

What We’re Doing

1. Community Energy Projects
   We'll work to support communities looking to start their own local energy projects across the patch where there is strong community support. An early example is Northumberland Community Energy Ltd (NCEL) which is installing solar panels and batteries at 85 community buildings across the county. This will reduce energy costs and carbon emissions, making our communities more resilient for the future.
2. Carbon Assessments
   Whole-community carbon assessments will help us understand where we can make the biggest impact. We’ll identify practical ways to reduce emissions and plan for future upgrades in homes, businesses, and community spaces.
3. Energy Advice for Households
   We’re offering free, independent advice to 500 households across Northumberland and Durham on how to transition away from using fossil fuels. Our experts will visit your home and provide tailored suggestions to help you save money and lower your energy consumption.
4. Training and Skills Development
   We’ll be running training sessions on energy efficiency, renewables, and retrofit assessments. This will equip people with the skills to make a difference in their own homes and communities. Our volunteer network will continue to provide advice and support, ensuring long-term benefits.
5. Inspiring Young People
   Through partnerships with schools and youth groups, we’re engaging the next generation to understand how many small actions can make a big difference in tackling the climate crisis.

How You Can Get Involved

We believe small communities can lead the way in creating a greener, more sustainable future. By joining forces, we can lower energy bills, reduce carbon emissions, and build a brighter future for rural Northumberland and Durham.

Get in touch today to learn more about how your community can get involved. Together, we can make a lasting impact.

Contact Us

For more information or to join the project, contact us at:
Email: energy@ca-north.org.uk
Phone: 01670 517178

Let’s make a difference, one community at a time.

The partnership behind CAIRN

Community Action Northumberland (CAN), Durham Community Action (DCA), the Rural Design Centre (RDC) and the National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise (NICRE) have come together in partnership to deliver a joint project to support communities and residents take climate action across rural Northumberland and Durham.

The project is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.