Hello Subscriber, Happy day-after-election day! 

In this edition of the Selce newsletter we have: 

• What the incoming government has planned for our energy future. 

• We are in full swing with our share offer. Check out the details before it's too late! 

• We are really excited about our upcoming free webinar about natural materials for energy efficiency. See you there ;)

• And, we are getting ready to launch our Retrofit Dreams Resource Hub, where we answer your questions about different aspects of upgrading your home for energy efficiency.

Chat soon,  The Selce Team :)

With a new government in power, we've pulled out the topline information about Labour's clean energy policy position from its Manifesto and its ambitiously titled 'Make Britain a Clean Energy Superpower'.

Labour's aim is to drive investment through public-private partnerships as well as to prioritise the building of large green energy generation projects. Smaller scale projects will be delivered by the Local Power Plan as it seeks to invigorate local authorities and community energy groups to lead on the vision for their respective local generation projects, potentially turbocharging a decentralised, greener energy landscape.

The Local Power Plan promises £400 million for community energy initiatives, with £600 million dedicated to local authorities for building clean power infrastructure. The goal is to establish 8 gigawatts of new, green energy within five years through this devolved power strategy. This would aid in Labour’s goal of doubling onshore wind by 2030.

To support the growth of community energy projects, Labour proposes a revolving loans system. This system will prepare projects for investment from community groups and private partners, fostering public-private partnerships across the country. Profits generated will be reinvested into new projects, creating a sustainable cycle of investment and development. For those local authority-led projects, the Local Power Plan distributes project profits via corresponding discounts on council tax.

Labour does seem serious about putting power back in the hands of people when it comes to community energy. Communities will be invited to propose projects for local energy generation, ensuring that local needs and preferences are prioritised. The involvement of MPs who are also Co-op party members, known for their strong advocacy of community energy, should further empower communities to get projects funded.

Ed Miliband, the Shadow Minister for Energy and Climate, has expressed great enthusiasm for community energy, which is very encouraging to us. He highlights the success of projects like that of Lawrence Weston in Somerset as models to be replicated nationwide, wherein a community fought and won for a local wind and solar farm despite the lack of government support.

While Labour’s plans are ambitious, several critical questions remain unanswered: How will planning laws be adapted to facilitate the establishment and operation of community energy projects? Will community energy be better recognised in a new legal framework with clear procedures for how community energy, the public and local authorities interact? There is a great need to release community energy from its current legally ambiguous position when it comes to planning.

Read Labour's 'Make Britain a Clean Energy Superpower'

We're well into our share offer period! In this share offer we are helping 5 community buildings upgrade 1,800 bulbs and fittings in Lewisham and Greenwich: 

• Newhaven School, Eltham

• Gordonbrock Primary School, Lewisham

• Elliot Bank Primary School, Lewisham.

• Edmund Waller Primary School, Lewisham

• Deptford Mission

Join Selce while you can and make your savings work for the planet, the community, and for you.

• The planet benefits through 250 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions avoided, equivalent to 41 flights from London to New York. 

• This will save a total of £295,000 on their energy bills. Plus, this project will donate £28,127 towards our Energy Advice service, helping local people save money and keep warm. 

• And you benefit through a forecast 4% interest on your investment and membership of a growing community enterprise. 

To support this project and own a community share in Selce you can invest between £250 and £20,000.

Your investment means everybody benefits.

Read our share offer information pack

Upcoming Events

Hemp, lambswool or even mushrooms! Nature-based materials are booming in the retrofit sector. Come along to hear from experts in the field on the different types materials you can use to make your home fit for the future. Joining us will be: 

• Simon Ayres – Lime Green Products

• Chika Igwe - Retrofit Coordinator, Future Fit Homes / South East London Community Energy

There will be a short presentation from each of the speakers followed by time to ask our panel of experts all you’ve ever wanted to know.

Find out more & book tickets

Answering your home energy efficiency questions

Q: I keep hearing the term 'retrofit', what does it mean?

The process of retrofit involves any changes to the existing fabric of your home to make it more energy efficient. By slowing the rate of heat loss and using (and maintaining) low energy consuming technologies in your home can lower your energy bills, make your home more comfortable and reduce your carbon footprint.  Retrofitting your home could mean: 

• insulating your loft, walls, and floors

• upgrading your heating system

• upgrading your windows to double or triple glazing

• installing solar panels

You can also retrofit for water efficiency by installing grey water systems and low consumption appliances. 

We are getting ready to launch our Resource Hub, which will answer your questions about upgrading your home for energy efficiency.   

Have an idea for an event and want one of our outreach team to come and run a workshop or give a talk in your community? Get in touch!

Get in touch with our outreach team!

Join the Energy Advice Bulletin

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