Energy Monitors coming to libraries in September

A while back I wrote about the success some Greens had had getting energy monitors into their libraries well I am delighted to announce that Gloucestershire Libraries will be embarking on a similar pilot scheme this September. I put in a request with my Transition Stroud hat on, to them and to the County Council Sustainability team a long while back - many emails and telephone conversations later and I now have confirmation that they are delighted to run with the project. Good on them!!

While Transition Stroud has initiated the scheme, the Severn Wye Energy Agency will be launching the scheme in September in partnership with Gloucestershire County Council. This is great stuff.

Energy Monitors will be available to loan from Stroud, Nailsworth, Stonehouse and Dursley libraries plus at least one library in each of the other 5 County Districts. Basically the monitors have been shown to be very successful in helping people reduce electricity bills and CO2 emissions. People will be able to borrow the meters in the same way as they might loan a book or DVD.

Yippee! And great that all the hard work has paid off - yesterday I was at a meeting in Stroud to finalise the leaflet details of this years Eco-Renovation Open Homes event - it is looking great with some 23 homes offering to show folk their PV, Wood pellet boilers, insulation and lots more. Here is a letter I sent to the local press to start the publicity about it...

I was delighted to read the hard work of Stroud Common Wealth has led to the opening of the new community venue at The Exchange in Brick Row, Stroud (27/05/09). This conference and workspace for charities, social enterprises and more will be a big boost to Stroud. It is great that it's renovation has incorporated so many environmental features like high-levels of insulation, a ground source heat pump and rainwater harvesting and grey water recycling.

SNJ readers might be interested to know there will be a chance to view those features during Transition Stroud's Eco Renovation Open Homes weekend on 12th and 13th September 2009. The building will be open on the Saturday for tours plus expert advice and the chance to talk to eco-installers.

Last year the Open Homes weekend had a staggering 1,150 visits to the homes and exhibition. This year we have 23 homes signed up and people will be able to see a wide range of eco-renovations and talk to the homeowners. Houses account for a quarter of UK CO2 emissions so it is vital we learn how we can best reduce our energy bills and cut CO2.

We are grateful again to the District Council for their support and this year also to various others including Stroud Town Council and Ecotricity. However Open Homes is run by volunteers so if you think you can help us please call Helen Royall on 755509.

Philip Booth, Eco-renovation Open Homes project, Transition Stroud,