Introduction

The purpose of this page is to serve as an introduction (and a reminder) to the Energy group, what it hopes to do and how it goes about doing it.

It is not intended to be a strict set of rules, rather a basis for having a common understanding which reflects the group’s consensus at any given time. It is a reflection of the latest thinking amongst the active members of the group.

As this page is updated by one person, it needs to be referred to and commented on by others to achieve its aim.

Aims and Scope of the Energy Group

We are part of the Newton Abbot Transition Town initiative and agree with the principles and systems of that movement (reference The Transition Handbook by Rob Hopkins). It is about the transition to greater local resilience to deal with the inevitability of Peak Oil and environmental changes including climate change.

Our main aim is raising awareness of, and improving, our carbon footprint which we understand to mean:

• minimising our energy consumption
• moving towards more environmentally, as well as commercially, sustainable energy generation

We plan to do this at a number of levels:

• personal individual
• local organisational (businesses, government, and others)
• local political

Local here means Newton Abbot and its surrounding areas, towns and villages.

Initiating and Running Projects/Actions

Any member of the group can initiate a project or action which meets the aims and scope. They can run these themselves or act in a supporting role with others. The only plea we would make is that people make personal commitments that they can keep. If this proves difficult, please let those who are depending on you know in good time!

We encourage our members to talk to their family, friends and colleagues:

• about their carbon footprint,
• ask them to speak to others as well,
• ask them if they would like to join the energy group by attending our meetings and or be on the e-mail list.

Working Together

Membership of the group is open to anyone. We communicate by e-mail (in line with our Mail Guidelines) and meet approximately once every 4 – 6 weeks for about 1.5hrs to talk about projects and actions (in a friendly setting!).

For information about what projects we are planning and when we meet, or how to become involved please e-mail postie@TransitionNewtonAbbot.org.uk

Current Initiatives

We have a number of activities which you can join or initiate in your area.

• a community project to reduce carbon footprint “HaRE CIC”,
• business carbon reduction support,
• information stalls,
• carbon reduction in conservation areas “Newton’s Cradle”,
• energy sculptures,
• building a mobile electricity generating machine from 2nd hand bits “Energy Cycle”.