Alington House
Community Centre Work - Alington House, Durham
Community Centre Work - Alington House, Durham
Alington House is an example of how activities about sustainability can evolve, starting with a topic that particularly interests the centre managers, in this case heating and energy use, and then opportunities arise from there. We were helped by having a third party who knew the community centre well and could make the introductions.
It starts with an overheated classroom...
It starts with an overheated classroom...
We were introduced to the centre managers, Debra and Alan, by the Durham course organiser for the Workers' Educational Association. He was concerned that the classroom was over heated in the winter making it hard for students to learn. A discussion about this with the centre managers led to an invite to do a presentation to the centre management committee on saving energy and the value of getting an energy audit done. (The building used to be 3 seperate buildings, and some of it is medieval).
Leading to a Green Actions workshop and installation of a hotbin composter...
It also led to an invite to run a 'thinking tools for green action' workshop with the women's group and centre manager. The workshop was held in the centre cafe and adpated to fit in to the 30 minutes free after yoga and lunch.
The workshop led to Green Actions being pledged by both individuals and the centre management.
In particular it was suggested that the centre needded to compost the waste from the cafe. A proposal to buy a hotbin was included in the presentation made to the management committee, and it was agreed to both buy a hotbin and to fundraise for an energy audit to be done of the building.
After the success of the Green Actions workshop the centre managers asked for it to be adapted for the Visually Impaired Group who meet weekly. Other workshops were then requested by the group such as Recycling and Microgreen growing.
The microgreen growing then developed into a masterclass for the centre staff and volunteers on designing a vertical veg garden for the centre.
And back to energy..
The energy auditor identified where the thermostat to control the heating for the upstairs in the building was located. This has resulted in big energy savings for the community centre, and much more comfortable rooms! In November 2019 their gas bill was reduced from £700 to £500.
Links with specialists
EE4A has a broad range of expertise and contacts to draw on, working with specialists we know are knowledgeable and dependable. In the case of Alington House we could advise on who could do a comprehensive energy audit and advise on where to go for funding.
These contacts have been built up through our involvement in the WEA North East Green Branch, Greening Wingrove and other initiatives.
Partnership Work
Developing a good partnership with the community centre managers was key to the success of this project.
Adaptability
EE4A are skilled in adapting workshops and activities for each situation.
