Date of visit: 22 September 2009.
The Wenhaston Village Hall management committee, with help in
awareness raising and fundraising from the Wenhaston Energy Support
Group (WESG), has begun the energy saving element of a long term
project to revitalise a central part of village life, the community
hall.
On 22 September 2009, 11 members of the Greenprint Forum enjoyed
a thorough talk and tour by one of the project initiators.
The project was funded from various sources. An application for
funds to help with the project was submitted to EEDA (East of
England Development Agency) by WESG. Wenhaston was one of the four
successful applicants and £70,000 was approved for the project.
Other energy saving funders who contributed to the project were BRE
Big Lottery - £46,725; Low Carbon Build Programme Phase 2 - £27,463
and Suffolk County Council (CRF) - £19,848.
The building work involved:
- Creating a new boilerhouse and fuel store, to replace the
inefficient old boiler - this was done by a Lowestoft project, The
Yard, employing young teenagers.
- Installing a biomass boiler which is fuelled by wood pellets
made by a Lowestoft firm from window and door frame off-cuts.
- Insulating the hall including cavity wall and loft
insulation
- Placing photovoltaic (PV) panels on the roof to provide
electricity - the largest single area of PV cells in Suffolk,
capable of generating 9.3 kilowatts of electricity.
It is estimated that this energy saving work will give at least
£1,000 a year reduction in fuel bills and reduce the carbon
footprint by 20 tons.
Key points raised were:
- This is a large project and needs a very focused project
team.
- Always make sure that a biomass boiler or any other large items
will arrive in a truck with a forklift or that you have costed one
in.
- Having an experienced project mentor is essential - make sure
there is sufficient funding for a consultant.
- When large amounts of funding come in there will be an audit
cost/increased audit cost - in this case £390.
- Prepare for contingencies - tarmac had to be relayed after 3
phase cable extended to enable PV grid connection -
£15,000; roof had to be stripped and strengthened.
- Local council’s have an important signposting and planning
role.
More information and photographs of the refurbishment can be
found on Wenhaston Energy Support Group website (new
window).