Students get to grips with energy and support Silverdale
This weekend, five Keele students used their enthusiasm to increase energy awareness in Silverdale, by triggering conversations with over 50 local residents.
‘Silverdale Energy Savers’, is project run by Dr Zoe Robinson (Director of Education for Sustainability) on behalf of Keele University - in conjunction with ‘Beat the Cold’, and ‘Marches Energy Agency’. Funded by the Cabinet Office it has the aim of raising the overall energy awareness in Silverdale.
Students are a key part in the delivery of this project and last week our recruited student volunteers were put through an energy awareness boot-camp. This was designed and delivered by Philippa Calver, Keele Sustainability Project Officer, and ‘Beat the Cold’. The students were able to share their understanding and reflect on the following things
- tips for a warm home – what is possible with different budget constraints
- fuel poverty - and importantly what are the signs
- energy bills – what are the different fuel types, and tariff types
- fuel switching – the good, the bad and the ugly
- good practice for working in the community
The students had the opportunity to put their training into practice this Saturday through the designed and delivery of an outreach event at the Cornerstone Community Centre Christmas Fete. They engaged with over 50 community members.
Dr Zoe Robinson, Director of Education for Sustainable Development, and Keele project lead said ‘students have enthusiasm and energy that can be directed to make a real difference to local lives. A project like this develops their understanding of the local community, furthers their employability, and develops an understanding of positive energy management’.
Next up the students are supporting a community computer class to learn about fuel switching, and then wrapping up warm to undertake thermal imaging to trigger conversations about winter heat loss and what can be done about it.
For more information about the project, contact Philippa Calver, Sustainability Project Officer P.Calver@Keele.ac.uk