Islay Energy Trust learned on 21st March that their application for a further year’s funding from the Scottish Government’s Climate Challenge Fund has been successful. Over the last two years, the Carbon Savings Project has worked with households on the island to try to cut energy bills and improve household energy efficiency. The focus for the new project – RACES (Renewables and Carbon/Energy Savings) is on offering the same support to small businesses, while helping to improve the energy rating of several community buildings and, crucially, further exploring the scope for community renewables on Islay. This last is vital if IET is to become a self-sustaining organisation, and to meet the aim of developing a community trust fund for the benefit of the island.
RACES is currently:
- Investigating a 330kW community wind development
- Working on a joint venture with Dunlossit Estate to refurbish the 20kW hydro scheme at Loch Allan
- Investigating ways of funding a solar PV ‘rent-a roof’ scheme for domestic and commercial properties
- Installing loft insulation in Bruichladdich Hall, Portnahaven Church and the Museum of Islay Life
- Installing loft and cavity wall insulation in Bowmore Hall
- Replacing single glazing and inefficient lighting in Bruichladdich Hall
- Replacing single glazing and a draughty front door at the Museum of Islay Life
- In addition, Project Officer Lindy MacLellan has trained in Non-Domestic Energy Assessment, and will shortly be offering assessments to SMEs on the island.
