As part of a series of four energy workshops under the Green Islands initiative, we recently hosted an engaging event that spotlighted the Tackling Climate Change by Living Well for Less project. This session focused on practical steps to harness solar power, cut electricity costs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Inspiring Presentations

Helen Ross, Eco Savvy Chair, opened the event with an introduction to the project’s aims which are to:

• provide practical help and information to the Arran community to improve energy efficiency and insulation in our buildings and to generate energy from natural sources such as solar, heat pumps and hydro (moving water). 
• enable more Arran householders and businesses to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change, and, over time, reduce energy bills and keep more people warmer for less.

• build on the Green Islands project by helping Arran community members and organisations to implement recommendations from their energy performance assessments, audits and /or net zero action plans through: –
  • Community workshops: 
  • Greenhouse gas emissions calculations and support.
  • Increasing on-island Accredited installer expertise.
  • Updating the Green Islands net zero plan for Arran.
  • 2 small groups trialling an Action Learning approach.
  • Providing 6 Energy Performance Certificates Assessments. 
  • Creating an Arran Directory for Sustainable Living.

The workshop featured several insightful presentations

Maryam Elawazzy, a Sustainability Consultant, representing Adler and Allan, (below right) provided an overview of the organisation’s past contributions to the Green Islands project and highlighted how they can continue supporting Arran residents and businesses on their journey to net-zero.  

Donald McNicol, gave an update on the progress of the Arran Solar Project, as well as information about how the community will benefit. 

Bill MacGregor, a local homeowner with extensive experience in solar PV and battery storage systems, shared his inspiring success story. His concise yet informative presentation covered essential topics, including planning for solar installations, determining the optimum system size, understanding tariffs, and calculating costs and payback periods. His practical insights offered valuable guidance to attendees considering similar projects.

From a business perspective, Alastair Dobson, Managing Director of Arran Dairies, detailed his company’s experience with solar PV. He explained how the implementation of renewable energy systems supports their broader efforts to achieve net-zero and shared advice relevant to local businesses.  He also talked about the Net-Zero Accelerator Programme that is currently supporting 12 Arran businesses in this journey over the next year.

Connecting with Accredited Installers

It is sometimes difficult for islanders to engage with accredited installers of insulation and renewable energy because they are based on the mainland.  Whilst Arran Eco Savvy is not in a position to recommend any one company, we do recognise the need to make it easier for the community to get quotes for work in order that they are able to apply for grants or loans and to get work done.

Therefore these events also aim to facilitate direct communication between Arran householders and businesses with accredited installers.  Their presence provides attendees with invaluable opportunities to discuss planned home energy efficiency improvements directly with accredited providers. These one-on-one interactions allow householders to gain tailored advice and explore practical solutions to enhance their homes’ energy performance.

Three accredited installers participated in the event: Arnold Howard from Green Home Systems, Michael Brown from Optama Ltd, and Norman Patterson from TK Murray Ltd. 

Collaborative Discussions and Action Learning

Attendees had multiple opportunities to engage with accredited providers. The AES energy team consisting of Helen Ross – Chair, Sofi Graham – Project Manager, Nikki Harris and Urusla Kelly – Action Learning Facilitators and Lewis MacMillan – GreenHouse Gas Technical Consultant, and our guest speakers to share ideas and seek guidance on improving energy efficiency.

Towards the end of the workshop, a short collaborative session using an action learning approach, encouraged participants to work together to develop practical recommendations and strategies for future progress.  For example they considered the following questions: – 

1. What will help you to make your net zero changes, save £ and feel better for less?
2. What do you need to help you to make that happen
3. Who could you ask for the necessary information / work / resources?

Refreshments

Jess Wallace, our Sustainable Food Coordinator provided refreshments on the night from our Zero Waste Cafe. Plus, surplus light refreshments stored safely were taken to another Eco Savvy workshop afterward to prevent food waste.

Feedback

A mix of 36 householders and business representatives attended this event from around the island.  Evaluation forms were handed out at the start of the workshop and collected upon attendees leaving.  Post-its were handed out to the discussion groups.  An example of the answers to the questions posed included: –

Data from the completed evaluation forms showed that: 

• The information provided by the guest speakers was invaluable. 
• The event successfully equipped attendees with the knowledge and resources
• Plus inspiration to take meaningful steps toward energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption. 

It demonstrated the value of bringing householders, businesses, and industry experts together to build a more sustainable future for Arran.

Attendees ‘felt they were less daunted and ready to start taking steps forward’ and ‘more informed about solar and available tariffs’ and ‘we now have more info and contacts to take steps forward’ . Another great piece of feedback was “Bill’s talk on solar PV is an inspiring success story”  

Moreover, after the event we also received some lovely feedback via email – 

“Hello, wonderful Eco-Savvy folk,

THANK YOU, THANK YOU for such a useful, friendly and informative event today. Since becoming owners of REDACTED, we have felt excited, but also overwhelmed, and at times down-hearted and unsure of whether we are up to the task of making it into a cosy environmentally-sound home.  We feel massively fortunate to have Eco-Savvy with such a wealth of experience and so many friendly, dedicated people who are keen to share their knowledge and expertise.

Huge thanks S&J”

Additionally, feedback also showed areas that attendees are still keen to learn more about. Like insulation, tariffs and how and where to get funding. 

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Thanks to all speakers, the Eco Savvy team, and to all participants. Our events wouldn’t be possible without funding from the Scottish Government through the Ayrshire Community Climate Hub!

Our next event is scheduled for 12th February 2025 between 2-5pm at Corrie & Sannox Hall.