As world leaders delay over climate change, Sheffield groups are ‘getting on with it’

This week country representatives debate a global agreement to cut carbon emissions at the UN Climate Change Conference in Durban, South Africa. Unwilling to await their decision, Sheffield groups are calling for voters to help them tackle climate change today.

Friends of Millhouses Park and Sheffield Renewables are two Sheffield groups taking part in a national X-Factor style vote to win over £125,000 towards local community renewable energy projects.

The two groups have made it into the final stage of the EnergyShare Launch Fund, run by British Gas and celebrity chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s environmental organisation River Cottage.

Public voting ends at 5pm this Saturday and the two groups only need to beat one other scheme to win their categories. They are calling for everybody to vote online today.

The Millhouses mill buildings project, run by Friends of Millhouses Park, is transforming the oldest water mill site in the city into a sustainable community centre. The group have already raised £68,000 towards refurbishing the historic 13^th century corn mill in Millhouses Park. If they win, the buildings will be fitted with solar panels, insulation and a ground source heat pump, which will save over .5 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.

Jane Hunter, executive committee member of Friends of Millhouses Park, said: “It’s all about awareness raising; micro-generation can make a big contribution to the total energy mix.” Jane believes that by installing renewable energy in community buildings they are providing concrete examples of how people can create their own energy. 

Sheffield Renewables, a volunteer-led social enterprise, has already raised over £65,000 towards Jordan Dam, a hydro-electricity project on the River Don, near Meadowhall. The group have been granted planning permission to install a modern Archimedes screw at Jordan Dam. This community owned waterpower scheme would generate enough electricity for 80 typical family homes, saving 170 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.

An artist's impression of the Jordan Dam Hydro

“We want people to feel empowered about tackling climate change, we’re all about getting things done on the ground, so that people can see what is possible and start spreading ideas” said Miss Cariad Thomas-Cooke, project officer for Sheffield Renewables.

Megg Munn, MP for Sheffield Heeley said: “This project is a great example of how local organisations can work with local people to make a real difference to our environment. I’ve already voted for it- and want to give the Sheffield Renewables team my full support for this project.”

Voting is open until 5pm, Saturday 3^rd December, to vote log on to http://www.energyshare.com/voting/