Powering play: why sports centres must lead the UK’s green revolution
Sports and leisure centres play a central role in our communities as valuable third spaces. They’re where children learn to swim, where clubs train and where friends meet to stay active. But behind the scenes, they are also some of the most energy-intensive public buildings in the UK. Heated pools, air-conditioned gyms and floodlit courts all add […]
How shared ownership works in renewable energy – and what it means for East Hants
At Energise South Downs, we believe that renewable energy should not only cut carbon but also strengthen the communities it serves. One of the most effective ways to make that happen is through shared ownership. Shared ownership means that local people and organisations hold a financial stake in a renewable energy project – such as […]
How can businesses benefit from community energy?
Community energy is no longer a fringe movement, it’s becoming a mainstream pathway toward local prosperity, sustainability and resilience. Businesses partnering with community energy organisations such as Energise South Downs in Petersfield can gain access to lower-cost clean power, reduce their emissions and strengthen their ties with local communities. With everything from raising capital […]
Be part of the energy revolution
Join us to celebrate the launch of Energise South Downs’ first share offer! The event will include a screening of We the Power – Patagonia’s inspiring film on Europe’s citizen-led energy movement – plus powerful talks on renewable energy, local impact, and how you can own a stake in Hampshire’s green future. We’d love for […]
Your chance to invest in Hampshire’s renewable energy generation
Energise South Downs announces it’s first community investment opportunity to power Hampshire businesses and communities with rooftop solar On 8 July, Energise South Downs, a non-profit community energy co-operative, will launch its first share offer (community investment opportunity) to raise £302,000 for three rooftop solar installations in Hampshire. The projects aim to generate 270,000 kWh […]
Do you want to invest in our future? Have your say in our survey!
Energise South Downs’ mission is to transform the South Downs and surrounding areas into a beacon of sustainability through community energy projects. Community energy projects bring people together to generate, manage, or reduce energy use. These initiatives cut carbon emissions through locally generated renewable energy, funded by local investment. They empower communities to have a say […]
UK’s net zero economy brings opportunities
The move to renewables, and electrification, will not only save householders money, but will benefit the wider economy as well – according to the Confederation of British Industry. The net zero sector is growing three times faster than the overall UK economy, providing high-wage jobs across the country while cutting climate-heating emissions and increasing energy security. […]
Climate Change Committee Seventh Carbon Budget
This week, the Climate Change Committee submitted their Seventh Carbon Budget report to Parliament. Their recommended limit on the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions over the five-year period 2038 to 2042, is 535 MtCO2e, including emissions from international aviation and shipping. This is deliverable, provided action is taken rapidly. The report states that the best way forward […]
A Renewable Energy Study for the South Downs Local Plan Review
The award-winning South Downs Local Plan is being reviewed to ensure it is up-to-date and addresses important issues such as nature recovery, climate change, affordable housing and helping local communities thrive. Local communities, stakeholders and the development sector are invited to comment before 17th March. To inform the Local Plan Review, a Renewable Energy Study […]
How we are using the LENZA tool
Launched in October 2023, the Local Energy Net Zero Accelerator (LENZA) is a geospatial planning platform developed for SSEN, powered by Advanced Infrastructure Technology Ltd. LENZA provides a digital tool to support strategic energy planning through the digitisation of relevant energy data, assisting distribution network operators, local authorities and other stakeholders to work in collaboration […]