Energy Project saves 21,428 cups of tea

Forth Valley Sensory Centre’s ‘Making Sense of Energy Saving’ Project is on track to save the equivalent of 300.6 metric tonnes of Carbon dioxide (CO₂), a powerful greenhouse gas, over the life of the project. The same as taking 167 cars off the road*!

The project has delivered significant benefits to the local community as well as Forth Valley Sensory Centre Users says Project Manager Kirsty Banks.

Kirsty said:

“The average car in the EU puts out the equivalent of 1.8 metric tonnes of CO2 each year from 720 litres of fuel. This project has helped a number of people with sensory conditions receive new heating or access funding they were entitled to, but had not previously been claiming. This, combined with the energy saving measures implemented at Forth Valley Sensory Centre, means we are on track to save the equivalent of 300.6 metric tonnes of CO₂ by 2029. That’s the same as 167 cars or for the non-drivers, making 21,428 cups of tea.”

Supported by the Scottish Government’s Climate Challenge Fund (CCF), the Making Sense of Energy Saving Project was designed to make information on how to cut energy use and reduce individual carbon footprints accessible to people with sight or hearing problems. What is more, the impact of the project could have been much higher as most of the energy saving actions were carried out before the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

The project has had a lasting impact, changing the way staff at Home Energy Scotland, the agency which supports vulnerable people to reduce their energy bills and keep their homes warmer deal with Deaf clients in particular.

Local MP John McNally has been a close follower of the project. He commented:

“This has been an impressive project, as it tackles two of the big issues in modern society, inclusion and climate change. I have always been a big advocate of the move to net zero but to do that we need to make certain everyone is part of the journey. That means making information accessible and supporting those in society who are not able to afford energy efficient heating or other measures, trapping them in a cycle of unacceptable and avoidable big bills and high energy usage.”

The work has not gone unnoticed by other charities too. Janis McDonald, Chief Executive of Deaf Scotland commented: “The team at Deaf Scotland, which includes a number of member bodies, supports the climate challenge work of Forth Valley Sensory Centre. It is critical on a number of levels such as providing accessible information in British Sign Language with subtitles and voice over. It is allowing discussion and engagement in various strands of relevant process such as growing, recycling and eating. Furthermore, it is enabling those affected by deafness to connect with other groups and be active participants within their localities. Excellent work done in a very human way.”

As part of the project lots of accessible resources, including energy saving videos and a regular e-zine have been created. All have BSL and are audio described for blind people. You can also access a number of case studies, highlighting some of the benefits delivered to people with sensory loss across Forth Valley.

One Centre User, Stephen Smith, received a new boiler and electric heaters for his flat. Stephen is blind and is on a low income. He was paying a lot for his energy but his house was still cold. The intervention from the Making Sense of Energy Saving Project has changed that. Stephen commented, “It has made my house a lot warmer and I don’t feel as cold sitting in the winter. At least I can sit in the heat now!”

For advice and information on how you could cut your energy use, reduce your bills and lower your carbon footprint, see our Making Sense of Energy Saving page here.

*Data from Transport Environment, EU clean transport pressure group www.transportenvironment.org

•