Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC) recently held its 2^nd annual Climate Change Conference, an informative event, that asks the big questions, highlighting the tensions and a call for action to achieve a net zero in Huntingdonshire. Here are some of the key points relevant to our local voluntary sector:

1.Understand the changes we can make in our homes

Cambridge Carbon Footprint provide resources and information about moving towards low carbon living, in our individual homes. This organisation will also arrange talks to communities to grow awareness of the options of low carbon alternatives. This is a good starting point to understand how to go about retrofitting a home, plan ahead and guard against fuel poverty.

2. Take a Thermal Image Picture

Thermal Imaging cameras are available for loan from Cambridge Carbon Footprint, the camera will pinpoint where heat loss is arising in an individual home, allowing the most appropriate energy-saving intervention to be implemented. HDC is also looking at ways they can provide thermal images for groups to use in the district.

3. Aspire to a net zero community building

Look out for HDC’s Net Zero Village Grant Funding to be opened soon, aiming to support the implementation of eco-friendly measures in community buildings, if you do not have a plan for your building PECT runs various support projects and can you plan your approach to help you benefit from future grants. Contact harriet.robinson@huntingdonshire.gov.uk

4. Make purchasing choices

How many of our local organisations have policies that commit them to ensure sustainable purchasing? Being mindful of food miles, or understanding the sustainable supply chains when purchasing from national or globalised corporations balanced against our tight budgets is a challenge for a sector that is run on a shoestring and somewhat reactive! Your thoughts and practices as voluntary organisations are welcomed so we can make the practice more widespread. Contact Kathy@huntsforum.org.uk

5. Go for a walk!

inaturalist is an app that can be downloaded to help identify wildlife species and log them on a national ecology database to better understand our natural environment. HDC are keen for community members to take part in the on-going  audit to build a comprehensive picture of bio-diversity in the district- so together we can protect it. Could you help them? Perhaps you run walking groups or social groups that could help? Contact Nick.Massey@huntingdonshire.gov.uk to discuss your ideas.