Trust hails The Meadows as 'green pioneer'
THE Meadows has been hailed as a trailblazer for other communities to follow in the drive to cut Notts' carbon footprint.
Residents throughout the county are being urged to follow the area's lead in becoming a Climate Friendly Community.
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Jane Jeoffrey, Margaret Spencer, Jacky Dobson, Linda Brodie and Anne Sills of The Meadows Partnership Trust
The Energy Saving Trust wants communities to take steps to cut waste and energy use, and has highlighted ongoing eco-projects in The Meadows as the way forward.
This month marks the halfway point in the year-long campaign by The Meadows Partnership Trust to win £1m to shape the estate's green agenda for years to come.
The organisation's 'green loans' scheme is one of ten ideas short-listed to win the national Big Green Challenge. It offers residents help in paying for installation of energy-saving measures. The trust's prize-winning efforts have also seen them train five residents to become 'green champions'.
Jacky Dobson, of The Meadows Partnership Trust, said: "They will promote energy savings and offer support to neighbours and friends. We have a committed community who want to change The Meadows. We want to teach people that by looking at the green agenda and working with it, you can really make savings and help the planet.
"If we can invest now and look at what alternatives there are, we can make a difference and help people in the future."
Inspectors from National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA), who run the Big Green Challenge, are to visit the estate later this month to check on progress. The winner will be the scheme that has saved the most carbon and is most involved in its community.
If The Meadows' scheme wins, a wind turbine will be built on the Victoria Embankment to generate electricity for the area.
Any spare power would be sold back into the National Grid to raise further funds for other projects.
The Energy Saving Trust is using the estate's example as a pioneer for its Climate Friendly Communities scheme. It has given residents electronic energy monitors that can help them see where savings can be made.
Simon Wright, regional manager at Energy Saving Trust advice centre East Midlands, said: "It's imperative that we convey the message that everyone – householders, businesses, community organisations and government – needs to work together locally to achieve a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions globally."
Communities interested in the Energy Saving Trust's scheme should call 0800 512 012 or visit www.energysavingtrust.org.uk
bryan.henesey@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk
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by J Hughes, The Meadows
Saturday, December 11 2010, 1:14AM
“This Wind Turbine is the "baby" of ex MP Mr Simpson who describes it as a 'statement' and an 'angel of the north'. It is there to advertise his Meadows project which will catapult him further around the country promoting what is already going on in many communities who are far ahead of the Meadows. In July 2010 at the un advertised MOZES AGM only 25 local residents had signed up to MOZES and not all of them want a Turbine dominating the Embankment. Planning permission was pushed through on the quiet with some of the people living nearest to the proposed site not knowing about it. The Embankment is thoroughly protected land and nothing should be built or erected on it. The council should not breach the covenant.”
by Windy, The Meadows
Wednesday, April 22 2009, 8:47AM
“Dave, your comments confirm that you don't know what you are talking about. If you are going to moan about wind turbines, then at least do a bit of research about them. Wind turbines do not work well in the middle of built up areas because houses tend to deflect the wind flow.
Also believe it or not the embankment is actually part of the Meadows. The wind turbine has planning permission and is supported by the Meadows community. The turbine will enable the Meadows community to take control of their own energy production, instead of being held ransom by big energy companies and their use of coal and carbon which has been widely accepted as the main cause of global warming.
Sorry if it spoils your view!”
by Dave, Nottm
Tuesday, April 21 2009, 2:34PM
“Oh I see, the wind blows across the Embankment and then stops just before it reaches the Meadows.”
by guess who?, nottingham
Tuesday, April 21 2009, 12:57PM
“Errm i guess that would be due to the embankment being windier (due to the vast open space and being next to the river). Placing it in the middle of a housing estate is not really going to attract the wind it needs!
This is a nice achievement for an area which has had its ups and downs but shows that action can lead to good things.
Well Done, keep it up!”
by Dave, Notts
Tuesday, April 21 2009, 12:26PM
“Why don't they put the wind turbine actually in the Meadows rather than blighting the Embankment with it. They're monstrous things and their whole life payback is questionable.”