RENEWABLE ENERGY FUND
WHY are we doing this?
Our inaugural members built the foundations by constructing the green that we are so lucky to play on, the next generation built the clubhouse and the changing facilities. We now have the opportunity to futureproof the club - embracing renewable energy and, at the same time, helping to save the environment.
You will know from your own bills how prices have risen. We currently pay the equivalent of half of our members' annual subscriptions on heating and lighting costs. Now is the time for the club to invest in solar energy to offset our spiralling electricity costs.
This will enhance our ‘green credentials’ and will significantly reduce the amount of money that we have to pay out on a yearly basis, enabling us to invest in projects that directly benefit the members.
WHO is involved?
Club Chairman Carl, our Treasurer, Peter, and Site Manager Melvin have been asked by the committee to manage the project. Several contractors have been invited to conduct a feasibility study (to recommend where the panels should best be placed) then submit designs and quotations to install the solar panels.
The preferred solution is for the panels to be placed on the clubhouse rear canopy and tiled section of the roof, in parallel with a powerful storage battery.
WHAT will it cost us?
The estimated cost will be in the region of £22,000 - a sizeable sum, but one that will show visible savings from year one. The outlay will be returned within five to six years, after which we will be 'in profit' from a combination of reduced bills and the sale of excess electricity to the Grid
What happens if we exceed our target? Any extra funds we raise will be used to improve our carbon footprint further by, for example, installing new radiators in the clubhouse.
HOW is it going to happen?
A Renewable Energy Fund (REF) has been set up, with a target of £25,000, which we hope to reach within a few months.
You might ask how?
Firstly, we are considering applying to a number of organisations for grants towards the costs - for example, East Devon District Council and Sports England both operate schemes that support green energy projects. Although there is no guarantee of success, we believe we meet the selection criteria that they demand. Should any of the applications succeed, the Club will have to contribute a minimum of 10% to the cost, possibly more. If our bids should fail, then we can either opt to reduce the scale of the project (and therefore the costs) or reapply next year.
The club Committee will look at a number of initiatives to augment the grants, centring on a fundraising strategy that involves seeking grants from alternative external organisations, encouraging members to contribute through long-term membership or direct pledges, engaging members with Autumn and Winter social events, and reaching out to local businesses with a dedicated fundraising leaflet
Our inaugural members built the foundations by constructing the green that we are so lucky to play on, the next generation built the clubhouse and the changing facilities. We now have the opportunity to futureproof the club - embracing renewable energy and, at the same time, helping to save the environment.
You will know from your own bills how prices have risen. We currently pay the equivalent of half of our members' annual subscriptions on heating and lighting costs. Now is the time for the club to invest in solar energy to offset our spiralling electricity costs.
This will enhance our ‘green credentials’ and will significantly reduce the amount of money that we have to pay out on a yearly basis, enabling us to invest in projects that directly benefit the members.
WHO is involved?
Club Chairman Carl, our Treasurer, Peter, and Site Manager Melvin have been asked by the committee to manage the project. Several contractors have been invited to conduct a feasibility study (to recommend where the panels should best be placed) then submit designs and quotations to install the solar panels.
The preferred solution is for the panels to be placed on the clubhouse rear canopy and tiled section of the roof, in parallel with a powerful storage battery.
WHAT will it cost us?
The estimated cost will be in the region of £22,000 - a sizeable sum, but one that will show visible savings from year one. The outlay will be returned within five to six years, after which we will be 'in profit' from a combination of reduced bills and the sale of excess electricity to the Grid
What happens if we exceed our target? Any extra funds we raise will be used to improve our carbon footprint further by, for example, installing new radiators in the clubhouse.
HOW is it going to happen?
A Renewable Energy Fund (REF) has been set up, with a target of £25,000, which we hope to reach within a few months.
You might ask how?
Firstly, we are considering applying to a number of organisations for grants towards the costs - for example, East Devon District Council and Sports England both operate schemes that support green energy projects. Although there is no guarantee of success, we believe we meet the selection criteria that they demand. Should any of the applications succeed, the Club will have to contribute a minimum of 10% to the cost, possibly more. If our bids should fail, then we can either opt to reduce the scale of the project (and therefore the costs) or reapply next year.
The club Committee will look at a number of initiatives to augment the grants, centring on a fundraising strategy that involves seeking grants from alternative external organisations, encouraging members to contribute through long-term membership or direct pledges, engaging members with Autumn and Winter social events, and reaching out to local businesses with a dedicated fundraising leaflet
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HOW are we doing?
The diagram on the right shows our progress towards the target - thank you to everybody who has contributed! |
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