The ExxonMobil
Energy Challenge
“At a time when
we see the Earth’s natural resources diminishing and fuel costs increasing it
is not surprising to learn that more and more people are unwillingly being
drawn in to a condition termed ‘Fuel Poverty’.”
Fuel Poverty is
determined by the following:
where a households costs for keeping
warm exceeds more than 10% of that households income.
The Challenge
Our need for
energy is undeniable – it’s what keeps the world running. And as the world’s population grows, so does
the amount of energy needed to support it.
At the same time, we are all aware of our changing environment and the
effect that energy production and use can have.
ExxonMobil is rising to the Energy Challenge – to meet those needs
practically, reliably, affordably, safely and in an environmentally responsible
manner. Meeting the challenge involves
investing in research, technology and education in order to make changes at
every level. As part of this challenge,
ExxonMobil, with voluntary sector partners RSVP, is launching a new programme
focused on tackling fuel poverty through improving energy efficiency, the
Energy Challenge.
There are around
three million households in the UK living in fuel poverty. In
Scotland that accounts for 608,000 + households. The majority of these are vulnerable
households – those containing children or sick, disabled or elderly
people. Cold homes contribute to
depression, illness and worse. The Energy Challenge programme seeks to help
address these issues by giving free energy saving and home warmth help and
advice leading to practical improvements being made to people’s households.
Fuel poverty comes about through a combination of low income, unaffordable
energy costs and inefficient heating and insulation systems.
There are a
number of schemes under way to help those affected by fuel poverty, including
government grants and benefits, and initiatives run by individual energy
suppliers. These programmes provide
valuable support and the Energy Challenge will build on existing effort. It
will focus on helping people to use energy in a more-effective way, thereby
using less energy. By creating homes that use energy more efficiently it will
offer a long-term sustainable solution.
How the Energy
Challenge can help
It can be
difficult to know where to start to become more energy efficient. Although it is possible for vulnerable
households to get extra support, it can be daunting to find the right
information and to speak to the right people.
This is where the ExxonMobil Energy Challenge programme can help. In partnership with CSV – RSVP, National
Energy Action (NEA)and Energy Action Scotland (EAS) in Scotland, the ExxonMobil
Energy Challenge will help those who are most in need to become more energy
efficient and make the most of the benefits that are available.
How will it
work?
Volunteer
support will provide the cornerstone of the programme. Volunteers from CSV’s Retired and Senior
Volunteer Programme (RSVP) will identify and visit vulnerable households
Scotland. They will offer practical
advice on making small but effective changes to avoid wasting energy and to
keep the home warm. They will also offer
advice and information on how to access further support such as government
grants for improving insulation and maximising income. Households will be identified through current
volunteer programmes and through referrals from GPs, social services, day
centres and other relevant organisations, to which the initiative will be
publicised.
How can YOU help The Energy
Challenge in Scotland
The Energy
Challenge programme in Scotland is being delivered through CSV-RSVP working in
partnership with Energy Action Scotland. The programme will initially focus on
the areas around Edinburgh and Stirling, Fife and Aberdeen, with a view to
extending the project to Glasgow, Renfrewshire, Midlothian, Lanark, and the
Borders
Energy Advisers
will be recruited in each area to take a lead role in coordinating arrangements
for the Challenge in that location and will be expected to undertake the 3 day
City and Guild Energy Awareness course.
Each Adviser will recruit a further 5 volunteers in each area. All volunteers will receive a day’s training
from EAS on basic Energy Awareness, to equip them with the necessary knowledge
about key sources of support and information.
They will also go through an Enhanced Disclosure Check with the CRB in Scotland.
The Energy
Challenge offers you the opportunity to take part in an exciting and vital
programme, making a real difference across communities. To find out more or if
you are interested in joining the Challenge as an Energy Champion or Energy
Volunteer please feel free to contact me for more information.
CONTACT DETAILS
Sandy Wilkie
Energy Challenge
Development Officer
RSVP Scotland
Wellgate Hse.
200 Cowgate,
Edinburgh EH1 1NQ
Tel: 0131 622
7766 - Fax: 0131 622 7755 - Mob: 07711223201
Email: swilkie@csv.org.uk - Web: www.csv-rsvp.org.uk