Take Charge of Your Community's Energy Future
Are you part of a small community in rural County Durham or Northumberland? Are you looking for ways to reduce your energy costs and do your bit for the environment? The Climate Action in Rural North East (CAIRN) project is all about supporting small communities to take charge of their energy needs and find practical, long-term solutions that benefit everyone.
Why This Matters to You
Rural communities like ours often face unique challenges. We rely more on private transport, often use expensive heating oil, and struggle with poor infrastructure. Energy costs can be high, and it’s not always easy to access the same support and services available in larger towns. But by working together, we can change that.
What We’re Doing
We work with communities looking to start their own local energy projects where there is strong community support. We use whole-community carbon assessments to help you understand and identify practical ways to make the biggest impact, reduce emissions and plan for future upgrades in homes, businesses, and community spaces.
Durham Energy Association Limited (DEAL)
DEAL is a newly established Community Benefit Society which is installing fully funded solar panels and batteries in community buildings across the county to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions. We continue to support and shape this initiative with the Rural Design Centre so we can make our communities more resilient for the future.
We’re offering free, independent advice to around 500 households across Durham and Northumberland, and our experts will visit your home and provide tailored suggestions to help you save money and lower your energy consumption.
Through partnerships with schools and youth groups, we’re engaging the next generation to understand how many small actions can make a big difference in tackling the climate crisis.
Resources
We provide many opportunities for organisations interested in climate action to come together to network, share information and develop community energy solutions across County Durham. See our resources page for more details, including any upcoming events and sign up here to receive future editions directly to your inbox
How You Can Get Involved
We believe small communities can lead the way in creating a greener, more sustainable future. By joining forces, we can lower energy bills, reduce carbon emissions, and build a brighter future for rural County Durham and Northumberland.
Get in touch today to learn more about how your community can get involved. Together, we can make a lasting impact.
Contact Us
For more information or to join the project, please:
- Email: info@durhamcommunityaction.org.uk
- Telephone: 01388 742040
Let’s make a difference, one community at a time.
The Partnership behind CAIRN
Durham Community Action (DCA), Community Action Northumberland (CAN), the Rural Design Centre (RDC) and the National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise (NICRE) have come together in partnership to deliver a joint project to support communities and residents in taking climate action across rural Northumberland and Durham.
The project is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.
