Energy Sense: We all use energy every minute of the day. Some things are essential like eating, breathing and moving! Most uses of energy can be modified to reduce consumption, reduce wasted energy and importantly create energy in a sustainable way.

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Energy: Buildings and Transport

Our houses could be more efficient with better insulation coupled with controlled ventilation giving more control over our usage. Our housing stock is one of the worst in Europe for leaky, badly insulated buildings. Government has recognised this and will provide, in many cases, grants to help cut energy waste, improve people’s comfort and save them money all at the same time. A well insulated property with solar panels and a heat pump will use very little precious energy with little of the pollution that fossil fuels emit. The earth is warming and the  need to reverse this is now a matter of urgency.

In this category, we aim to provide links to some of the organisations and projects who are there to advise and help the public in this important field. 

Check out our Resources for more information.

News

Sustainable South Hams supports Libraries Unlimited and grassroots groups in region-wide programme backed by the National Lottery

Sustainable South Hams supports Libraries Unlimited and grassroots groups in region-wide programme backed by the National Lottery

Communities across Devon are set to benefit from a major new climate action initiative thanks to £1.5 million in National Lottery funding.

June 8, 2025
People Power: Totnes Energy Club Delivers Significant Savings to Members

People Power: Totnes Energy Club Delivers Significant Savings to Members

Energy Local Totnes, a community renewable energy club operating in the Devon South Hams, has reported significant cost savings for its 48 current members, while continuing its drive to reach 200 founding members by November.

June 3, 2025
New E-bike scheme to be launched in Totnes

New E-bike scheme to be launched in Totnes

A new fleet of hireable electric bikes will be available on the streets of Totnes in June.

May 9, 2025

Groups

Sustainable Malborough and South Huish (SMASH)

Sustainable Malborough and South Huish (SMASH)

Renewable energy and energy conservation, public event organisation, community activities on biodiversity and nature conservation.

20-100
Volunteers
Parish Council working group
Project Cost
Sustainable Staverton

Sustainable Staverton

We are a community group set up by the parish council following Staverton Parish Council’s declaration of a climate emergency in 2019. We aim to share knowledge and ideas to help protect and restore biodiversity, and to work towards eliminating our carbon emissions. Our projects are focused around Biodiversity, Home Energy, Travel, and Food & Farming.

5-20
Volunteers
Parish Council working group
Project Cost
Sustainable Littlehempston

Sustainable Littlehempston

Sustainable Littlehempston is a working group set up by the Parish Council to help improve biodiversity and tackle the climate crisis. Projects include: Tree planting and biodiversity in the parish, improving energy efficiency in parishioners homes, improving the walking and cycling connection to Totnes, helping parishioners grow and share food and reduce food waste.

5-20
Volunteers
Parish Council working group
Project Cost

Projects

Build Community with a New Hub

Build Community with a New Hub

Moor Imagination Collective intend to develop a community hub in Buckfastleigh

20+
Volunteers
£50k +
Project Cost
Connect Communities to Take Practical Carbon Saving Action

Connect Communities to Take Practical Carbon Saving Action

Transition Streets is an award-winning project that brings neighbours together

Volunteers
Project Cost
Support Households Experiencing Fuel Poverty

Support Households Experiencing Fuel Poverty

Sustainable Kingswear offers equipment, energy-saving and insulation advice

5-20
Volunteers
£5k - £50k
Project Cost