What is a community?
- A community can be defined as a group of people who are socially related by virtue of identity with a particular location. The nature of the social relationship and location are, however, ideologically contested. Location doesn't need to be geographical. This could be summarised as a group of people who have a common goal.
Why is British Gas doing this?
- British Gas is committed to helping consumers in the UK to reduce their energy consumption and impact on the environment. We believe that by demonstrating how this can be done, encouraging innovation and investing in communities in this way, we can help to shape the way this could change the UK's energy use for the future.
How do we submit our community application to Green Streets?
- You can apply to Green Streets by completing the application form. Applications will only be accepted via the website on the application form that has been provided. All elements of the form must be completed, but experts will be on hand to help if you have any questions.
How long do we have to submit our application?
- The deadline for applications to Green Streets is 31st August 2009.
I have an idea, how do I get my community involved?
- Some of the British Gas New Energy team have already been out talking to communities to tell them about Green Streets. From our experience, it just takes one person to be the driving force behind a community group, and that a motivated support network is what helps these groups be the most successful.
What sort of buildings could be part of a Green Streets?
- Projects could include the local sports club, swimming pool, the local pub, village halls, community centres or existing local environmental group, working together with local residents and business to save energy in their community buildings and their homes.
Where can I find out more information about the technology that can help to reduce energy consumption or generate energy from low carbon or renewable sources
- There are many sources available on the internet. You may find our factsheets useful or the information on the Energy Saving Trust website, which also includes case studies on people who have installed microgeneration technology in their home or community.
I have a question, how can I get in touch with you?
- You can contact us by using the I have a question section here
How long will Green Streets run for?
- Green Streets will run to early 2011.
How will you decide which projects will participate in Green Streets?
- British Gas will short list projects that provide the best opportunity to save energy, generate energy and engage the community. A project idea could include microgen technology that generates energy, energy efficiency measures and should look to actively include local residents. We're keen to receive innovative and ambitious ideas. The short list of the best projects will then be asked to pitch for funding in community-selection meetings, before being whittled down to around 14 projects around the UK who will receive a share of the £2 million funding pot.
What if our community project is unsuccessful?
- British Gas has a number of products and services for residential and business properties that are likely to be able to help you to deliver your ideas outside of Green Streets. We will also ensure that we provide you with information on other sources of support or funding that we know are available at that time in the UK.
How will the Green Streets community projects be measured?
- The successful projects will all aim to reduce energy consumption or generate energy locally from a renewable source. These will be the main measurements for each project and each project will have its own targets set that are based on the size and scale of the community and the technology involved. In addition to this, and to create competition between the projects across Great Britain, we will provide challenges that everyone can compete on. These challenges could for example involve getting your wider community involved and you might choose to hold an event to do this, or work with your local school to spread the word.
How will you decide who the winner of the Green Streets challenge is?
- The winner of the Green Streets challenge will be the project that has reduced their energy consumption the most, generated the most energy and successfully engaged their local community. All of the projects will be different and so this is important to ensure that the challenge is fair to all those involved. This will be made clear to the successful applicants.
What is the Green Streets prize?
- The winner of Green Streets will be awarded a prize to the value of up to £100,000 for their community which will be invested in an environmental project.
