Bloomfield gets ready for carbon footprint community challenge (From Western Telegraph)

Bloomfield Community Centre, Narberth, launches carbon footprint community challenge

11:50am Friday 6th August 2010 in News

A Pembrokeshire community centre took on the challenge to help Wales reduce its carbon footprint yesterday (Thursday).

The Bloomfield Community Centre in Narberth is one of just three in the country to take part in the Welsh Assembly Government’s Climate Change Challenge 2010 and was the venue for yesterday's launch by environment minister Jane Davidson.

The trio will be competing to find innovative and fun ways to cut their carbon footprint to show the positive impact that individuals and communities can make.

Said Ms Davidson:

“Community centres are at the heart of local areas and can draw in people from across generations. The challenge will be a great way of getting everyone - from small children and teenagers to adults and older people - working together to learn about how easy it can be to reduce the amount of energy we use.

“The challenge aims to get the whole community involved and hopefully take the energy-saving tips back to their own homes.”

This year’s Climate Change Challenge follows the success of last year’s efforts between three Welsh pubs,including the eventual winner, The Grove Hotel in St David’s. The hotel saved more than 725,000 litres of water and £800 on its water bill, as well as cutting its energy bills and making the building as environmentally-friendly as possible.

During the Minister’s visit, the centre showcased a range of its activities with local community members learning tennis; gardening and making recycled jewellery from scrap materials.

More than 35 groups, ranging from line dancing to yoga, meet at Bloomfield every week and the aim is to get these groups involved in the challenge.

Said Bloomfield's manager, Janine Perkins:

“We are excited about taking part in the challenge. We see it as a big step forward in our ongoing effort to reduce our carbon footprint, and as a means for improving our financial sustainability by shrinking our energy bills.”

The Climate Change Challenge is supported by the Carbon Trust and Dwr Cymru Welsh Water who will advise on and monitor energy and water use throughout the challenge. The Energy Saving Trust will also be offering tips on how to be more energy, water and waste efficient in the home.