Sustainability for Community Buildings
Following an incredibly inspiring day at the Community First Yorkshire Community Buildings Network event in Monk Fryston, celebrating #VillageHallsWeek with a spotlight on environmental sustainability, we at Our Zero Selby are buzzing with ideas and renewed energy!
It was truly fantastic to witness firsthand the amazing work being done at the Monk Fryston and Hillam Community Centre and the local Primary School. Seeing such tangible action on sustainability right here in our region reinforces our core belief: community-led projects are absolutely vital in tackling climate change.
The Monk Fryston & Hillam Sustainability Story
Ray Newton from the Monk Fryston and Hillam Sustainability project (and a valued member of our Our Zero Selby Impact Group!) shared their inspiring journey, which wasn't an overnight transformation but a gradual and determined process.
The Monk Fryston and Hillam Sustainability Project was started from conversations in the local pub and saw key village buildings collaborate to become more energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable. This community-led initiative aimed to reduce their carbon footprint and promote renewable energy adoption across the village.
The initial focus was on financial sustainability through simple measures like timers on heating and encouraging users to switch off lights. A significant redevelopment doubled the centre's size, incorporating insulation to building regulations, double glazing, and LED lighting and underfloor heating throughout, this marked a move to operational sustainability. Moves to environmental sustainability began with reducing single-use plastics at events. Regular energy usage monitoring and a feasibility study laid the groundwork for tangible changes, including Thermal Imaging Camera surveys, wall insulation upgrades, installation of Solar Panels and batteries, installation of WIFI temperature recorders for better monitoring, further energy efficiency work on doors, lights, and insulation, and the installation of an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP), and a move to a Green Energy tariff and off-peak energy contract.
Ray emphasised that their journey involved a mix of "Being Frugal," "Auto-timing and Control," and a long-term commitment to "Do whatever we can to be sustainable."
The project also highlighted the challenges of changing user behaviour and the importance of automating energy-saving measures wherever possible. They've explored the practicalities of ASHPs, their sustainability, and contingency plans for breakdowns and power cuts, demonstrating a thorough and thoughtful approach.
Ray shared some valuable "Learning" points:
Every building and community is unique. What works in one place might not be the perfect solution for another.
Have a strategic plan, but be pragmatic and adaptable. Things change, so be ready to re-evaluate.
Don't be impatient – small, consistent efforts add up.
Data is crucial – you can't manage what you don't measure. Understand your energy consumption.
Be realistic and learn from others.
A special highlight that really resonated was the visit to Monk Fryston Primary School. Hearing directly from the pupils about their understanding of sustainability, the impact of the changes they've seen, and the actions they're taking both in school and at home was truly inspiring. Engaging the next generation in these crucial conversations isn't just important – it's essential, and these young Eco Warriors are leading the way!
The school used measures such as installing LED lighting, new heat curtains on frequently used doors, a solar array was installed, with plans for a battery, an Eco Warriors team of pupils, a new Eco Code, increasing recycling to include batteries, plastic pens and lids. 450 trees were planted and no-mow areas created to promote biodiversity. Most impressively, they have a Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP). We had a tour of the school and grounds and it’s not even possible to tell where the GSHP is, it blends in with the surrounding grounds perfectly- just a small grate in the ground!
For me personally, representing Our Zero Selby and also working for Up For Yorkshire, managing three community buildings each with their own unique sustainability puzzles, this event was particularly insightful. Witnessing how Monk Fryston and Hillam have approached their journey towards carbon neutrality, with impressive upgrades like air-source heat pumps and solar panel battery storage, provided invaluable lessons. Every community building has its own path, and seeing a successful one in action is incredibly encouraging.
The Monk Fryston and Hillam Sustainability project offers a powerful blueprint for how we in Selby can also work together to create a more sustainable future, one step at a time. Let's take inspiration from their journey and explore what's possible in our own communities! This event served as a potent reminder of the incredible impact we can achieve when communities come together, share knowledge, and work towards creating a sustainable future. It's not about grand gestures, but about taking practical steps at a local level.
Feeling inspired by Monk Fryston's journey? We are too! Let's take this energy and look at what we can do in our own Selby communities. Whether you're involved with a local hall, a school, sports club, religious building or simply want to make a difference in your neighbourhood, there's a role for everyone in building a more sustainable future for Selby. Let's connect, share ideas, and support each other on this vital journey! If you have any questions about the event or Our Zero Selby, please contact Claire at claire@upforyorkshire.org.uk or call 01757 291111.