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Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability

 

The AFCfP through Next Step Initiative has developed a world-class project on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Environmental Sustainability.  The uniqueness of our projects lies in the fact that we have take the complex concept of climate change and simplified it to the level of understanding of even the un-schooled in the society.This was achieved through our Community Engagement Scheme.

The project is funded by the Scottish Government, with the objective of reducing the carbon emissions within the African communities in Glasgow and West of Scotland by 20% (883.63   tonnes CO2e) and cutting  fuel poverty within the African communities in Glasgow and West of Scotland by 20% over three years. The project uses the UK DEFRA/DECC 2011 conversion factors for electricity and gas consumption to evaluate and monitor outcomes.

The centre also provides a sustainable cultural relevant practical support framework for the communities,  taking into account the socio-cultural diversity of African individuals/households, African community organisations/groups and businesses in Glasgow and West of Scotland (Paisley, Johnstone and Linwood).

The Process

Home Visits and Energy Audits: The project employs suitably qualified Outreach and Engagement Officers to sign up households. This is followed by a home visit  for a comprehensive Energy Audit of the house. The outcome of the audit determines the level of support to be provided to the household which ranges from professional energy advice, energy monitoring gadgets, low power consumption bulbs, step down power devices and referral to partner organizations.

 

Climate Change Awareness Events: The project holds seminars and  workshops with different community and corporate organizations, educating and creating awareness on climate change and environmental sustainability. The project has held more than 20 events in Glasgow and West of Scotland since inception with more that 2,000 participants.

Climate Change Radio Shows: The Project holds Talk Shows on Radio on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Environmental Sustainability. These shows are aired three times every week on the RKTV Scotland radio station, and are available for download from the station and project websites. The aim of the shows is to reach and educate the wider audience on the impact of climate change and environmental sustainability.

 

Youth and Kids Programme: The Project has established the Climate Change Youths and Kids Ambassadors Program. This programme engages the youths and kids to sensitize them on the issues of climate change using the media that best communicates to each group. Youths are involved in activities such as music production (hip-hop, rap), Photo-shooting and video production and editing, all communication the message of Climate change and Environmental Sustainability. Kids are engaged with activities such as Story telling, painting, singing and drama, all communicating the same message of climate change. The kids are often engaged Radio and TV discussions on recycling

 

The Climate Change Resource Centre:  We have established an ultra-modern resource centre for climate change information. This centre enables individuals, organizations and corporate entities to access information in form of books, journals, publications, online libraries, blogs and websites.

Our Achievements

We are proud to say that over 1000 households and businesses have benefited from  this project. We have numerous documented case-studies of beneficiaries which can be found on the project website. These successes and case studies bother on

    • Reduction in Energy Bills, which ultimately leads to improved standard of living

    • Healthy Life styles

    • increased knowledge of environmental sustainability

Beside the above mentioned benefits, the project has also had many spin-off benefits such as

    • Employment creation, full-time, part-time, and voluntary

    • Skills Acquisition and employability enhancement for participating youths

Recognitions and Awards

  •  The 2013 Environmental Impact Award I Scotland

  • The Committed to Excellence Award by European Foundation for Quality Management [EFQM]

 

 

To learn more about the centre, please click the button below.

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