Bristol Energy Cooperative

We need to talk! 💬 From new power lines to low-traffic zones, climate solutions are sparking local protests—not because people oppose green energy, but because they feel shut out of the decision-making process. Take Bristol’s Barton Heat project—instead of imposing change from above, it’s working with residents to explore rooftop solar on tower blocks. When people are included, solutions are embraced. Meanwhile, in Essex, locals are pushing back against new pylons. The lesson? A national decarbonisation plan without community input risks resistance, while with it, we unlock real progress. If we want a just energy transition, it can’t be dictated from boardrooms or imposed through top-down policies. It has to be built with people, in communities, with real conversations about how change happens - and who benefits. Because when people have a stake in the transition, they help drive it forward. Have a read of Marianne Brown's recent article in The Ecologist (also featuring Helen Martin!) https://lnkd.in/eThhRQ2s

Your house is not a sieve. But if it feels like one, we should talk. 🎙️ On BCfm Radio's One Love One Planet, Willow & Chris from the The CHEESE Project CIC project joined Marianne to chat about how home insulation can slash fuel bills and help tackle the climate crisis. Turns out, keeping warm doesn’t have to cost the earth (literally). Chris even shared a song he wrote for his daughter’s school about protecting the environment—because who says climate action can’t come with a catchy tune?! Got an eco-project to share? Let’s talk! 📩 marianne.brown@bristolenergy.coop.

It's not every day one of the team writes a book, gets it published, receives top reviews from major broadsheets and pops up giving bird impressions on BBC Radio 4...so we thought we'd chat to Marianne Brown about it all! Where did the inspiration come from? What's the reception been like? Did her work here in Bristol provide any insight? Have a read! https://lnkd.in/dUKuWQtw

On the hunt for a job in the community energy space? You're in luck! Our friends at Bristol Energy Network are looking for an enthusiastic Community Energy Manager to help drive local energy action and put communities at the heart of the just transition. £28K-£30K. Apply by midnight, 25th Feb 👉 https://lnkd.in/eC-HhXb7

How do we win hearts and minds for renewables in the face of fears around corporate greed or impact on landscape? Our very own Marianne Brown shared her brilliant perspective on BBC Radio 4, discussing her recently published book, The Shetland Way. Her insights on community and sustainability reflect exactly what we stand for at Bristol Energy Cooperative. Marianne reminds us how trust and connection are the foundation of lasting change. If you missed her inspiring interview, it’s well worth a listen. (The Shetland Way available at all good bookshops!) https://lnkd.in/ex7r7gPE

AI is incredibly power-hungry and represents a huge challenge to the electricity grid...but could its benefits outweigh its demands and offer a silver lining for the energy industry? AI is transforming energy systems, from forecasting renewables and managing grids to predictive maintenance and boosting efficiency. Yet, challenges like data quality, cybersecurity, and regulation remain critical. The big question: can AI’s potential to revolutionise the grid outweigh its energy demands? Striking this balance will define the future of the energy transition. https://lnkd.in/dHZ8BND4

The best antidote to Big Bad News? Local action! 💪 That's the beauty of community energy: action where you can feel empowered. Contributing to the clean energy transition and seeing benefits on a local level. 🌳⚡ We've delivered some amazing projects in recent years - from groundbreaking concert halls to helicopter ambulance centres - all while educating, engaging and involving Bristolians in the push on climate. Keep in touch, stay motivated. There's plenty to be getting on with! https://lnkd.in/dasrRabr

A huge thank you to Bristol Energy Cooperative, one of our funders, for helping to make our charitable projects like Bikes Beyond Bars possible.

Breaking through the noise: why it's more important than ever that community energy speaks up 📢 Understanding energy policy can feel like untangling a giant knot—complex, overwhelming, and often unclear. While clean energy is making huge strides, misinformation spreads faster than the truth. This is why community energy groups are so important. 💪 We’re not just installing solar panels or wind turbines—we’re empowering people. By breaking down complex energy policies, we help communities see through the fog of misleading headlines and understand how clean energy benefits everyone: from cutting carbon emissions to keeping energy costs fair. When the usual suspects in the media mislead with claims like “clean energy is too expensive or unreliable,” the truth gets buried. But we can change that. By sharing clear and honest information, we give people the tools to cut through the noise and make informed decisions. At its heart, community energy is about trust. It’s about proving that clean energy isn’t just possible—it’s necessary. When we help people understand why it matters, we’re not just building energy projects. We’re building belief. We desperately need to make energy accessible, transparent, and fair for all. The future of our planet depends on it! What energy policies do you think are important to explain to followers?

💡 What if your local council could power public buildings with clean, locally produced and community owned energy? 💡 We’re working with Bristol City Council to make that a reality through an exciting concept called 'sleeving.' This approach connects locally generated renewable energy directly to public sector buildings, slashing costs and driving sustainability. Despite coming up against regulatory hurdles, we're forging ahead with innovative solutions alongside the council and Ameresco. Together, we’re proving that community-driven energy can play an important role in supporting councils - especially in a time of economic struggle. This is local power in action – a model for cities across the UK. Stay tuned! ⚡🌍 https://lnkd.in/eisjgkYj