Eglinton hall - a shining example

Eglinton Community Limited, responsible for managing the running of the community hall, has been working hard on its green credentials and it has been looking into a range of measures to help reduce the energy costs and carbon footprint of the community hall.

As a result of this desire to become more energy efficient, a solar water heating system was installed on the south facing roof of the community hall and it is clearly visible from the main street.

Funding was secured from the Low Carbon Buildings Programme Phase 2 and additional support was provided by the Northern Ireland Electricity SMART programme and Big Lottery Awards for All. The solar water heating system will help to contribute to the hot water demand for the community hall's 8 showers and kitchen and it will help them to reduce their dependence on their oil heating system.

Wilma Stewart from NIE Energy visited the solar panels at Eglinton this week and she said: "We are delighted that this community hall has taken the step to install solar water heating panels and that it is looking at a long term sustainable energy plan for the building.

"NIE hopes that the solar panels will encourage the local community who use the hall to think about their own energy usage, and how renewable energy can play a valuable role in safeguarding our natural environment.

"We hope that other community groups across Northern Ireland will consider renewable energy in the future."

Debbie Caulfield, from Eglinton Community Hall, said: "We are thrilled to see the solar panels in action and it is great to know that we are leading the way in helping the environment and reducing our energy bills.

"The solar panels have created a lot of local interest and it is very encouraging to see that people in the surrounding area are becoming aware that they too can take steps to reduce their carbon footprint and make savings on their energy bills - it is great that the community hall is leading the way for the local community."

The NIE SMART programme is funded by Northern Ireland Electricity and managed by NIE Energy. To find out how you can switch onto solar, or make your home, business or community group more energy efficient go to www.nie-yourenergy.co.uk.