A GRASS-ROOTS initiative to tackle the problems of climate change, energy security and energy costs has been formed.

Community Energy in Gargrave and Malhamdale intends to alleviate cost increases by a combination of energy-saving ideas and community-owned renewable energy projects.

Its formation follows a meeting in Gargrave.

The group intends to carry out a survey of local energy usage to indicate where savings can be made while small to medium-scale renewable energy projects will be realised through a community benefit society.

The group’s aim is the promotion of a sustainable and energy efficient future through education, energy efficiency and the delivery of sustainable green energy projects in and around Gargrave and Malhamdale.

A survey in 2007 found that residents in Malhamdale spent an average of £650 per head annually on energy bills. That means each year around £1.5 million goes out of the community just to keep the lights on and keep homes warm.

"If we can capture a fraction of that and recycle it in our communities think of how it could benefit us," said Sandy Tod, of Malham, who is spearheading the project. "It’s up to us collectively to ensure our communities are sustainable and provide a future for our children and grandchildren."

He added that the Government had no overall co-ordinated strategy for sustainable development.

“It is obvious that the problems we have of rising energy costs and energy security are linked to climate change. As the bulk of remaining known reserves must be left in the ground, making the transition to a low carbon economy is inevitable. The resulting increase in energy costs affect every individual and business and threaten sustainable growth.

"However these increased costs also make it feasible for individuals and communities to develop their own renewable energy assets.”

Community groups such as church halls and village halls, as well as farmers and private owners will be invited to install renewable energy devices such as solar panels or biomass boilers on or near their premises.

The lion's share of the profits will go local institutions, such as schools, churches and libraries, with the remainder going to shareholders.

"The main spin-off benefit we envisage is a wood fuel industry to provide biomass fuel, encouraging woodland management," he said. "Installation will provide work for local installers as well as maintenance work and the concept of being carbon neutral will appeal to a large group of visitors.

"However we believe that the inward investment will encourage a local growing micro-economy that will attract new small businesses."

The collective approach will also enable more effective deployment of different technologies across the area to maximise benefit while minimising environmental and visual impact.

Education is also high on the group's list of priorities. A survey is planned to assess levels of insulation in each household, as well as energy usage and renewable energy devices installed throughout the community. A series of articles is being published in the area's parish magazines to demonstrate different renewable energy technologies.

Survey results will encourage the take-up of energy saving measures where needed.

Projects to improve performance and reduce energy usage will also consider opportunities to encourage environmental efforts in other fields such as recycling and avoidance of waste and the development of local businesses, such as using sheep’s wool for insulation, will be investigated.

The project has already attracted support from more than 30 residents and anyone interested in taking part in the project should contact Mr Tod on 01729 830690 or by email to jamestod@btinternet.com.

It is hoped that, if successful, other areas in Craven will follow suit, giving Craven a leading role in making a smooth and sustainable transition to a low carbon economy.