FAQs

Transition Tooting Energy Descent Plan in Two Hours. Photo Credit: Transition Network / Mike Grenville

A series of Questions and Answers relating to glossary terms used on this website and also some general answers to queries that you may have.

The types of content on the site -

What do you mean by ‘approach’?

Each ‘APPROACH’ provides information and guidance on potential community activities linked to a common theme, for example setting up a community enterprise or using local media or working in schools.

What do you mean by ‘examples in action’? 

Each ‘EXAMPLE IN ACTION’ highlights links to an existing community initiative or project that illustrates aspects of an individual ‘APPROACH’

What do you mean by ‘Cross cutting issue’?

Each ‘CROSS CUTTING ISSUE’ brings together a range of additional links and sources of further information under a heading that relates to more than one ‘APPROACH’

What do you mean by a ‘Resource’?

Each ‘RESOURCE’ provides a link to a further web site, toolkit, guidance or similar source of further information.

Terms / Glossary used on the site

What does ‘behaviour change’ mean?

Behaviour change refers to long term changes in people’s everyday activities that have a positive impact on (in this case) reducing carbon emissions, for example using a bike instead of a car or turning off lights and electrical equipment when not in use.

What does ‘Awareness building’ mean?

Awareness building refers to activities that increase people’s knowledge and awareness of a particular issue, in this case the need to take action to address climate change and peak oil.

What does ‘Energy Efficiency’ mean?

Energy efficiency refers to practical measures that can be taken to reduce demand for energy, such as insulation or improved heating controls

What does ‘Increasing community resilience’ mean?

Increasing community resilience refers to activities that increase a community’s ability to cope with rapid change, for example (in this case) taking greater local control over the supply of energy or increasing a community’s organisational capacity to take action.

What does ‘Promoting renewable energy’ mean?

Promoting renewable energy refers to activities that increase the take up or implementation of renewable energy technology, for example solar panels or wind turbines.

General –

Why were these ‘approaches / projects’ selected ?

These approaches were selected following the initial project research as activities that were firstly, illustrated by existing community examples and secondly, there was enough experience of to provide guidance and information. The list is not intended to be exhaustive, but is offered as a starting point. There are other approaches that could be included. If you have any ideas or suggestions for new approaches, or for adapting or adding information to one of the existing approaches, please let the project team now by clicking here.

How did you collect the information?

The information was collected initially through consultation events, an online survey and a series of interviews with community practitioners. This information was then added to by the project team in order to fill gaps and broaden content where necessary.

Who is involved in the project? 

See here for details of the project team. The project has been grant funded by the following project funders, as such the information is independent of commercial interests.

I know of a project that would be good to include on this site, how do I get involved?

Excellent, your ideas and contributions would be very welcome. Please click here to submit ideas or information that you think would be of interest to other communities.

Is this resource free to use?

Yes, absolutely.

How can I keep up to date as the site grows? 

Please subscribe to receive our newsletter, and we'll also publish regular updates in our news section. 

I would like to leave a comment on a page that I read, can I do this?

Please do, we would be very happy to hear from you. Please click here for information on how to provide feedback. You can also add your comments to any individual approach and example in action by entering your comments on the form on the right hand side of the page.

Can I advertise my services or business on this site?

No, I’m sorry that would not be possible. We need to retain the independent status of the website and the information it offers and feel that would not be compatible with providing advertising space.

What are the next steps for this resource?

We are looking to disseminate the website through community networks and work with a group of communities more intensively as they actually use the website, so we can learn more about what communities are looking for and improve further the website as a result (dependent on securing further funding)

What makes this site different from others that are about climate change?

This website provides practical ideas and guidance about community action and offers a doorway to a wide range of further related web based resources that will help communities act more quickly and more effectively.

I’ve spotted an error on the website, how can I tell you about it?

Please click on the ‘anything wrong with this page’ button which is visible on the bottom right corner of every page and tell us what you have found. Or you can use the handy contact form to get in touch.
Thank you for your feedback.