working with and for the community

Ecoretrofit and Skills2Build (S2B) 
As part of the original S2B initiative, the Hastings Trust purchased a neglected, Victorian mid terrace property in Cambridge Gardens to refurbish, with the intention of converting the property into four flats using the process to offer onsite practical training to local people. (See bottom two pictures right with Carol Biggs, the Trust's Assistant Director). Now S2B is being run directly as a Trust project, and the opportunity is being taken to work with Parity EcoSolutions to demonstrate how a typical Hastings dwelling could be developed to a very high environmental standard. Rainwater collection, natural lighting through sun pipes, as well as highly efficient heating and appliances will all be installed to show how carbon emissions could be greatly reduced in much of the existing housing stock. The running costs of the property will be a fraction of the usual bills, so helping in the fight against fuel poverty.

Through partnership working with Hastings Borough Council, we have been awarded a grant from the Future Cities, Interreg funded project, that enables us to continue the original plan to include trainees, where possible, in the construction work.

Open days will enable local contractors, housing associations, HBC, private landlords and home owners to inspect the work and find out more details of the energy saving features.

The Trust is now directly managing its excellent construction workshop and training room facility at 1, Linton Arch (see top four pictures right). Working in partnership with local schools and other organisations that have training requirements for their users, we  supply customised  construction training. Short courses in renewable energy related topics and other areas of interest will be run, and the workshop will be used in conjunction with the Ecoretrofit project. The workshop is available for hire as is the training room facility that has 11 workstations and projection for presentations or direct internet link up.

Pathway to Construction
To further support these initiatives Hastings Trust plays a key organisational role in the annual Pathway to Construction event. The event, with live music, displays and exhibitions, showcases local construction companies and the opportunities that a career in construction can offer. Environmental building is developing as a key area. In the lead up local contractors work with schools in and around Hastings on a construction challenge, the results are then erected in the park on the day for all to see. The event in 2010 will be in Alexandra Park on 5th June. There is always room for more schools and contractors to participate.

EcoFab
In partnership with the Sussex Coast College, HBC, local contractors and others, Hastings Trust has been part of a successful pilot cross channel partnership led by a training network in Normandy. Environmental Building and Heritage Construction Skills are key components, and supporting and participating in the Pathway to Construction event, bringing a European aspect, is the main focus for our part. The partnership is now entering the second stage which is to submit a much bigger application along similar themes to run over the next two years. (See www.ecofablog.blogspot.com)

Energise Hastings
Launched in March 2009, Energise Hastings, is a renewable energy club for anyone interested in reducing the carbon footprint of Hastings by cutting reliance on fossil fuels, sharing information and the experience of using energy saving measures such as  renewable energy.