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5 things you should know about Energy Garden
In our recent webinar we spoke to representatives from Energy Garden and learned how this extraordinary organisation is benefitting lives every day. Here, we highlight 5 things you should know about them.
Combining community ownership, renewable energy generation, education and biodiversity, the Energy Garden model is innovative and exciting. To help you understand what is truly extraordinary about them, here are five facts about this groundbreaking community organisation.
1. They generate clean, community-owned energy
Energy Garden uses funds invested by members to develop community-owned solar energy projects" in and around London. The clean energy produced by these projects is sold to socially responsible businesses like outdoor wear brand Patagonia and the profits are ploughed back into initiatives that provide real social and environmental benefits for local communities. With funds raised from their latest share offer, Energy Garden will increase its total generating capacity to 1 MWp by the end of this year, with a medium-term target of 20 MWp by the end of 2025. (To put this in context, delivering 1 MWp of energy over twenty years is equivalent to powering over 4,000 homes for 1 year, taking more than 2,000 UK Cars off the road for one year or planting over 19,000 trees.)
2. They’re not-for-profit
A true breath of fresh air in today's world, Energy Garden is a not-for-profit Community Benefit Society That means that ALL of the profits generated by the sale of their clean, renewable energy are used to benefit local communities and the environment. So as energy prices rise generating more revenue, this doesn't mean lining the pockets of fat cats and shareholders More profits for Energy Garden CBS mean more funds available to the community to support initiatives from education programmes to gardens producing organic food and even hops to brew beer for volunteers and members!
3. They’re brightening people’s lives
In more ways than one, Energy Garden are having a positive impact on people’s lives every single day. They have transformed thousands of square metres of trackside space in London into community-run energy gardens. These gardens provide a welcome burst of green in the urban environment, improving air quality and encouraging biodiversity. Many of the gardens produce organic food for the community to enjoy.
The gardens are managed and cultivated by volunteers and community groups. To date, Energy Garden has mobilised over 300 volunteers and worked with over 50 community groups in 2022 alone. Anyone is welcome to take part, bringing a brighter perspective and access to green space for people living in an urban environment, turning climate anxiety into positive action!
They're educating people every day
Energy Garden are passionate about sharing knowledge and their AQA-accredited youth training and schools programmes focus on educating young people on renewable energy and biodiversity - redefining the city’s relationships with nature.
They run hands-on workshops that give young people the opportunity to get their hands dirty, whether planting bulbs, building solar panels or conducting biodiversity surveys. the combination of classroom-based and practical sessions is a powerful way to help participants develop the knowledge and skills they need, and youth trainees also receive the London Living Wage for the time they spend learning. Investing in the share offer will help Energy Garden expand their current programme of educational activities, including more school workshops, youth trainees and also corporate away days.
5. They're inviting you to be a part of it
Having already completed the first community-owned solar project on UK rail, Energy Garden want to go further and faster. They have big plans for the future and want to use their proven, transformative approach to benefit even more people and create a greener future. Having successfully filled a previous share offer on the Ethex platform in 2021, they have launched a share offer to raise £800,000. The funds will be used to develop more community-owned solar projects, generating more energy revenues to deliver more social and environmental benefits alongside a reasonable financial return for investors. It really is Win-Win-Win!
By investing in Energy Garden, you are helping them grow and create a brighter future. Everyone can be a part of it - By investing from just £50 you will become an investor member of Energy Garden and join 300+ other investor members taking part in the next AGM. The target return to investors is 5.5% and although you must be over 18 to invest, you can invest on behalf of children or grandchildren.
If you are thinking about investing and supporting the future growth of Energy Garden, you can learn more by watching our Cuppa Club online chat with them here. You can also learn more by attending their forthcoming event at The London Transport Museum on Wednesday, 16 November www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom--london/energy-garden/
At a time of uncertainty, Energy Garden gives you the chance to be a part of a truly community-centric movement, whether by taking part as a volunteer, supporter or investor. Find out how you can invest by visiting their profile on Ethex
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