Saltdean Climate Action Network

We're very excited to have held the launch of the next phase in the Saltdean Community Decabonisation Plan in association with BHESCO. We'll keep you posted, wherever you are in your journey to building a healthier, more resilient future, we'd love you to join us, and build it together. 

 

The presentation by BHESCO was followed by film 'Power Station' all about how a street in London came together to make lasting changes to their homes and even their relationships. A holiday watch recommendation slotted between the Christmas movies!

 

Synopsis of the last year

 

Energy Group Report - Mark Earthey, June 2025

 

This year has seen a number of notable successes for the Energy Group, and very firm foundations laid for the Group’s activities over the next few years:

 

● We have formed strong working relationships with the local branches of national organisations such as Energise Sussex Coast, and the Brighton & Hove Energy Service Co-Operative (BHESCo). They support us in promoting energy and sustainability awareness in Saltdean and provide valuable resources.

 

● Our Energy Group has a presence on Climate Change, a city-wide environmental think-tank, and we are regular attendees at their meetings

 

● We have held a number of events for Saltdean residents

o Warmer Saltdean (on insulation and heating options for Saltdean’s type of housing stock)

o Heat Pumps and Solar Panels – the truth
o Damp Diagnosis – is cavity wall insulation right for you?
o Eco House Trail
o We have a regular stand at the Saltdean Repair Café

 

● We now have a good complement of ‘Energy Champions’ trained by Energise Sussex Coast, and have helped with the training of more Energy Champions in Rottingdean and Ovingdean. We always have room for more Champions – please apply!

 

● We continue to provide input into the ‘Achieving More Sustainable Buildings’ section of the West Saltdean Neighbourhood Plan, currently being drafted by our BHCC Ward Cllrs Bridget Fishleigh and Dr Mark Earthey, together with the Saltdean Neighbourhood Forum.

 

● Through work commissioned by Energise Sussex Coast, it is now possible to view data on Saltdean’s Carbon Footprint, and compare it with UK cities, towns and villages (including Brighton, Rottingdean, and Ovingdean). The data can be found at

https://impact-tool.org.uk/. It’s done by council ward, so enter ‘Rottingdean and West Saltdean’ or ‘East Saltdean and Telscombe Cliffs’ at the prompt as appropriate to your address.

 

● Through BHESCo, we successfully applied for a grant to conduct a Decarbonisation Feasibility Study for Saltdean, against a scope of work outlined by ourselves. We are awaiting the release of funds amounting to around £40k. Ovingdean won the same grant earlier this year, and Rottingdean will apply for theirs later this year. We are working with our energy counterparts in both villages to draw up a co-ordinated strategy for decarbonization.

 

● Plans are well advanced for the creation of a Community Energy Scheme spanning Saltdean, Ovingdean and Rottingdean. This is an important component of our co-ordinated Decarbonisation Strategy, and aims to provide cheaper electricity to

residents from local sources. Watch this space!

 

● We meet regularly – details will be available on this website or come to our stand at the next Saltdean Repair Café!