OUSEBURN TRUST FEASIBILITY STUDY
COMMUNITY ENERGY FUND
BACKGROUND
The Ouseburn Trust is a place-based membership organisation open to all who share a passion and a commitment to preserving and enhancing the built and natural environment. It is an independent Charity serving not just those who live in the Valley, but also those who work and visit.
While the Trust own and rent property to other charities and small businesses, they serve the needs of the wider community in terms of shaping the future regeneration of the place, and its natural environment. Tenants, in essence partners/beneficiaries of the Trust, include Stepney Bank Stables, Home Group, Tyne Housing (supporting vulnerable adults), are supportive of this scheme.
The Trust are focused on reducing their carbon footprint and so, with assistance from D3A, made a successful Community Energy Fund Stage 1 grant application in order to fund this Feasibility Study.
OUTCOME
Following a detailed site survey, D3A carried out an Energy Audit to calculate the current carbon footprint and determine how energy is currently used throughout the buildings. In addition, the thermal properties of the existing building fabric were determined and energy saving measures recommended to reduce heat loss and electricity consumption.
An Options Appraisal has been carried out for alternative low carbon heating systems and assessment of opportunities for the generation and storage of electricity on site; the Stables have a sizeable roof ideally suited for a large solar PV array. The Trust are particularly keen to assess whether charging points for electric cargo bikes are viable.
The options are to be presented to the Trust, partners and tenants at a community event and, following agreement of the proposed scheme, D3A will undertake financial projections, consult with Northern Powergrid and prepare the final report.

Ouseburn Trust Offices

Lime Street retail units

Stepney Bank Stables

Steenberg flats