Launching July 2024, TotalEnergies in partnership with LASER launched their community fund competition as part of a joint social value initiative. Available exclusively to TotalEnergies customers on our Flexible Procurement Framework, they had a £5,000 fund open to applicants who wanted to make a difference to their community centre.
Thrilled with the number of applications and projects, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) team at TotalEnergies selected the following winners:
As an Energy Supplier, TotalEnergies felt this project closely matched the ethos within the CSR Committee to support the local community struggling with the high cost of living by providing practical support and resources. It also linked with Total’s strategy of reducing energy consumption and the ambition of net zero by 2050, making it a deserving winner.
Lower Green Community Centre chose to run an Energy Saving Workshop, where they brought together practical support, energy-saving tools, and expert advice to help households stay warm, reduce energy bills and feel more confident about managing their energy during tougher months.
During the workshop, attendees were asked about their current energy usage and understanding around how to save energy. It provided some really useful insights and help shaped the tips that were shared.
For example,
79% of the attendees said they were using their washing machines 3+ times a week and 71% were washing at 40C or higher.
Another startling statistic was that 15 out of the 24 attendees shared that in winter months they struggled to keep warm and felt anxious about using their heating because of energy costs.
The workshop leaders had lots of resources to help and shared:
Over 60 energy-saving devices distributed among the attendees, including, draft excluders, glazing film, radiator reflectors and radiator keys.
24 small appliances, such as air fryers, slow cookers and electric drying rails, along with dehumidifiers, which are great for handling damp and condensation.
Plus, electric throws providing a cosy and cost-effective way to stay warm in colder months.
To support further, resource booklets were given out containing guidance on where to find further help and support following the workshop.
Here’s some fantastic feedback from those who attended and the difference they have made to their energy use.
Since the workshop, I have only put my heating on twice because I’ve been using the electric blanket you provided. It keeps me so warm, I didn’t realise they would be so useful.
The information I received from the workshop was amazing. I’m overwhelmed, as I wasn’t expecting so much help and support.
The redecoration of the community centre lounge was selected for funding because the lounge is a vital space used by a wide variety of community members and it can enhance community well-being further by creating a bright, airy space that encourages social connections, reduces isolation, and supports a wide range of inclusive activities.
These innovative projects stood out for their potential to make a significant impact on local communities and also demonstrated that they were transferrable to additional sites.
At LASER we are so proud to work with our suppliers on social value initiatives that support communities. If you’re wanting to find out more about our social value work and its impact, please check out our page here.
Let’s celebrate the fantastic initiative by Social Enterprise Kent (SEK) – The Green School Awards. Join us on the journey from launch event, to judging and the award night itself.
npower Business Solutions (nBS), LASER’s Flexible Electricity Framework supplier, donated £100,000 to 52 local food bank charities to help people facing food poverty up and down the country.
As part of our ongoing partnership with npower, we brought people together for a day of fun, wellbeing guidance, energy efficiency tips, and helpful advice for everyday challenges.
LASER and nPower Business Solutions (nBS) came together in 2024 to develop a Social Value plan as part of the 2024 – 2028 Electricity Flexible Procurement and Supply Framework. Helping food banks was at the top of the list. Read all about the food banks nominated and the difference the funding has made.
Launching July 2024, TotalEnergies, in partnership with LASER, launched their community fund competition as part of a joint social value initiative. Available exclusively to TotalEnergies customers on our Flexible Procurement Framework, they had a £5,000 fund open to applicants who wanted to make a difference to their community centre.
We are very proud to be working with one of our energy suppliers, nPower Business Solutions on several social value initiatives that support our customers and the communities they represent. One of the projects was collaborating with an education charity, Energy Sparks to deliver energy workshops to schools.