What is a Citizens' Jury?
A diverse group of residents brought together to consider important issues and recommend changes to local decision makers. The jury will hear and weigh up expert evidence and deliberate on a way forward. No prior experience or knowledge is needed, just your willingness to share your opinion and help shape the future.
How we can make Calderdale homes warmer, healthier and cheaper to heat
This initiative will focus on how we can work together to make our homes:
- greener;
- more energy efficient;
- and resilient to climate change.
This project supports the borough's Climate Action Plan. The focus is to create warm and resilient buildings and meet Calderdale’s net zero target by 2038.
Retrofit
To reach this target, at least 69,000 local properties need to be brought up to EPC rating C or above. This figure is according to Element Energy (2021) Calderdale Emissions Reduction Pathways.
This can be done with measures such as installing:
- insulation;
- heat pumps;
- and solar panels.
This process is known as 'Retrofit'.
Traditional solid stone terraces, typical in Calderdale, can be a challenge to retrofit. However, the benefits of better home energy efficiency are clear as it:
- helps to combat the climate emergency;
- creates a more comfortable living environment;
- and reduces energy bills.
The Citizen’s Jury is part of Calderdale's Retrofit Challenge. It explores retrofit options, develops local supply chain solutions and raises awareness of the benefits across Calderdale.
To find out more, please visit: Calderdale's Retrofit Challenge (Tod College).
Jury members
The registration process for Jury members has now closed.
Jury members were:
- Chosen to make sure they reflect the diversity of Calderdale.
- Got vouchers for their time and commitment.
- Did not need to have any knowledge of retrofit. However, to support the project's goals, we looked for people who met these criteria:
- A homeowner.
- Ideally, live in a stone-built house and or a terrace.
- Available in the autumn to attend a series of in-person jury sessions on Saturdays and up to three online sessions.
Calderdale Council, Carbon Co-op and Todmorden Learning Centre work together on this.
The project is funded by Innovate UK's Net Zero Living Programme and runs from July 2023 to July 2025.