Director of Community Energy England, Dr Debbie Trebilco has extensive knowledge and experience in renewable energy and a passion for climate change initiatives.

She said: ‘I am so passionate about renewable energy because rural areas seem to get left behind when it comes to building infrastructure. I want to make sure that the voices in rural communities are heard and the barriers to moving to renewable energy are fully understood and considered. I live in the North York Moors in an 1850’s home which now runs on renewable energy, and where this may be difficult for every individual to achieve, there are steps that we can all take to reduce our energy consumption.

1. Make sure your home is insulated properly. Look around your house and identify any drafts. Have you fully insulated your loft? Get heavier curtains and add rugs on the floor.
2. Once you have helped to stop drafts and improved insulation in your home, it’s important to look at heating the bodies in your house rather than the room. Can you add an extra layer or a blanket?
3. Don’t heat where you’re not going to be! Where do you spend the most time?
4. Get involved in the community! Do you already have a community energy group that you can join, or can you set one up? Create a space where the community can come together to talk about these things.
5. Make sure there is enough ventilation in your home. You need some air passing through but not big drafts.’