We are excited to announce that Sherborne has been shortlisted for an award in the Powering Change category of the Let’s Celebrate Towns Awards 2025.
The award recognises towns that have effectively addressed specific sustainability challenges, with initiatives focused on for example, promoting the adoption of electric vehicles, or advancing renewable energy production and consumption.
A panel of judges, consisting of industry leaders and experts, will determine the winner and announce who it is at an awards ceremony, taking place at The House of Lords in London, on Wednesday 16th July. A representative from Sherborne Museum will be representing Sherborne at the ceremony.
The winner of the award will receive £20,000 for the town to put toward a community project or initiative.
A big thank you to everyone that contributed towards the award submission.
Below is part of the entry submitted for the award:
Following the successful implementation of various renewable technologies at the Terrace Sports Playing Fields in town a few years ago, Sherborne Town Council has recently completed an ambitious energy-efficient project for the historic Grade II-listed Manor House, a cornerstone of our community and home to the town council’s offices. This initiative reflects the council’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and its dedication to reducing the carbon footprint of local public buildings.
The highlight of the project is the installation of a solar canopy featuring 31kW of solar, strategically placed over a designated area in the rear car park. This solar installation not only harnesses the power of the sun to generate renewable energy but also serves as a model for future projects in our town. Complementing this, the project includes three state-of-the-art air source heat pumps. These pumps improve heating efficiency, ensuring comfort in colder months while reducing energy consumption.
In addition to the solar canopy and heat pumps, various upgrades to the heating system have been implemented to maximize efficiency and optimize overall performance. A noteworthy addition is the installation of a 22 kW Zappi car charger, which has been specifically designed to charge electric vehicles only when there is excess power being generated. This innovative technology not only mitigates energy waste but also encourages the use of electric vehicles within our community, aligning with our broader environmental goals.
It is estimated that this exciting project will produce approximately 30,000 kWh of energy annually, resulting in a reduction of 7.5 tons of CO2 emissions each year. The environmental benefits are significant, contributing to our town’s efforts to combat climate change and promote greener living. 50% funding for this project was generously provided by Low Carbon Dorset. This organisation provides energy-saving advice and grant funding to help local organisations reduce their carbon emissions and save on energy costs. This partnership highlights the importance of collaboration in sustainability initiatives.
The council’s commitment to sustainability and carbon neutrality drives its ongoing evaluation of operations following a climate emergency declaration. By integrating these values into its projects, it seeks to inspire residents and businesses to adopt sustainable practices and build a more resilient community for future generations.
A Sherborne Green Guide has recently been produced by the Sherborne Climate Cafe, with vibrant illustrations contributed by the talented children at Sherborne Primary School. This useful guide serves as a comprehensive resource that helps residents and visitors alike discover what items can be recycled in Sherborne and where to take them.
In addition to detailing recycling options, the guide highlights various local sustainable organisations and groups that are actively working towards promoting environmental sustainability in the town. These organisations play a crucial role in fostering a culture of eco-friendliness and community engagement.
Overall, the Sherborne Green Guide is an invaluable tool for anyone looking to make informed decisions about their environmental impact, while also supporting the community initiatives in Sherborne. It beautifully demonstrates the power of collaboration between local organisations, schools, and residents in working towards a greener and more sustainable town.
Sherborne Area Schools Trust has introduced a no idling policy to visitors across school settings in the wider local community and is committed to minimising the impact on the environment and on the health of both students and teachers
Sherborne Museum has recently implemented solar panels to lower operating costs and demonstrate its commitment to environmental sustainability. This initiative was partly funded by a grant from Low Carbon Dorset. Alongside upgrading loft insulation and switching to a renewable energy supplier verified by the Carbon Trust, the museum is now on a 100% renewable energy tariff. They also plan to enrol in a Smart Export Guarantee tariff to sell surplus energy back to the National Grid, generating funds for their charity.
These upgrades are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1.9 tonnes of CO2 equivalent annually. Overall, the solar panel initiative is a significant step towards a sustainable future and sets a positive example for other institutions.
The town now hosts a new renewable energy company dedicated to making the community greener and more sustainable. They offer innovative products, such as solar panels, air-source heat pumps, and energy storage systems, to help residents and businesses reduce their carbon footprint.