The Low Carbon Communities project is one of the most exciting low carbon schemes in the UK, acting as a pilot project for similar ventures throughout the country.

The project aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 5.88% or 3820tonnes within three communities in Shropshire by April 2009, incorporating all sectors of those communities.

The project is based in Ellesmere, Cleobury Mortimer and the “Floodplain Community” – a collection of small villages and farmsteads near to Oswestry.

Marches Energy Agency in partnership with Shropshire County Council will be guiding community members through tailored energy saving plans, drawn up on an individual basis for households, businesses and community buildings. Plans involve the installation of energy efficiency measures and small scale renewable technology.

The Low Carbon Communities project has recently been put forward as a finalist in the 'Creating the Future Awards 2008'.

This is the Government's national awards scheme for the sustainable communities sector .

www.ascskills.org.uk/pages/awards08