Charlbury Scout Group have achieved massive cuts in energy use and energy bills due to two grants worth £3,400 in total, awarded by SusCha in 2024. The money was spent on much needed energy efficiency improvements at the 90-year-old Scout Hut on Nine Acres Lane.
In an update provided in April 2025, the Scout Group reported that ‘our energy use has reduced by roughly three quarters as a result of the energy efficiency works’ which they described as ‘a great result’.
Major improvements
The measures put in place in works completed in the spring and summer of 2024 included:
- New insulated ceiling in the main hall
- Ceiling insulation, pipe lagging and removal of water tank in loft above rear extension
- Old tubular frost heaters replaced with thermostat-controlled versions
- Low-energy lighting in main hall and kitchen
- Motion-controlled, low-energy lighting in rear extension and toilets
- New emergency lighting throughout the building and at exit points.
As well as reducing energy use, the changes have led to a noticeable improvement in comfort, with the new insulated ceiling in the main hall making it feel warmer, bright and generally more attractive. The biggest energy savings have come from the installation of new frost heaters in the rear corridor and toilets.
Electricity bill reduced by £500+
Electricity for heating and lighting is the Scout Group’s single biggest cost. The energy bill was down by £500 in the first year following the improvements. Additional cost savings are expected in future years.
The Scout Hut is powered by electricity. Total energy use in 2024/25 following the improvements was 645 kWh, compared 3,022 kWh in 2023, a reduction of 79 per cent. However, the two figures are not exactly comparable. The Scout Group reckon the actual reduction in energy use on a like for like basis to be around 75 per cent.
SusCha appreciates the Scout Group’s detailed record keeping and how they have kept us fully informed of progress made in achieving the objectives set out in their grant proposals.
This is shaping up to be a very cost-efficient project with a short ‘pay-back’ period. Gaining likely £500+ annual savings in the electricity bill in return for an initial investment of less than £4,000 is quite an achievement, in our view – and the benefits go entirely to the Scout Group as the funding was donated.
“Thanks so much for your support which has allowed us to make the building more modern, comfortable and affordable to run, as well as reducing our carbon footprint.”
Claire Wilding, Treasurer, Charlbury Scout Group
