As we come to the end of the first year of our Futureproofing Cambridgeshire’s Community Buildings project, our Sustainability Advisor, Oli, is looking back at what he’s learnt over the last 12 months.

 

I’ve worked with trustees and volunteers across the county to carry out energy audits for around 20 community buildings, as well as speaking to many more to offer wider sustainability advice and support. Each building I’ve visited has been different – in size, age, construction and how it’s used. But after completing multiple audits, some clear and consistent themes have emerged, here are five key things I’ve learned:

1. Most community halls face similar energy challenges

Community halls vary widely, but many share common energy issues. Across all audits, space heating is the single biggest source of energy use, followed by lighting and other electrical loads. Many halls are not especially inefficient compared to similar buildings – but they are rarely optimised. In many cases, systems have evolved over time in response to short term needs or changes in use, upgrades were implemented but never fully reviewed or fine tuned in terms of efficiency.

This means there are often straightforward opportunities to reduce energy use and improve comfort without major disruption or immediate large scale investment. A fresh pair of eyes can be invaluable in identifying these issues, helping trustees spot inefficiencies that have become ‘normal’ over time and turning them into practical, achievable actions.

2. There is no one-size fits all solution for heating a community building

Many buildings I visit are older and one of the most consistent findings from my audits is excessive heat loss through the building fabric. High ceilings with insufficient insulation, suspended timber floors, solid walls and leaky windows and doors are all common features in older halls and these can make spaces difficult and expensive to heat.

However, just as important as the fabric itself is how and when a building is used. There is no single “best” heating system for community halls. Buildings with low or intermittent occupancy – for example, those used for short bookings or occasional events – often benefit from more responsive heating systems such as infrared panels. These IR panels can quickly provide comfort meaning they don’t need to be used as often when compared to systems designed to warm a space slowly and run continuously such as air source heat pumps.

Heating controls are also critical. I frequently see systems that are technically capable but poorly matched to real world use, with insufficient controls leading to heating being left on when rooms are unoccupied. Improving controls and aligning heating schedules with actual usage patterns can deliver immediate energy savings.

3. Small, low cost actions can make a real difference

Not every improvement needs to be expensive or complex. Almost every audit highlights a set of “quick wins” that can be delivered at relatively low cost and with minimal disruption. These often include straightforward measures such as upgrading any remaining lighting to LEDs, draught‑proofing doors and windows, reviewing and refining heating schedules, and introducing clear, simple signage to help hirers use the building more efficiently.

While these actions may appear modest on their own, their combined impact can be significant. Together they can reduce wasted energy and improve comfort for users, often delivering visible benefits in a short space of time. Just as importantly, quick wins help build confidence among trustees and volunteers, demonstrating that positive change is achievable and worthwhile. This early momentum can make it much easier to plan for and commit to larger‑scale improvements in the future.

4. Bigger upgrades work best when they’re planned and phased

Larger measures such as installing insulation, solar PV, or low carbon heating systems are often best approached as part of a longer term plan rather than immediate actions.

Upgrades to building fabric can be costly and disruptive, and unless a hall has fairly high occupancy and energy usage, they often come with long payback periods. This means that integrating these improvements with maintenance or refurbishment projects where possible is key to maximise the financial viability of a project and minimise disruption.

Solar PV systems feature prominently in many audits and when sized-correctly can cover a significant proportion of a hall’s electricity usage and improve resilience to future energy price rises. Export rates are currently very strong, but sizing a solar PV system so that as much of the energy generated as possible is utilised on-site is key to the long-term financial viability of any installation.

The most effective overall approach for community buildings is usually to reduce heat demand first, improve controls second, and then invest in the larger systems mentioned above. Sequencing upgrades in this way helps avoid locking in inefficiencies and makes the most of limited budgets and funding opportunities.

5. Energy audits are about confidence, not criticism

Perhaps the most important lesson from year one is that energy audits work best as a starting point, not a judgement. Trustees often already have a good sense of where problems lie, but lack the time, data or reassurance to act.

Audits help prioritise actions, provide evidence for funding bids, and show that improvements don’t have to happen all at once. Talking to hirers, understanding how spaces are actually used, and taking a phased approach all make it easier to turn recommendations into action. Even halls that are already performing relatively well from an energy efficiency standpoint usually find a small number of worthwhile improvements.

Looking ahead to the next 2 years of the FCCB project

I am looking forward to working with more halls and providing energy audits which offer the guidance and evidence they need to take action. As the project continues, the focus will also shift from identifying opportunities through audits to supporting halls to turn those findings into practical, deliverable improvements. The first year has shown that with the right support, community buildings can take meaningful steps to reduce costs, improve comfort. Building on this foundation, the next phase of the project will concentrate on helping halls move from insight to action, ensuring that good intentions are translated into lasting, real world benefits.

If you would be interested in a FREE energy audit for your community building, then please contact us as the first step to find out what’s involved.