Community energy in action : two sustainable transformations
Bradfield Village Hall has been given a new lease of life thanks to an extraordinary community effort, transforming it into a modern, energy efficient, and environmentally responsible space. After months of hard work, the hall reopened to great celebration in November 2025.
Sustainability was at the heart of the project. The old asbestos roof was replaced with a fully insulated structure, and new solar panels with battery storage now allow the hall to generate and store its own clean energy. Inside, the main hall has been insulated, new energy efficient heating and cooling installed, and the electrics fully modernised. Even the original parquet floor has been beautifully restored.
This impressive upgrade was made possible through collaboration and joint funding from national, regional and local partners, including the Rural England Prosperity Fund, Bradfield Parish Council, ACRE, Englefield Trust, Greenham Trust, and The Good Exchange. With more than 150 people celebrating the reopening, the hall now stands as a shining example of community determination and sustainability in action - a warm, welcoming venue ready for future generations.
- Generating its own clean energy and glowing with community pride
The Hungerford Hub and Library has been on a remarkable journey toward Net Zero, driven by passionate local volunteers and donors.
What began as a response to ageing infrastructure has become a powerful community led climate mission, guided by the Hungerford Environmental Action Team (HEAT) and the Hungerford Library & Community Trust (HL&CT).
A major turning point came in 2022. After installing modern thermostatic controls, the Hub replaced its failed gas boiler with a 17kW air source heat pump - removing the need for gas entirely.
Supported by a £5,000 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant, this cut heating related emissions by 75% and saved over £1,000 a year in gas charges.
By mid 2025, a 21kWp solar array, the largest possible for the site, pushed the transformation even further. In just four months, its 36 panels generated 10,346kWh of clean power, covering 62% of the Hub's energy use, reducing net emissions by 103% and cutting energy costs by 64%.
With nearby EV chargers installed by West Berkshire Council, the Hub now champions sustainable travel too. Thanks to community-charged commitment, Hungerford now has a future proof, low carbon Hub that inspires the whole town.
- A community led leap to Net Zero
