And the winner is.... Pontrobert!

 

The picturesque village fended off Bridges Community Centre in Monmouthshire and Bloomfield Community Centre in Narberth over the past year to see which could make the biggest reduction to its carbon footprint.

 

And the innovative ways in which its Community Centre (right) introduced a range of energy and water saving systems got the nod from the judges led by Environment Minister John Griffiths.

 

Centre secretary, John Rose, said: “It’s just the beginning of the journey for us. The past year has made us realise that the subject of climate change isn’t as daunting as some people think.”

 

Under guidance from Carbon Trust, Dwr Cymru (Welsh Water) and Energy Saving Trust, the centre installed low energy lights, fitted toilets with water saving cisterns, insulated its hot water pipes and performed regular electricity and water audits.

 

But it was Pontrobert’s engagement of the community which gave it the edge from its rivals. As well as encouraging car sharing schemes and local food produce purchases to its members, the centre held regular climate change quizzes and film screenings to help educate users about the difference they can make. It also added a dedicated carbon footprint section to its website.

 

The centre will have a small pot of money from the competition, to put towards more carbon footprint reduction work.

 

A guide to help other community centres in Wales reduce their carbon footprint is now being produced as a result of the Challenge.