OBJECTS
4. The objects of the Society shall be to carry on any business for the benefit of the community in the Stour Valley area by developing and operating renewable energy projects and other activities to reduce the carbon footprint of our community and to increase resilience against the impact of climate change.
3.2 What is the business of the society?
Provision of community owned renewable energy and any projects that support the community to reduce energy use, use energy more efficiently, switching to low carbon energy sources or other low carbon activity.
3.4 Please describe the benefits to the community the society aims to deliver?
To reduce the overall carbon footprint of the community and so reduce its contribution to climate change.
To help the community to adapt and increase resilience to climate change impacts.
To facilitate lower long-term energy costs, to benefit community services and reduce fuel poverty within the community.
To raise environmental awareness, build community engagement, cohesion, empowerment and ownership.
3.5 How will the society’s business deliver these benefits?
We will raise awareness of our activities and engage with members or other groups in the community to actively participate.
We will work with other stakeholders to set up, finance and operate renewable energy projects, for example roof-top solar and hydropower. Projects will be located on community owned assets, for example schools, and also privately owned assets only where the benefit will be for the community or profits invested into future projects.
We will enable the delivery of information and education on sustainability and carbon reduction to members or other groups in the community
3.6 Does the society intend to work with a specific community?
River Stour Valley area in Suffolk
3.7 In what ways does the society intend to raise funds to set up and run its business?
The society is a volunteer led organisation. Where needed, funds will be raised through grant applications to national and local sources, local community fund raising events, raising share capital from members and/or bond and commercial loan financing (or similar).
3.8 What will the society do with any surplus or profit?
Any surplus or profits of the Society shall be applied as follows in such proportions and in such manner as may be decided by the Society at the annual general meeting:
(a) To a general reserve for the continuation and development of the Society; or
(b) To making payment for social or community purposes within the community served by the Society
3.9 Please state any significant commercial arrangements that the society has, or intends to have, with any other organisation that could create, or be perceived as creating, a conflict of interest.
We have no planned commercial agreements at present. Our board of directors will examine any potential future conflicts of interest to ensure that the Society acts for the benefit of the
community.