Who are you, what are you studying, and how did you find the internship?

My name is Sisir, and I study Biomedical Science at the University of Warwick. I am about to enter my third year.

I found the Bristol City Leap (BCL) internship on LinkedIn while looking for an opportunity to experience a different industry. I knew very little about the energy sector, but that was part of the appeal. I wanted to find out whether I could take the analytical skills I had developed through my degree and apply them somewhere completely unfamiliar.

The placement was originally planned for six weeks and was later extended to eight. By that point, there were pieces of work I wanted to see through properly, and I was enjoying the opportunity to keep contributing to the team.

What were you originally hired to do?

I joined BCL to support the Bright Green Homes scheme, mainly by helping the team identify and reach households that might be eligible for funded home energy improvements.

The starting point was a very broad housing dataset covering property type, tenure, Energy Performance Certificate ratings and location. The difficult part was not finding possible directions in the data. It was narrowing them down to a few ideas that might actually be useful. I developed a method for identifying concentrations of potentially eligible homes and comparing them with streets where residents had already received retrofit improvements. From this, I produced maps, a ranked list of areas and recommendations that the team could use to focus its outreach.

I also designed Bright Green Homes flyers and contributed to a Meta advert. The materials changed substantially, including the layout, colour scheme, messaging and call to action. The aim was to make the next step as clear as possible while recognising that residents may naturally have questions about eligibility, disruption and how a fully funded offer works.

BCL’s Customer Operations Manager managed this work and kept bringing me back to the resident experience. Her questions made me think beyond whether a flyer was accurate or visually tidy and ask whether somebody seeing the programme for the first time would feel reassured enough to respond. That changed how I approached both the analysis and the communications.

What other projects did you work on?

My role became broader quite quickly. Much of the internship involved getting oriented, asking questions and then trying to produce something that another person could genuinely use.

I worked with BCL’s Social Value Coordinator on a social value proposal linked to a local hospital. I looked at the green spaces already available around the buildings and explored how clean air and opportunities for exercise could support the proposal. This was one of the places where my Biomedical Science background connected directly with the work, because it encouraged me to think about the environment from the perspective of patients, visitors and staff.

Before the internship, “social value” was a phrase I only partly understood. Working on the proposal made it more concrete. I began to see that an environmental project can be judged not only by what it installs or saves, but also by whether it makes a place healthier, more accessible or more useful to the people around it.

I also supported early-stage work exploring solar PV and battery storage for blocks of flats and other complex housing types. I helped draft an initial project document and analysed housing data on walk-up blocks to identify areas that might justify further investigation. I found this stage of project development interesting because the answer was rarely obvious. The work was about reducing a large field of possibilities into a more credible starting point, while recognising that technical, financial and delivery questions would still need to be worked through.

For the local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure, I combined GIS mapping, data analysis and research to support the identification of priority areas for public charging infrastructure.

Elsewhere, I built Power BI and Smartsheet dashboards, updated Bristol City Leap Community Energy Fund materials, worked on resident communications and supported internal digital tools. The variety was one of the strengths of the internship. I could be working through an Excel dataset one day and trying to make sense of a new mapping or dashboard tool the next.

Most of the software I used, including GIS, Power BI, Smartsheet and Power Apps, was new to me. Learning through live work helped me understand why outputs need to be practical and useful, not just technically complete. By the end of the placement, I was less worried by the feeling of not knowing where to start. I had become more confident that I could ask the right questions, learn what I needed and improve the work as I went.

What did you learn about Bristol City Leap?

Before the internship, I associated decarbonisation mainly with technology and funding. I left with a more complicated picture. Technology matters, but so do trust, communication, project development and the practical details of delivery.

Bright Green Homes was the clearest example. I initially assumed that fully funded improvements would naturally attract overwhelming interest. In practice, residents may still be uncertain about whether they are eligible, what the work will involve and whether the offer can be trusted. That showed me that a worthwhile programme does not communicate itself. The route from first hearing about it to deciding to participate has to feel clear and manageable.

I also learnt that projects contributing to the same decarbonisation goal can require very different ways of thinking. Targeting a household grant, developing an idea for apartment blocks and planning public charging infrastructure involve different people, data and constraints. There is no single formula that can simply be applied to every project.

The most useful lesson was that analysis only matters when it connects to a real decision. A map can look polished, and a dashboard can contain the right figures, but neither is useful unless someone understands what to do with it. That is something I will carry back into my degree and future work.

What was the working environment like?

The team was supportive from the beginning, but what I appreciated most was that support did not mean being given every answer. I was trusted to try things for myself, make changes and return with something that could be discussed and improved.

BCL’s Social Value Coordinator was my main point of contact and gave me the confidence to explore work beyond my original brief while remaining someone I could approach when I needed direction. BCL’s Customer Operations Manager taught me to view the Bright Green Homes scheme through the resident journey and to think seriously about clarity and trust. One of BCL’s Project Manager encouraged me to look beyond the immediate task and connect individual pieces of work with the wider purpose of a project. BCL’s Senior Communications Coordinator sharpened my attention to branding and detail, particularly the difference between information being technically correct and being effective for its intended audience.

One of my favourite examples of the team culture was delivering Bright Green Homes flyers door to door with BCL’s Social Value Coordinator. It was not something she needed to do herself, but she was willing to get involved. As the placement progressed, moments like that made me feel less like an intern observing from the edge and more like part of the work.

What advice would you give another student?

Do not think of yourself as “just the intern”, but do not feel that you need to prove yourself by pretending to know everything either. Ask questions, learn who can help with different problems and be willing to show unfinished work early enough for feedback to improve it.

I would also ask what a piece of work will be used for, not only how to complete it. Understanding the person or decision at the other end of a spreadsheet, map or flyer makes it much easier to produce something useful. Being unfamiliar with an industry does not mean your perspective has no value, but it does mean you need to listen carefully and stay open to having your assumptions corrected.

Any final thoughts?

I arrived at Bristol City Leap expecting to analyse housing data for one programme. Eight weeks later, I had contributed to work across retrofit, renewable energy, electric vehicle infrastructure, social value and digital tools. I did not leave as an expert in all of those areas, and that is not really what the internship was about.

The internship did not give me a definite answer about what I want to do after university. It gave me something more realistic and, for now, more useful: confidence that I can enter an unfamiliar industry, admit what I do not know, learn quickly and still contribute something worthwhile.

The post My Internship at Bristol City Leap appeared first on Bristol City Leap.

That’s why Bristol City Leap recently partnered with boomsatsuma, a Bristol-based education provider for the creative industries, to support 29 student filmmakers to produce six short films spotlighting organisations funded through the Bristol City Leap Community Energy Fund.

The result? A powerful set of case-study films that tell real stories of community-led climate action, and a meaningful professional experience that helped emerging creatives build confidence, develop industry skills, and learn what it means to deliver work for a real client.

This collaboration is a great example of how Bristol City Leap is working to support people’s career ambitions as part of our wider social value commitments: investing in local talent, creating pathways into good green jobs, and using our platform to amplify the organisations shaping Bristol’s low-carbon future.

A partnership built on shared values

Bristol City Leap is committed to delivering clean, affordable energy at scale, but we’re equally focused on ensuring the benefits are felt locally. That means supporting communities, strengthening local organisations, and helping Bristol residents access opportunities.

Working with boomsatsuma was an ideal fit. The partnership combined: 

• Real community impact: showcasing the positive outcomes of the Bristol City Leap Community Energy Fund 

• Real professional development: giving students a live brief and a client-facing production experience 

• Real storytelling: capturing Bristol’s climate transition through the people making it happen 

Students were commissioned to create films that explore why each organisation applied for funding and the difference the funding has made, whether that’s planning low-carbon upgrades for historic buildings, improving energy efficiency in community hubs, or building confidence and skills through inclusive workshops. 

What students gained: a live brief, a real client, and practical experience 

Each group worked with a funded organisation as their subject, researching, developing a concept, planning and filming on location, and delivering an edit that met the needs of a professional client. 

For students, this type of opportunity is invaluable. It brings classroom learning into the real world, helping them practice and develop: 

• Client communication and creative collaboration 

• Production planning and time management 

• Interviewing and documentary storytelling 

• Filming on location and working with contributors 

• Editing to a brief and delivering to a deadline 

Just as importantly, it gave students something many early-career creatives need: a portfolio piece with real-world credibility and the experience of working on a project with a clear purpose and public value. 

“This project has been a brilliant example of what happens when education and industry come together with a shared purpose,” said Head of Post Production, Mark Adams. “Students were able to work professionally, creatively and collaboratively while telling stories that really matter.”

The films

The students created six community stories powered by the Bristol City Leap Community Energy Fund. Each film offered a window into Bristol’s community energy movement, from heritage sites and cultural venues to local farms, pools and scout huts. Together, they demonstrated the breadth of the Fund and the range of organisations leading change.

58th Scout Group

The 58th Scout Group is based in one of Bristol’s most deprived areas. Their Scout Hut is more than a building; it’s a vital space where young people learn skills for life, supported by dedicated volunteers.

The Bristol City Leap Community Energy Fund’s support is enabling a comprehensive feasibility study into solar energy, heating solutions, and retrofitting options for the Hut. The film shines a light on the power of local spaces and the value of enabling sustainability in places where it can have a lasting ripple effect through young people and communities.

This film was created by:
Hannah Lange – Production Manager and Editor
Fred Johnson – Camera Operator
Tolly Haydon-Turner – External
Leon Bush – Sound Operator

Friends of Jubilee Pool

Jubilee Pool has served Bristol for generations as a place of health, joy and connection. But energy costs are rising, and the pool’s ageing gas boilers are becoming a risk, with only three of four currently operational.

With funding, the Trustees are exploring the potential for Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) through an ASHP and mechanical feasibility design report, as part of a wider heat decarbonisation plan. This film tells a story many community facilities will recognise: the hard reality of outdated infrastructure and the determined, practical steps communities are taking to secure a cleaner, more resilient future.

This film was created by:
Holly Bielby – Production Manager/shoot coordinator
Archie Day – 1st AD/Boom Mic Operator
Ethan Gordon-Nippress – Director
Aisha Benamar – DOP/Camera Operator
Ella Carroll – Editor

One Green Kitchen

One Green Kitchen C.I.C. is a grassroots organisation using food as a tool for sustainability, wellbeing and empowerment, creating inclusive, welcoming spaces where communities can learn and share.

Bristol City Leap’s funding supported One Green Kitchen to deliver five workshops in St Paul’s and Fishponds, in collaboration with the Bangladeshi community, focusing on New Energy Projects, Home Energy Improvements, and Solar Panels & Alternative Energy Solutions. The programme also includes selecting ten women for a home improvement initiative, offering practical skills and tailored energy discussions.

Now that those sessions have been completed, this film highlights how climate action can be community-led, culturally relevant, and rooted in everyday life, and how women from underrepresented backgrounds are helping shape a fairer energy future.

This film was created by:
Kieran Cashell – Director/Editor
Oscar Ball – Producer/Editor
Mae Agnew – Director of Photography
Evie Brunton – Editor
Charlie Bell – Boom Operator

SS Great Britain Trust 

The SS Great Britain Trust cares for one of the UK’s most iconic ships and a much-loved Bristol heritage destination. Managing energy in historic sites can be complex, especially where systems must balance conservation, visitor experience, and operational needs. 

With the Bristol City Leap Community Energy Fund’s support, the Trust is collaborating with external experts to analyse data from its building management system, building a clearer understanding of heat and energy flows across the site. This analysis will support optimisation of the existing gas-fired heating system and ensure any future replacement is correctly sized and tailored. The film captures this thoughtful approach: blending heritage stewardship with modern energy expertise to make informed, future-ready decisions. 

This film was created by:
Nichole Sims – Project Manager
Jess Sherwood – Director
Lorenzo Thomas – Editor/Sound
Oskar Leighton – Sound
Sky Shaw – Camera Operator

St Paul’s Church

St Paul’s Church is a spectacular Georgian building, often described as a “wedding cake” church, now home to Circomedia, a school for contemporary circus and physical theatre. It’s a place where creativity thrives beneath historic plasterwork, stained glass and towering stone columns. But it’s also a building with a challenge: reliance on two outdated gas boilers, with any upgrade requiring careful consideration due to its protected status.

With support from the Bristol City Leap Community Energy Fund, the organisation is beginning an important next chapter, including a thermographic survey, an appraisal for refurbishing or replacing the heating system, and project management time to help move the project forward. This film explores what it takes to bring clean energy into historic spaces and how climate action can protect the past while powering the future.

This film was created by:
Issy Dennis – Director
Madison Eden-Barrett – Producer
Poppy Dunning – Editor
Noah Gallagher – Camera Operator
Nhean Wheeler – Sound Recordist

St Werburghs City Farm

For over four decades, St Werburghs City Farm has been a cherished urban space where people, animals and nature connect. But indoors, the farm’s office, café and community buildings face real comfort and efficiency challenges, from single-glazed windows to poor insulation and outdated heating.

With support from the Bristol City Leap Community Energy Fund, the Farm is launching a major retrofit programme: replacing the office with a zero/low carbon structure and deep retrofitting the café and community building. To progress with RIBA planning, they’ll undertake ten feasibility studies/surveys and run two community retrofit and energy sessions to ensure local voices help shape the project. The film captures a familiar Bristol story: values-led community infrastructure evolving to meet the climate challenge head-on.

This film was created by:
Ami Sampson – Project Manager, Colour Grader
Sam Weeks – Director, Cinematographer
Lucien Midgley – Interviewer, Editor
Javien White – Producer, Sound
Liam Taylor – Editor 

Why this matters: social value in action 

This partnership brought Bristol City Leap’s social value commitments to life clearly and practically: 

• Supporting career ambitions by giving emerging creatives real experience, real responsibility, and a real-world portfolio outcome 

• Keeping investment local by working with a Bristol-based education provider and Bristol community organisations 

• Amplifying community-led climate action by showcasing how the Bristol City Leap Community Energy Fund supports organisations with ambition and need 

• Connecting skills and sustainability by demonstrating that Bristol’s transition to low carbon is also about skills, opportunity and inclusion 

Put simply: these films don’t just promote projects; they build capability, confidence and momentum across the city. 

The six films will be shared across Bristol City Leap channels as a series of case studies for the Community Energy Fund. Each one is a reminder that Bristol’s energy transition is already happening in churches, kitchens, heritage sites, scout huts, pools and farms led by people who care deeply about their communities. 

Bristol City Leap want to extend its heartfelt gratitude to boomsatsuma, particularly to the students, who have truly exceeded expectations. Their work not only showcased exceptional quality but also demonstrated remarkable professionalism, along with an impressive ability to tackle challenges and provide innovative solutions. Thank you for your outstanding contributions! 

To find out more about the Bristol City Leap Community Energy Fund, click here: https://www.bristolcityleap.co.uk/community/community-energy-fund/ 

Learn more about boomsatsuma, click here: https://www.boomsatsuma.com/ 

The post Bristol City Leap x boomsatsuma: Powering Community Stories and Creative Careers appeared first on Bristol City Leap.

Windmill Hill City Farm spans approximately four and a half acres and features a variety of buildings dedicated to environmental stewardship, food production, and farming education.  

“Understanding our carbon footprint has been crucial to our mission,” Steve explained. “We learned through a survey from the Centre of Sustainable Energy that half of our carbon emissions stem from heating our buildings. By focusing on decarbonising our heating system, we could significantly reduce our overall carbon footprint.”

The fund presented an excellent opportunity for the farm to explore alternatives to gas boilers, including heat pumps and the potential connection to the Bristol heat network, which is currently being installed within the grounds.

Steve shared, “The farm itself has been here for about 50 years…what started as a derelict site filled with rubble has blossomed into a thriving community hub, thanks to the dedication of local volunteers.”. Reflecting on their upcoming plans, the team is motivated to decarbonise, with the objective of lowering their net carbon impact.

To date, the farm has received three grants aimed at enhancing its sustainability efforts:

1. Bristol heat network initial feasibility study – An initial assessment to establish the possibilities of community connection to the Bristol heat network.
2. Bristol heat network detailed feasibility study – The detailed feasibility study examined the heating potential of seven buildings within Windmill Hill City Farm. The study, conducted by Method Consulting, also provided recommendations on project phasing, costs and utility service layouts. The final output provided Windmill Hill City Farm with the necessary information to produce a final funding proposal.
3. Retrofit options appraisal – Windmill Hill City Farm completed an assessment across their property portfolio, which determined what measures, such as insulation, the community group could benefit from. This enables them to receive match funding from large grants, which has since seen improvements delivered within the Old Dairy building.

Steve emphasised the benefits of the funding: “The progression we’ve made step-by-step has been fantastic. We began with a micro-grant, which gave us the time and space to explore our challenges. Then, we secured a small grant for an options appraisal, assessing possibilities across our different buildings. This was followed by development funding for a detailed feasibility study, which evaluated each building and provided tailored recommendations for decarbonisation. The bite-sized approach offered by City Leap has been incredibly effective in advancing our project.”

As part of works to install the Bristol heat network through Windmill Hill City Farm, Vattenfall is delivering a package of wider community improvements, including enhanced walkways to improve accessibility, resurfaced vehicle paths, new entry gates and fencing. Vattenfall has also funded new cattle equipment for the improved cow shed, in partnership with Dandara Living.

The collaboration with Bristol City Leap has also introduced the farm to various partners who provided expertise and support, which can enable the community group to accelerate their efforts.

When it came to the application process for the fund, Steve found it to be manageable: “As a professional organisation accustomed to handling applications, we found the questions reasonable and direct. There wasn’t an overload of jargon, which made the experience quite pleasant.”

The support from the fund has been instrumental for Windmill Hill City Farm, with Steve encouraging more local community groups to get involved: “We’ve had a positive experience…I’d encourage anyone considering applying to go for it!”

About the Bristol City Leap Community Energy Fund 

The Bristol City Leap Community Energy Fund, totalling £1.5 million, is designed to support community-led energy projects through a combination of grants and loans. Established with contributions of £750,000 each from Ameresco and Vattenfall, the fund aims to foster advancement in community energy initiatives throughout Bristol. Profits generated from funded projects will be reinvested into the fund, creating a sustainable cycle of support for future initiatives.

This funding underscores our commitment to social value and is geared towards accelerating the decarbonisation of Bristol while supporting projects that benefit local communities.

The fund focuses on developing energy-related community projects in Bristol, specifically aimed at:

• Facilitating community engagement with the Bristol heat network
• Reducing fossil fuel usage
• Supporting communities in lowering their energy consumption

To achieve these goals, the fund will:

• Encourage applications from diverse communities, particularly those with limited previous experience in energy projects and funding applications
• Build the capacity of staff and volunteers to deliver successful projects in the future
• Emphasise projects that offer clear, quantifiable long-term benefits for local communities, positioning them for further engagement in energy initiatives

Are you interested in applying for the Bristol City Leap Community Energy Fund? Click here to find out more: https://www.bristolcityleap.co.uk/community/community-energy-fund/

The post Bristol City Leap Community Energy Fund: A Case Study on Windmill Hill City Farm appeared first on Bristol City Leap.

A Deep Dive into Data Analysis

From day one, James embraced the opportunity to work on our Revive (a regional network of electric vehicle charge points located in the West of England, including Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Bath and North East Somerset, and North Somerset) electric vehicle charger asset register. “During my time at Bristol City Leap, I particularly enjoyed working on the Revive asset register, analysing datasets and comparing them with mapping sites to identify issues,” he shared. This analytical project allowed him to enhance his skills in data interpretation while addressing real-world challenges.

James also contributed to the development of a marketing plan, which he found eye-opening. “Developing the marketing plan gave me the chance to explore a different side of the business and think more strategically,” he noted. This experience was crucial in helping him establish a foundation for strategic thinking in marketing.

Engaging with the Community

Understanding the community’s needs was another vital aspect of James’ internship. He appreciated the opportunity to gain insights into the city’s dynamics through area profiling. “It gave me a new perspective on the city and allowed me to work with stakeholder information,” he explained. James’s research for the Bristol City Leap Community Energy Fund not only expanded his understanding of the energy sector but also showcased the positive impact that Bristol City Leap is making in the community.

A Welcoming Work Environment

James found our workplace culture to be incredibly supportive. “I felt well supported by colleagues at Bristol City Leap throughout my placement,” he remarked. Through networking events like those hosted by Bristol 24/7, he was able to connect with professionals early on, which helped him integrate seamlessly into our team. The approachability of his colleagues and the atmosphere fostered open communication and collaboration. “Informal conversations helped me feel part of the team, and colleagues trusted me to contribute to their projects,” he stated.

Overcoming Challenges

Every internship comes with its own set of challenges, and James faced the reality of balancing multiple tasks. “The most challenging part of my placement was balancing different tasks at times, although the office support made it manageable,” he acknowledged. Despite the demanding nature of the workload, he found it rewarding and even reflected on the difficulties faced in writing for this blog. “I found it hard to find anything that I didn’t enjoy,” he remarked, highlighting how supported he felt throughout the experience.

Building Essential Skills

During his placement, James enhanced several vital professional skills. “I developed a much stronger understanding of how Excel is used in real-world business tasks and how powerful it can be for managing information,” he explained. This newfound knowledge about spreadsheets became a crucial takeaway, exemplifying the practical skills he gained. Additionally, James improved his communication capabilities and learned effective time management techniques, focusing on delivering quality work within deadlines.

A Positive Impact

Finally, James expressed his appreciation for the overall experience at Bristol City Leap. “From the first day, I was kept busy in a good way; it became a place where I could get real work done without feeling stressed,” he reflected. Small touches, such as fresh fruit on Monday mornings, contributed to the inviting atmosphere and made coming into the office a pleasure.

“It was an amazing experience. I’m leaving feeling much more confident in my skills and with a stronger appreciation for the real work Bristol City Leap is doing across the city,” he concluded.

James’ journey with us was truly inspiring, and we’re incredibly proud of the progress he made during his internship. As he moves forward in his academic and professional career, we’re confident that the skills and experiences he gained will serve him well.

What’s Next for James?

But it doesn’t end there. In recognition of his skills and aptitude, at the end of his internship, James was offered a fixed-term full-time position with Bristol City Leap. James’ placement was a two-day-a-week setup up but he is now a full-time member of the team working Monday to Friday until the end of August. Allowing him to continue to gain experience and expand his role until the start of his third year at university. He will be focused on supporting the team in delivering some of our retrofit projects as well as supporting engagement activities for the rollout of local renewables in our communities.

We are pleased to say that James is another internship success story at Bristol City Leap and is a true testament to the importance of providing young people with real workplace experience that allows them gain skills whilst contributing to delivering city-scale decarbonisation through our partnership.

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Bristol City Leap Community Energy Fund: A Catalyst for Local Climate Action

The Bristol City Leap Community Energy Fund is a £1.5 million initiative designed to support community-led energy projects across Bristol. This funding is dedicated to supporting the reduction of the city’s carbon footprint and promoting sustainable, energy-efficient solutions. With a focus on community-driven initiatives, the fund offers grants and loans to help local groups develop projects that will accelerate Bristol’s journey towards decarbonisation.

The objectives of the fund are clear: reduce the use of fossil fuels, support energy consumption reduction, and integrate communities into the city’s heat network. A particular emphasis is placed on projects that benefit underrepresented communities and those new to energy projects. Through this fund, the aim is not only to address immediate energy challenges but also to build long-term capacity within communities to continue driving energy solutions.

What is the Green Schools Project?

Green Schools Project transforms how schools respond to the climate crisis. We do this by turning climate education into action through Zero Carbon Schools (ZCS). ZCS is an interactive package of training, resources and support that enables young people to tackle climate change by designing and leading projects to reduce their school’s carbon footprint.

Zero Carbon Schools is the most comprehensive climate education programme nationwide. So far we’ve worked with over 400 schools, 20,000 pupils and 6,000 teachers to give children and young people the tools to take positive action on climate in their communities, their schools, and their lives. Bringing our programme to more schools and young people in Bristol is a key objective for us, and funding from the Bristol City Leap Community Energy Fund will enable us to take a big step forward this year.

Why did the Green Schools Project apply for Funding?

We know there is appetite for what we do in and around Bristol and the opportunity to apply to the Bristol City Leap Community Energy Fund came at a perfect time for us.

Throughout 2024, when our team members based in Bristol increased from one to three, we have built connections and partnerships with a range of organisations working towards a net-zero future for Bristol; we are the new non-profit partner for Future Leap Network, we became part of the Bristol Climate and Nature Partnership and have participated in a Bristol Education Partnership event on “Climate Change across the Curriculum”. At the same time, we started working with several schools across the city which further emphasised there was a need that we are well-placed to meet.

Through connections established at Future Leap Network’s Festival of Sustainable Business and its wider network, we have developed relationships with businesses and partner organisations across Bristol and the South West including the Global Goals Centre and Sparks Bristol, Zap Map, Binit, Pointer Consultancy and Ambition Lawrence Weston. We hope to work with these and others to bring our climate education programme to more schools and young people across the region.

We are keen to explore and develop this area of work throughout 2025. The funding and wider support from Bristol City Leap and its partners will undoubtedly support our aims to play a bigger role in Bristol’s journey to Net Zero.

The application process was straightforward, with clear guidelines and expectations, and the turnaround time was good too. The level of detail required in the application form was proportionate to the scale of funding and showed a high level of understanding of the needs of the applicants. Needless to say, we were delighted with the outcome too!

We are inspired by the approach and ambition of Bristol City Leap and would be keen to continue to work together towards net zero for Bristol. We believe strongly that climate education and youth action are crucial to tackling climate change and that young people are natural change-makers who can help inspire wider community action. We are excited to be bringing our expertise to this part of the puzzle!

How will the funding be utilised?

Support from this fund will enable us to work with a further three schools in Bristol (Whitehall Primary School, Evergreen Primary School and May Park Primary School) to deliver our Premium Zero Carbon Schools programme throughout this year.

In weekly sessions throughout the programme, pupils will explore climate change, and investigate their own school’s carbon footprint before designing and leading projects that enable positive action and inspire their school and wider community. Teachers at the schools will take part in two CPD teacher training sessions that will increase their knowledge and confidence to deliver climate education and embed sustainability into their curriculum and school life.

In addition to delivering the ZCS programme, this grant will fund a new role that will facilitate connection and collaboration with the wider community around the schools. Our Community Climate Action Manager will play a key role, helping us to amplify youth-led climate action to create an even bigger impact. The role (due to be advertised before the end of January) will work closely with pupils and support them to take their climate action further, developing long-lasting connections that will lead to wider climate action beyond the school gates.

Our Zero Carbon Schools programme has been designed for schools to deliver to Years 4 – Year 8. Most primary schools choose to run the programme with Year 5 and our secondary school ZCS programme is most commonly delivered through an Eco Team – often comprising of students from across the school.

What is the impact of youth-led climate action?

There is a clear need for high-quality climate education in schools: Nationally, around 90% of young people are ‘concerned’ about climate change. 80% say more climate education would help them make better, more sustainable life decisions. And, in the ongoing absence of statutory provisions, over 90% of teachers want more climate education in schools. [Cambridge University/Teach The Future]. Zero Carbon Schools aims to do just that!

We know that young people overwhelmingly believe that taking action on climate change is important but they do not always know how. Pupil-led action is central to Zero Carbon Schools, which supports children and young people to feel positive about their role in tackling climate change.

Our impact reporting last year showed that 95% of teachers thought that Zero Carbon Schools positively changed the way that their schools and pupils responded to the climate crisis.

Pupils also benefit from developing key skills throughout the programme:

• 95% of pupils show improved teamwork and communication skills.
• 82% of pupils show Improved leadership and problem-solving skills.

And through our bespoke carbon calculator designed for schools, we know that participating schools can achieve an average 6.3%/26.7 tonne reduction in carbon emissions.

An important part of this project will be to support young people to inspire wider community climate action, and further develop leadership, communication skills and confidence and agency to affect change.

In the words of a Year 5 pupil involved in the programme: “We were so happy and proud [of our project]. We felt like a part of the school, you know like we had an impact. We felt like role models in the school.”

Teachers also report that the programme has not only improved the carbon footprint of schools but also inspired students to take climate action beyond the school gates. As one teacher noted: “The best parts were the project work and inspiring other pupils, the independence to collect data and research. It was so purposeful and their acts will make a difference to our carbon footprint which very much empowered them.”

What’s next for the Green Schools Project in Bristol?

This year, Green Schools Project will be working with five schools across Bristol and many more across the South West. Within the Bristol schools alone, over 200 young people and 100 teachers will be supported to take positive action on climate change. To follow their progress as well as the 150 other schools across the UK, follow us on LinkedIn, Bluesky or Instagram. And to find out more about how you can get involved, contact tom@greenschoolsproject.org.uk.

Conclusion: Collaboration for a Sustainable Future

The Green Schools Project’s success with the Bristol City Leap Community Energy Fund underscores the importance of collaboration in tackling the climate crisis. By empowering young people with the tools and knowledge to take meaningful action, Green Schools Project is laying the groundwork for a sustainable future—one where the next generation leads the charge towards a net-zero world. Their work serves as a model for how community-based initiatives, when supported by targeted funding, can catalyse real and lasting change in the fight against climate change.

For more information on available funding from Bristol City Leap, visit our Community Energy Fund page.

The post Bristol City Leap Community Energy Fund Case Study: Green Schools Project appeared first on Bristol City Leap.

Project Pilot, organised by Sixteen Co-operative, is a one-year Supported Internship program designed to help young people with disabilities and autism secure sustainable paid employment.

This initiative partners with employers willing to provide work placements of three or four days a week for 10 weeks per student. By participating, companies not only have the chance to diversify their workforce but also reap the benefits of fresh perspectives and enthusiasm from a part-time team member. In return, these young individuals gain confidence, learn vital employability skills, and enhance their work experience.

Throughout the internship, students receive dedicated support from a job coach who assists them in mastering new tasks and adapting to their roles. Importantly, placements are tailored to each student’s specific sector of interest, ensuring a rewarding and engaging experience.

Matt’s Experience

Matt shared his journey with us, reflecting on the projects he undertook, the support he received, and the skills and knowledge he developed over his 10 weeks with us:

“I enjoyed working on all the tasks but if I had to highlight a few of them I would say the resouce mapping for Wind Turbine School Playing Field task and the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure tasks were enjoyable because they were more research-based and that was a new experience for me. I also enjoyed some of the more creative tasks including designing a poster and getting to do some content creation which was another new set of skills I enjoyed learning.”

“I felt very supported by the Bristol City Leap colleagues, and I felt this for several reasons. Firstly, throughout the day Racheal would check in on me so that I always knew what I was doing every day and if there were any upcoming events or meetings I should know about. They were also great at making any adjustments I needed to work at my best. For example, I had a desk in a quiet corner of the office reserved for me for the whole duration of the internship, which really helped.”

“Overall, I found everybody very approachable, always willing to help me if I needed it, explaining things in a clear way. This was particularly helpful for when I wanted to learn a new skill such as content creation.”

“I’ve gained plenty of skills during this work placement. The more general ones would be time management and flexibility as I always had multiple projects on the go at all times, so prioritising which tasks to focus on and knowing when projects needed to be done was a skill that I put into practice many times. Also, I expanded my computer skills by learning how to use Canva and getting more experience using Excel.”

“During the wind turbine resouce mapping project, I practised problem-solving skills as the task was about looking into the feasibility of installing wind turbines on school playing fields and the obstacles that could get in the way of that potential project. Part of this project also included data analysis and management as I had to collate data from multiple sources and input data onto a spreadsheet whilst showing great attention to detail. My verbal and written communication skills were also improved upon as I had to contact new colleagues in person, on Microsoft Teams and via email. This increased my confidence and displayed my teamwork skills as I had to communicate with various team members and use their expertise to help me complete tasks.”

“Another skill I learnt was independent research, and a task that highlighted that would be the Electric Vehicle charging Infrastructure (EVI) competitor overview task. For this task, I had to input data into a spreadsheet using my research from multiple data sources. I had to find EV chargers from a list and discover which competing chargers were nearby and what features they have. I also practised these skills in another task where I had to update a spreadsheet for event spaces and caterers that Bristol City Leap might want to use in the future. I independently researched venues around Bristol and what rooms and facilities they had to offer so that I could take that data and enter it into a spreadsheet that the office could use. There was an element of collaboration as well because I would take recommendations from colleagues so that I could expand our list of potential venues.”

“It wasn’t all admin tasks, though; I got to engage in some creative tasks such as making a poster on Canva for the implementation team showing before and after pictures of a recently retrofitted housing block. As well as designing the layout of the poster I had to find the most relevant photos provided to me by the implementation team.”

“Later on in the internship, I got to do some content creation for the website, including a case study on a recipient of the Community Energy Fund and the very post you’re reading now!”

“I would like to add that I enjoyed my time on the internship and that I got to do a lot more than I expected. These things include a volunteering day where we went to St Anne’s House and helped with some interior painting for one of their halls. I also got to go on various outings such as visiting some of the potential meeting venues, going to SPARKS Bristol to see the Bristol City Leap information boards, visiting one of the retrofit sites to see some of the work being done, and taking a tour of the Castle Park Energy Centre. All of this is to say that I felt like part of the team and gained more experience than just the office admin skills I was expecting.”

Sixteen Co-operative’s Perspective

Matt’s Job Coach, Becky, was on-site at the start of the internship to ensure he had everything needed to thrive in his role. As Matt grew into the position, she transitioned to periodic check-ins to allow him the space to excel independently. She shared her thoughts about Matt’s journey with Bristol City Leap:

“It has been very encouraging to visit Matt on his placement. It was very evident from day one that Rachel and the team were well prepared to welcome Matt and to provide interesting work for him to complete.”

“Each member of the team seems to have planned thoughtful and meaningful work that has served to build up Matt’s skills and experience. Everyone was keen to provide clear explanations and were also open to being approachable if any issues arose that needed clarity. Matt has developed online research skills and created content for the website and has even been part of team-building activities, volunteering for a day of painting and decorating.”

“Hopefully, the whole team has witnessed Matt’s skills, talents, willingness to learn, and ability to put advice into practice. Some simple reasonable adjustments, such as having a quieter desk space reserved for the placement, have meant that Matt has been able to contribute and successfully deliver for the team. It was also helpful to have Rachel regularly available as a point of contact if there were any questions.”

Rob, Senior Job Coach from Sixteen Co-operative, who coordinated the internship through Project Pilot, also shared his insights about Matt’s experience at Bristol City Leap:

“Rachael and the team at Bristol City Leap have worked cooperatively with Project Pilot to overcome some initial logistical difficulties that led to a delay in the commencement date of the internship and have since proven to be a very supportive and enthusiastic employer. They’ve worked hard to welcome Matt into the team, given him tasks that have played to his strengths and increased his skill set, ensured he is supported appropriately, and communicated well with Project Pilot Job Coaches to ensure Matt’s internship has been successful.”

Consultation

Hosting Matt through Project Pilot, organised by Sixteen Co-operative, has been a rewarding experience for everyone involved. It has reaffirmed our commitment to equipping young people with the skills, knowledge, and inspiration they need to contribute to a sustainable future. As we continue our work towards decarbonising Bristol, we look forward to providing more opportunities for the next generation to get involved and make a difference.

By investing in tomorrow’s leaders, we are helping to create a more sustainable city and fostering an inclusive and equitable community. At Bristol City Leap, we believe that the journey to a carbon-neutral Bristol should involve everyone, and we are proud to play a role in shaping the future of our city.

Are you interested in finding out more about our work in Bristol beyond energy? Check out our Community page to learn more.

The post Celebrating Matt’s Internship Journey with Bristol City Leap appeared first on Bristol City Leap.

A solar kiln is essentially a large greenhouse, where timber can stored, and rays of the sun can be harvested with the help of some solar panels air can be driven across the wood so that the moisture is taken out of it before it can be worked on. Funding this type of project can be very difficult for a not-for-profit and that’s where Bristol City Leap can help with our £1.5 million Community Energy Fund.

About the Bristol City Leap Community Energy Fund

The Community Energy Fund is a Bristol City Leap programme that supports and enables community-led green energy projects across Bristol. Along with our partners Ameresco and Vattenfall, we have a £1.5 million fund that is dedicated to the advancement of community energy initiatives, of which any profits we receive get reinvested into the fund to fuel future decarbonisation projects as part of our commitment to social value and delivering for local people.

To do all this the fund encourages applications from all communities in Bristol, with an emphasis on applications from community groups who have yet to deliver an energy project or those who have not yet applied for the fund. Established community energy groups are also able to apply. The fund can also help to build the capacity of staff and volunteers to deliver successful future projects. These projects place an emphasis on providing clear, quantifiable long-term benefits to local communities that will build the capacity within Bristol communities to further engage and pave the way for the next wave of energy projects.

Bristol Wood Recycling Project’s Experience

“The grants that were available from Bristol City Leap were completely transformational in our decision making process as it because it became a no-brainer for us”

“It’s a wonderful success story for us because it’s very rare for us that you get a project that gets a win across being good for the business, being good for the climate but also being good for the employees and volunteers who are here. We get a triple whammy of all of those.”

“We are freeing up literally days per week of individuals through being able to have the solar kiln drying the wood and then have our sanding machine operational in the workshop. That is where we are getting the really big payoff”.

“I went through the application process myself. I must admit I went into it a little daunted but actually my hand was held throughout the process and it was a very straightforward activity”

Apply to the fund today!

Derek’s story highlights the tremendous impact that the Bristol City Leap Community Energy Fund can have on community organisations. By supporting these initiatives, we can save money while making a positive contribution to a healthier planet. If you are part of a community organisation or know one that could benefit from this funding, don’t miss this opportunity! Apply now and join the energy revolution in Bristol.

For more information about the Bristol City Leap Community Energy Fund, please visit our dedicated webpage.

The post Bristol City Leap Community Energy Fund Case Study: Bristol Wood Recycling Project appeared first on Bristol City Leap.

About Bristol City Leap 

Bristol City Leap is a world-first initiative, a transformative, city-scale approach to decarbonisation. Through a twenty-year joint venture partnership between Bristol City Council, Ameresco, and Vattenfall Heat UK, we aim to invest over £1 billion into Bristol’s energy system. Our mission is to significantly boost the amount of renewable energy and decarbonised heat powering the city, creating a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment for everyone. 

Over the next five years, we plan to deliver £424 million in large infrastructure projects, including large scale wind and solar, expanding Bristol’s award-winning Heat Network, installing solar panels and low-carbon heating systems in schools, and making social housing more energy-efficient. Our initiative is designed with social value at its core, with the potential to generate at least £61.5 million in social value for the city, create over 1,000 new jobs and apprenticeships, and establish a £1.5 million Community Energy Fund. 

A Week of Learning and Growth 

The work experience week offered our students a hands-on opportunity to explore the world of energy and sustainability. Throughout the week, the students participated in a variety of activities designed to broaden their understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the energy sector. 

One of the highlights for the students was the Heat Network Building activity, where students used straws and ping pong balls to simulate the creation of an energy-efficient heat network. Maryam reflected, “I enjoyed everything really, but if I were to pick out one specific thing, it’d probably be the talks and sessions on the heat network because it certainly has broadened my knowledge on what heat networks are, which I clearly didn’t know till I came on the placement.” Matin also appreciated this activity, saying, “I also enjoyed making things when we were working on the heat network building activity.“ 

The students also had the chance to visit several key sites, including Sparks in Broadmead and the Energy Centre in Castle Park. These visits were eye-opening experiences that helped them connect the theoretical aspects of decarbonisation to real-world applications. Adama found this hands-on approach particularly engaging, stating, “I enjoyed going out into the city and looking around for specific things like the Retrofitting and EVI. I prefer more hands-on tasks so being able to get up and walk around was something that I really did enjoy. I also loved the poster design task because we were able to present them, and I was able to show everyone my public speaking abilities as well as my presentation skills.“ 

For Fiyinfoluwa, the opportunity to learn about energy and heat systems was particularly valuable, as it introduced him to a new field of knowledge. He shared, “I found the opportunity to learn about energy and heat systems to be highly valuable, as it is a field with which I was previously unfamiliar, and that is something I’ll say I enjoyed the most throughout this week.” He also found the poster design and event planning sessions engaging, despite initially struggling with unfamiliar software like Canva. “The task I’ll say I found the most challenging was utilising the Canva software effectively for our poster design which was to create awareness. Prior to the sessions, I had almost no experience using them, but over the sessions, I was guided and learnt how to use them” he said. 

Reflections on the Experience

The students left Bristol City Leap with a deeper understanding of the energy sector and how it intersects with broader societal goals. Matin reflected on how the experience influenced his thoughts on his future career, noting, “It helped me think about how my future degree and skills can be implemented in such a field, and it made me realise that I don’t quite enjoy being in an office space and I would rather have a more hands-on approach to a working environment.“ 

While Adama is still unsure if a career in energy is in her future, she was inspired by Bristol City Leap’s commitment to community impact. “Although I’m unsure if I’d work at a company that does work on energy and the environment, it is something that has really made me realise I want to be in a career that helps people. Seeing the way you as a company want to help the community has truly inspired me to go out and do more, even if it’s not necessarily the same work that you guys do” she said. 

Maryam, who studies Geography, found the placement aligned with her interest in climate change and appreciated the opportunity to work in a sector that shares her passion for the environment. “As a student that studies Geography, I’m quite keen on climate change, and I think that Bristol City Leap clearly cares about it too by doing some captivating work, so I MIGHT look into doing something environment-related in the future” she explained. 

Although Fiyinfoluwa’s aspirations lie in cyber security, the experience at Bristol City Leap gave him the confidence to consider a career in a sector focused on sustainability. “Now I feel more confident in getting a career in cyber security in this kind of sector” he noted. 

A Lasting Impact

Beyond the technical knowledge gained, the students also developed important soft skills during their time with us. Adama and Maryam both noted improvements in their communication and teamwork abilities. Maryam shared, “Normally, I don’t like working with other people and prefer working alone, but tasks involved teaming up with the other students, and I’d say that I coped quite well, which I normally wouldn’t do. I spoke quite a bit, so my communication has improved.” Adama also reflected on her growth, saying, “I’ve definitely developed my confidence and ability to talk and project my thoughts and emotions throughout my time here. I know now more than ever how I would be able to talk in formal meetings.“ 

The students’ positive feedback underscores the importance of initiatives like this. As Adama expressed, “Bristol City Leap’s hospitality and kindness towards both me and the other students doing the work experience has been absolutely amazing. There is not a single person in this company who has acted in a certain way to make me or anyone else feel uncomfortable and this really makes me glad. Your work ethic is insanely good, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity that has been given. I would undeniably recommend this work experience to anyone, especially those who are interested in making an impact on our community.“ 

Maryam echoed this sentiment, stating, “Overall, it was an amazing experience. I feel really privileged to be able to do work experience, coming from a different country where work experience isn’t even a thing, and to be able to do a placement at such a company, it’s just great.” Fiyinfoluwa added, “It was a pleasant week, and I gained lots of knowledge in fields I didn’t know about before.“ 

Conclusion

Hosting these talented students through the Bristol Future Talent Partnership has been a rewarding experience for everyone involved. It has reaffirmed our commitment to providing young people with the skills, knowledge, and inspiration they need to contribute to a sustainable future. As we continue our work towards decarbonising Bristol, we look forward to offering more opportunities for the next generation to get involved and make a difference. 

By investing in the leaders of tomorrow, we are not only helping to create a more sustainable city but also fostering a more inclusive and equitable community. At Bristol City Leap, we believe that the journey to a carbon-neutral Bristol is one that should be shared by everyone, and we are proud to play a role in shaping the future of our city. 

To discover more about students who have engaged with Bristol City Leap, click here.

The post Empowering the Next Generation – Bristol City Leap’s Commitment to Future Talent appeared first on Bristol City Leap.

About Bright Green Homes

The Bright Green Homes project is designed to help eligible households install energy-saving measures such as:

• Cavity Wall Insulation
• Loft Insulation
• Air Source Heat Pump
• Solar PV

To qualify for the programme, households must meet the following criteria:

• Currently use Electric, Oil, LPG, or Solid Fuel heating (homes with gas central heating are not eligible).
• Have an Energy Performance Certificate rating of G, F, E, or D.
• Reside in the Bristol City, North Somerset, or Bath and North East Somerset Council areas.
• Have an annual household income of £36,000 or lower*.

*Note: Homes in the three lowest postcodes on the Indices of Multiple Deprivation list do not need to meet the income cap. To find out if you meet the eligibility criteria, click here. Applications close at the end of Summer 2024, and funding is limited, so please complete our registration questionnaire as soon as possible if interested.

Clive Carpenter’s Experience

Clive Carpenter, a resident who received free energy-saving measures through our scheme, shares his journey:
“We’ve had free energy-saving solar panels and a heat pump installed in our house. I was motivated by an advert from Bright Green Homes and thought it was a super idea, saving me money and hopefully doing a little bit for the planet.

From the day I applied for domestic Bright Green Homes, the service was excellent. We had a survey, which was excellent. They then came and measured up, which was excellent. They then came and fitted it, which was excellent. Now we just want the sunshine, which will be, excellent.

My interaction with the installers was great. They arrived on Tuesday morning, 2nd January, and started working straight away at around seven-forty. Everything was clean and tidy. I think it’s great. I enjoy when the sun comes out, and it is saving us money. Hopefully, it’s doing something for the environment.

Initially, we couldn’t believe it was free. But after learning more about the scheme and realising there are funds available, we decided to go for it. It’s the best thing we’ve ever done. We’ve recommended it to two people already. What more can I say? Everything’s great. My wife, Carol, kept asking, ‘Is it really free? What’s the catch?’ And there was no catch. It’s up to the individual to take advantage of it, and we did. Thank you very much.”

Join Clive and Transform Your Home

Clive’s story is a testament to the impact that our Bright Green Homes project can have on households. By installing energy-saving measures, you can save money and contribute to a healthier planet. If you meet the eligibility criteria, don’t miss this opportunity. Apply now and be a part of the energy revolution in the South West!

For more information and to complete our registration questionnaire, please visit our Bright Green Homes page.

The post Bright Green Homes: Clive Carpenter’s Journey to a More Sustainable Home appeared first on Bristol City Leap.