BRAG continues journey to net zero

BRAG Enterprises is revolutionising what green energy really means and have carried out a range of new improvements that are assisting in its goal to reach net zero carbon by 2030. Over the last few months it has been equipping its three centres in Crosshill, Methil and Leven with rooftop solar panels. These works have only been possible due to generous grant support from Centrica’s Energy for Tomorrow (EfT) fund.

The works were carried out by local contractor Alba Heat and Power from Kirkcaldy. These improvements mean that BRAG will be able to reduce its reliance on the energy grid and keep costs low for the small local business and community organisations the charity provides low cost rental space to across the sites.

The EfT funding received, also meant BRAG were able to include energy advice sessions to members of the Pantry@BRAG in Crosshill. These specialist sessions have been delivered by local partners Greener Kirkcaldy. The pantry has been operating for over 2 years now, where for a small fee of £3/week members can have their choice of affordable produce including fruit and vegetables. The pantry currently supports over 100 families a week in the local area and has diverted tonnes of unused food from landfill. Pantry members can also register to volunteer with BRAG or just pop in for a snack or coffee to build connections to combat social isolation, improve mental health and gain essential team working skills. The energy advice service has proved to be an essential support during the current cost of living increase and supports those who are most in need.

Brian Robertson-Fern from BRAG said “ this funding was critical in us building on our journey to net zero and also helps us offset some of the huge price increases we have seen in energy costs recently. It was important to us that we gave the work to a local business and the Alba team did a terrific job with the install. The ability to offer free energy advice to our pantry members was the real cherry on the cake for us as BRAG is all about poverty reduction and my thanks must go out to Greener Kirkcaldy for stepping in and providing the specialist knowledge and links.“

The pantry@brag is open to Benarty residents only, if you live in the Benarty area and would like to join the pantry@brag, email [email protected] or call 01592 860296.