– Thanks to Home Energy Scotland for this week’s guest blog –
How Home Energy Scotland can help communities cut their energy costs and carbon emissions
With the cost of living still high across Scotland, many communities are looking for practical ways to reduce bills and cut their carbon emissions. For churches and community groups, this often means finding trusted sources of advice that can make a real difference locally. Home Energy Scotland can help you support your congregation and wider community.
Funded by the Scottish Government and managed by Energy Saving Trust, Home Energy Scotland provides free, impartial advice to people across Scotland. Through a network of regional advice centres, expert advisors offer tailored guidance on energy efficiency, saving energy at home, renewable technologies and water use – helping people stay comfortable at home while reducing their environmental impact.
Supporting individuals and households
Home Energy Scotland offers personalised advice to help people make informed decisions about their energy use. Advisors provide free guidance based on each person’s circumstances, helping them identify changes that can make the biggest difference.
The service is inclusive and accessible, with interpretation and translation available. There is also a strong focus on reaching people who may otherwise find it difficult to get help. These householders can receive additional support from Energycarers, either by phone or through a home visit. Energycarers can help with accessing funding, understanding energy bills and managing wider challenges linked to energy costs.
Supporting churches and community groups
Home Energy Scotland works with a wide range of community organisations – including Dundee International Women’s Centre, East Ayrshire Women’s Aid, and Greener Kirkcaldy – to help support people in their communities.
Referral portal
You can refer individuals directly through a secure online referral portal, making it easier to connect people with the right advice. This can be particularly valuable when community leaders are working with people facing financial pressure or other challenges.
Workshops and advice sessions
You can also arrange workshops, talks or advice sessions for your congregation or wider community. These can be tailored to your setting and delivered as part of existing activities or events. Topics might include reducing energy use at home, improving heating or finding available funding.
Outreach advisors
Home Energy Scotland outreach advisors can attend community events, host drop-in sessions or provide information stands, helping to make energy advice more visible and accessible in trusted local spaces.
You can explore case studies on the Home Energy Scotland website to see how households and communities have been supported across Scotland.
Building knowledge and sharing resources
Training is available for staff and volunteers, helping you feel more confident talking about energy and signposting people to appropriate services.
A range of resources is also available, including leaflets and digital content that can be shared through newsletters, noticeboards or community channels. You might include Home Energy Scotland information in regular communications or share case studies to raise awareness.
Home Energy Scotland can also help if you are developing a project. This can include guidance on project planning, access to community insights and help identifying relevant funding opportunities.
Working together
By connecting with Home Energy Scotland, you can strengthen the help you offer in your community – linking people to practical advice to reduce bills, improve comfort and lower carbon emissions.
There are simple ways to get involved, whether that’s hosting a workshop, sharing information or making a referral. Small actions can make a meaningful difference, particularly for those most affected by rising energy costs, and can help build lasting resilience within your community.
To find out more or explore partnership opportunities, visit Home Energy Scotland or get in touch with your local Home Energy Scotland advice centre.
