Carbon Co-op has partnered with the Sheffield and District African Caribbean Community Association (SADACCA) and Live Works (University of Sheffield) to conduct a feasibility study for a community-owned energy hub at their historic estate, supported by the North East and Yorkshire Net Zero Hub. We explored building upgrades including for energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Our Approach
Solar energy generation was identified as the most feasible energy upgrade. However, a buildings condition survey revealed several of the estate’s buildings require a significant investment in structural renovations as well as facing heritage restrictions. This makes it unfeasible to carry out solar installations across the whole site immediately.
Our response to this has been to decouple the immediate solar energy potential from the long-term renovation needs. Phase 1 focuses exclusively on the modern Daycare Centre roof, which is structurally sound, watertight, and separated from the listed high street frontage.
A 42 kWp solar PV array is forecast to generate 29 MWh of renewable electricity annually, offsetting a significant amount of on-site consumption. SADACCA has successfully finalised a 125-year lease from Sheffield City Council via a Community Asset Transfer for security against the required investment.
Governance
To fund the capital cost of the solar installation, the study recommends creating a Community Benefit Society (CBS) named Ubuntu Energy. It will launch a community share offer to fund the solar array while ensuring democratic local ownership.
Surplus revenues will be directed into a Community Benefit Fund to tackle local fuel poverty and support social initiatives.
Community Engagement
Driven by the ethos of ubuntu, “I am because we are”, the project focuses on collective resilience and intergenerational wealth. A major legacy of this engagement is the modular Ubuntu Energy Pavilion, built to host “Green Skills” workshops for the local community.
Future Vision
As the wider estate renovation progresses, future phases will expand solar PV across the remaining roofs (unlocking up to 92 kWp), integrate battery storage, and upgrade the historic building fabric.