Carbon Footprint Reduction, Feering Community Centre

This is a project to replace the windows, fire exit doors and curtains of the Main Hall at Feering Community Centre.

Feering Community Centre is a single-storey building with a tiled pitched roof that was built in 1987. This project is to replace the original 1987 single-glazed aluminium windows in the hall with modern double-glazed uPVC units and the installation of new double-glazed aluminium emergency fire-exit doors that are compliant with current legislation (uPVC doors are not suitable) together with fire retardant curtains. These upgrades will reduce heat loss, lower the centre’s carbon footprint, and create a safer, more comfortable environment for users of the hall.

The Parish Council owned community centre serves as a vital hub for local and wider community activities. Hosting an estimated 1,900 visitors per month, it accommodates regular groups as well as occasional events including birthday parties and community fayres. The centre is a focal hub of the village being adjacent to the primary school and to the Feering public playing field/park with its sports pitches, a skatepark, and play equipment. Activities support recreation, learning, and social inclusion. Upgrading to energy-efficient windows, doors, and fire-retardant curtains will reduce the building’s carbon footprint, improve comfort, and enhance accessibility for all, particularly people with disabilities, ensuring a safer, welcoming, and environmentally responsible space for the entire community.

Environmental considerations: The project incorporates several environmental considerations to improve the energy efficiency of the centre. Replacing the existing single-glazed aluminium windows and wooden doors with modern, high-performance uPVC windows and aluminium fire-exit doors will significantly reduce heat loss, improve insulation, and help maintain stable indoor temperatures. The fire-retardant curtains with their black-out linings will further retain heat within the building, reducing the need for additional heating. Together, these measures will lower overall energy consumption, decrease carbon emissions, and contribute to a more environmentally sustainable and energy-efficient facility for the community.

Hard to reach considerations: To encourage “hard to reach” members of the community, the centre is actively working to ensure that the facilities are accessible and welcoming to everyone. With a particular focus on individuals with disabilities, older adults and those from marginalised groups. The centre offers preferential rates for community groups to ensure affordability.