Mediation NI, University Street, Belfast

NICE Member Organisation

Mediation NI’s offices on University Street in Belfast were NICE 1st third sector organisation to avail of the Co-Ops free solar PV installation. Rob Colwell of Mediation NI said the new photovoltaic panels would halve its energy bills: “As an organisation we support green ideals and we’re always trying to reduce our carbon footprint and save money. In addition, we liked that NICE is a co-operative. We support the ideal of working in collaboration with other organisations and also helping the community.” “We were amazed at how straightforward and quick this has been,” he said. “We discussed it with our board and two months later the panels were in place on the roof generating low cost electricity.  

• Facebook
• Twitter

Malachy O'Hara

NICE Member

Amber

NICE Member

YMCA Londonderry Branch

NICE Member Organisation

Third sector organisation YMCA, Londonderry Branch another NICE member organisation.

“We anticipate that the solar panels will help us save approximately 60% of our electricity costs. We’ve been looking at our controllable costs and were really interested in solar energy but in the past we couldn’t afford it,” explained YMCA manager Peter Caldwell.

“NICE will install the panels at no cost to the YMCA in the next few weeks, making this a viable option for the organisation for the first time.”

“As an organisation, we want to proactively do all that we can for the environment. With NICE, not only will we be saving money but they also help the community and voluntary sector,” Mr Caldwell added.

Rory McManus & Nigel Brady, Bryson Energy

Bryson Energy a NICE member

Bryson Energy a leading N.I. social enterprise is a member of NICE.

Bryson Energy is one of several social business units of Bryson Charitable Group. Bryson is one of N.I.’s oldest charities and leading social enterprise tackling major social and economic challenges.

As is the case with all NICE members the Co-Op welcomes Bryson Energy’s investment and future contribution to the running of NICE.

The Co-Operative Phone & Broadband

NICE Member

“Because The Phone Co-op knows that our activity will have an impact on our planet, we try to minimise it by being green. We use electricity from renewable sources, invest in renewable energy initiatives and offset our carbon footprint. The NICE initiative fits our criteria for investment and we are delighted to support it and become a member.” Amanda, from Phone Coop said.

Dr Florian van Sothen

NICE Member

Dr von Sothen one of NICE European members resides in Germany. The following quotes are why he joined us.

“NICE is my second investment in Northern Ireland and my first one with solar power in it. I invest into several other energy-coops in the UK as well. If everybody, who is able, supports such kind of projects (not spending money, but giving a loan or by buying shares etc. –> an economic approach is important for me, because it is mobilizing more money!) with a few hundred (or thousand) pounds, we can change a lot in society.”

“Being once with the German Anti-Apartheid movement I do not want to give my money to normal banks, because they do often things I do not like. Therefore I started to invest my money by myself. I am focused on renewable energies (, fair trade and organic farming, maybe due to the fact, that I am originally an agricultural engineer).”

“Environmental problems, and especially global warming in the last two decade, made me think, that my investments should have a double interest (money for me and a social interest for the society).”

“I like to support the British environmental movement. Each wind power stations being erected and each solar energy project is not only a protest against nuclear power stations it is even a step forward in making nuclear power and coal power stations useless and worthless. Consequently the UK-government should give up their idea of building even new nuclear power stations (with regard to the radioactive pollution of the Irish Sea you probably agree to that). What a strange idea, especially after Fukushima!”

“With kind regards from Germany to Belfast”.

Florian

Drumlin Wind Energy Co-Operative

NICE Member

Drumlin Wind Energy Co-Op, Northern Ireland’s first community energy wind co-operative confirmed its support for NICE by becoming a member.

Douglas McIldoon, Drumlin Chair and a NICE Director commented “as neighbouring community energy co-ops and in the spirit of co-operative working there is no question as to Drumlin’s support for NICE.” He explained “community energy schemes are still in their infancy in Northern Ireland compared with elsewhere in mainland UK and Europe. Schemes such as NICE and Drumlin are key in showcasing and demonstrating how local communities can take a greater share in green energy projects rather than individual businesses reaping all the rewards.”

“NICE being only the second community energy co-operative in Northern Ireland, it is inevitable and important that there be some collaborative working, between both Co-Ops, in proving, community energy enterprises are community empowering and economically viable” said Douglas.

Claire Hanna

NICE Member

We asked Claire why she chose to become a member of NICE and this is what she said “We use power in every area of our lives but rather than accruing huge profits to a small number, this excellent initiative is fair, is more environmentally friendly and puts  community organisations on a more solid economic footing . I’m really proud to be a small part of this innovative co-operative that is addressing an energy and finance need in a democratic and sustainable way.”

The Fermanagh Trust

NICE Member

Director Lauri McCusker said “The Fermanagh Trust is delighted to invest in this exciting opportunity. The concept fits in line with our work as we have long advocated the importance of schemes like this which ensure renewable energy investments provide a return for our economy and our community. In particular we are pleased to see that any funds raised from this scheme will go towards community energy saving initiatives to tackle fuel poverty. There is certainly huge potential and we wish NICE every success.”

Building Change Trust & Co-Operative Alternatives

NICE Members

Nigel McKinney, Building Change Trust Director of Operations, said: “The Building Change Trust is committed to developing and testing out new forms of Social Finance and encouraging Social Innovation in Northern Ireland, and to prove this we are putting our money where our mouth is and investing in NI Community Energy.”

NICE is supported by Co-operative Alternatives, a co-operative commissioned by the Building Change Trust to increase awareness of Community Shares in Northern Ireland.

Tiziana O’Hara from Co-operative Alternatives welcomed the fact that organisations were investing in NICE: “This is a positive investment for charities and trusts with an interest in environmental issues and green energy. I would appeal to other organisations to come forward and invest in a local initiative that is benefiting the community rather than on the stock market.”