Brighter Futures
Brighter Futures is a charity set up in 2018 in response to the increased demand for voluntary organisations to work together to reduce social isolation, loneliness, and poverty.
The Business:
Brighter Futures, Rhyl
Brighter Futures is a charity set up in 2018 in response to the increased demand for voluntary organisations to work together to reduce social isolation, loneliness, and poverty. It is run by a group of trustees and based in a former pub in Rhyl. The site is used six days a week as a community hub for local groups and activities.
The Challenge
Brighter Futures aimed to explore ways to reach net zero, save money, and reduce energy use. They were also keen to have a positive impact on the environment and increase engagement with customers through social media. They were committed to using solar power more to generate electricity for lighting and general building operations; however, one of their challenges was the lack of battery capacity.
What the experts say
Brighter Futures has made significant changes to reduce carbon and aim for net zero. Their next steps include installing internal wall insulation, researching carbon-saving technologies, and improving outdated IT equipment.
Through the programme, the team hopes to install additional solar panels and batteries to extend their capability to generate electricity. They have also replaced the mains gas heating with a renewable air-source heat pump, and low-flow water taps and toilets have been fitted, along with a heat recovery system, draft proofing, and replacement doors.
The outcome
By 2026, they aim to use rainwater harvesting for toilets and other outdoor uses and introduce fuel—and diesel-emission-saving electrolysers into their vans. Longer-term plans include transitioning to a hybrid and EV fleet so that Brighter Futures will be completely fossil-fuel-free by 2050.
