30 August 2007 This news release issued by Energy Action Scotland

Local MSP Brian Adam will today (Thursday, August 30) visit a community centre in his constituency which he nominated for energy efficiency improvements. The centre is used by the Middlefield Community Project in Aberdeen and has had the improvements carried out thanks to a project organised by fuel poverty charity Energy Action Scotland as part of its warmer communities initiative, funded by ExxonMobil.

Liz Futcher, development manager, Energy Action Scotland, explained: “Improving the energy efficiency of a community building like this is important, as it gives greater comfort to the users and reduces energy bills and running costs. It is thanks to the support of ExxonMobil that Energy Action Scotland and its members can carry out such projects.”

Energy Action Scotland used the funding from ExxonMobil to engage its local member SCARF and Aberdeen City Council to carry out the energy efficiency improvements. The centre has had loft insulation and draught-proofing installed, along with a chimney balloon that stops excessive draughts coming down disused chimneys. An energy-efficient A-rated fridge is also being supplied.

Brian Adam, MSP for Aberdeen North, said: “I was glad to be approached for nominations of buildings in my constituency that could benefit from these energy efficiency measures and delighted that the Middlefield Project was chosen. The Project is a very worthwhile recipient of this assistance and I am sure that it will be much appreciated as it continues to support the Middlefield community.”

The centre is regularly used by Middlefield Community Project to provide local people with facilities such as all-day nurseries and crèches, plus activities for under-12s, youths and adults. The Community Project is a voluntary organisation which has been operating since 1991 and is run by a local management committee.

Alistair Routledge, operations manager, ExxonMobil, added: “Energy efficiency is essential for us all – in our homes, businesses and community buildings. ExxonMobil is pleased to be able to support Energy Action Scotland in its warmer communities initiative and I am delighted to have the opportunity today to see this initiative in action."

Energy Action Scotland will also arrange for SCARF to give a talk to centre users about how they could save energy in their own homes.

Notes to editors:
Energy Action Scotland is the national charity which campaigns for an end to fuel poverty and works to promote warm, dry homes for all.

The Warmer Communities Initiative is run by Energy Action Scotland and funded by ExxonMobil. It aims to improve the energy efficiency of buildings for the benefit of the local community and to give the public information about saving energy in their homes.