The role of the steering committee is to deliver the vision and targets for your sustainable energy community. Learn what it is and how to set it up.

What is a steering committee

The role of the steering committee is to deliver the vision and targets for your sustainable energy community. These goals and ambitions are outlined in your community charter and brought to life in your Energy Master Plan. You will need to have your steering committee established to join the sustainable energy network.

Overall, the committee provides guidance to the community group and drives its development.

Who should be on the steering committee

A steering committee within a community is typically made up of different members or representatives from across the community who can contribute various expertise, skills and experiences to the committee, representing the wider interests of the community in a holistic manner.  Overall, there is no maximum or minimum number of members. We recommend that you get as many steering committee members as is feasible, so that the work does not fall on one or two people.

Community representation

We recommend that the committee represents the range of energy users within your sustainable energy community. So this could comprise representatives from residents associations, schools, public sector, community groups, charities, businesses or industry. It depends on the make up of your group

Develop your approach

Some communities have approached credit union managers, local businesses, GAA coaches or the local school principle to become committee members, with the aim of including their buildings in the Energy Master Plan. Use the network to reach out to other communities for their approach. Each community is different, so you will know the best people to get on board and at what level.

The Importance of a Steering Committee

Establishing a community steering committee is important to ensure that the voices, needs and experiences of all members and stakeholders of the wider community are considered and their interests are represented as the community plans its sustainable energy actions. This gives the community the opportunity to be involved from the outset and influence development in their local area, while ensuring that the actions being taken are the most appropriate for the area and the people living in it.