St Albans Community Association, a well-established charity rooted in Smethwick, is advancing its sustainability efforts. As featured in TEAM’s latest Customer Spotlight, the organisation reveals how a professional energy audit has empowered them to cut energy use and enhance operational performance.

Established in 1984, St Albans has evolved into a key community resource, delivering services such as early childhood education, dementia care, food support, and digital access for older residents. Faced with increasing energy expenses and a strong environmental ethos, the charity partnered with TEAM Energy for expert advice.

The audit led to the adoption of several cost-effective and impactful measures, including defrosting freezers, maximising daylight, and fitting draft excluders. These immediate actions are part of a broader plan that includes boosting solar PV installations and modernising their Building Management System, with funding applications underway to support these upgrades.

Tonia Flannagan, CEO of St Albans Community Association, reflected on the experience:

“The audit gave us a clear roadmap. It wasn’t about blame – it was about opportunity. We now have a plan that’s realistic, affordable, and aligned with our values.”

The project has also cultivated a sustainability-focused culture, placing staff and volunteers at the centre of the charity’s energy-saving efforts. Ongoing reporting and engagement have helped embed energy-conscious practices into everyday routines.

TEAM Energy’s feature on St Albans demonstrates how smaller organisations, even with limited resources, can achieve meaningful change when given the right support.

Their journey underscores the impact of grassroots action and incremental progress toward net zero. Read the full St Alban’s Customer Spotlight on the TEAM Energy website here.