​In 2006, Al Gore’s ‘An Inconvenient Truth’ brought to light the cataclysmic effects climate change is causing to our planet. Now, ‘An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power’ follows in its footsteps, as an invigorating call to action, highlighting the urgency to do all we can in the face of increasingly destructive signs of global warming. Here at BEC, we are doing all we can, but we need your continued support. This film is a rallying cry (part 2) from Al Gore about why we should all get on board with renewables.
 
The film vividly drives home the real dangers met by people who have come face-to-face with devastating freak weather, and urges us to consider the future of generations to come, who will be dealing with the consequence of our current behaviour.
 
One big question levelled at audiences, is what will you do? What part will you play in the current changing climate of our planet? Will you ignore the warning signs? Or will you do what you can? Small or big – together we can make a difference.
 
As part of our efforts to help reduce carbon emissions and move towards clean energy, BEC have launched two solar farms – one in Lawrence Weston, Bristol, and the other in Somerset - and solar panels on 11 community buildings. This provides 9,105 MWh (Megawatt Hours) of electricity per year - enough to power 2,220 average homes.
 
Currently we have two opportunities for you to contribute to the transition to renewables, paying heed to Al Gore’s call to act now. We have a 3 yr ISA 4.5% bond offer which has just passed the 500K mark and is a chance to divest from fossil fuels and invest positively. [Please note that your capital is at risk and returns are not guaranteed. Read the full offer document, ensure you understand the risks and agree with the terms before deciding to invest.]
 
Alternatively, if you are looking for funding for a community project that’s doing its bit to reduce carbon emissions, we have just launched a £50,000 community fund which you can find out more about how to apply for - here.
 
There are plenty of ways these days to ‘green-up’ and we offer just one set of opportunities. If you are feeling a bit overwhelmed, and want to find out more about what you can do, even just going to see this film is a good start!
 
You can watch the trailer here. It is being screened at The Watershed from the 18th August.
​On Friday the 11th, the Watershed have a special one-off screening featuring a Q&A discussion with Al Gore. 

Divestment and positive investment seem like a win-win for everyone. Switching your money from damaging fossil fuels to clean renewables helps tackle climate change, gives control back to the local community, and offers a financial return for investors.

We caught up with Nikki Jones, a researcher, writer and journalist on oil, gas and energy to find out more about divestment.

Many people want to tackle climate change, but are unsure how to really make a difference. At times, it can feel overwhelming. One easy way to help society make a lasting shift from fossil fuels to renewables is to change how your money is invested. It's time to divest from fossil fuels, and ensure your investments are having a positive impact.

Read on to find out why Karn, from Bedminster in Bristol, wanted to do good with his money and invest in our latest bond offer.

."I like the fact that BEC is Bristol based and has a track record of building schemes locally. One of the features that particularly attracted me to this offer was the proposed battery storage project. It seems to me that small scale local generation together with local storage must be the way ahead for electricity supply in the future."

Rob Acton-Campbell, a Bristol Energy Cooperative investor

Find out more about why Rob invested in our community energy bonds.

In our current crowdfund, we've already raised over £200,000. But we have a long way to go to meet our £1.15m target by 31 July 2017. 

There are many reasons to make a positive investment in community energy. Today hear from one of our investors from Southville in Bristol, Katherine.

Why are so many people investing in renewables? Today we meet another of our growing number investors, Dan Weisselberg from Bristol. Find out why he and his wife chose a positive investment...

We've successfully launched our latest bond offer with our partners, Mongoose Energy through their new platform Mongoose Crowd to generate and store more renewable energy. 

Why is investing in community energy becoming so popular? We asked one of our investors, Dom Ziedler, aged 24, why he wanted to get involved with our crowdfund.