Buckinghamshire Council, GB

Buckinghamshire Council, GB Energy Doctor program provides low-cost solutions to high utility bills

The Domestic Resource Efficiency Service provides in-home consultations and remedies for energy inefficiencies. Eligible residents earn £30,000 or less per year and live in properties graded in the bottom four energy performance certificate ratings. Resource efficiency officers - or Energy Doctors - recommend changes and install simple items like portable solar generators or LED lights. Local officials anticipate average savings of £100 per year for participants.

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Buckinghamshire Council, GB

United Kingdom

Buckinghamshire Council, GB Ready to Care digital suite prepares carers of at-risk children

The council developed a trio of easy-to-use digital guides for the most common types of carers. Residents access advice from experienced carers through the AdoptionReady, FosteringReady, and Guardian's Guide tools. Each tool contains tips and short lessons for challenges frequently faced by carers. Buckinghamshire Council pursued Ready to Care as a low-cost and approachable method for achieving positive carer impacts on children.

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Buckinghamshire Council, GB

United Kingdom

Buckinghamshire Council, GB educates residents about electric blanket safety at public events

Two events at local libraries offered free electric blanket inspections by the Buckinghamshire & Surrey Trading Standards. Assessors examined blankets for uneven heating, burning smells, and other unsafe characteristics. Residents received free replacements ahead of the cold winter months if their old blankets were diverted for recycling. Each event also presented guidance on safe electric blanket purchases, use, and disposal.

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Buckinghamshire Council, GB

United Kingdom

Buckinghamshire Council, GB introduces self-service tool for planning permission research

The new resource is part of the council's participation in a national pilot on improved planning efficiency. Project planners enter postcodes, select addresses, and draw their project dimensions to start the research process. Filters for residential project types ranging from new drainage to wind turbines are followed by category-specific questions. Each search concludes by indicating if the proposed work is permitted or requires additional consent and approval.

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Buckinghamshire Council, GB

United Kingdom

Buckinghamshire Council, GB takes creative and sustainable approach to commercial space with HQube

The council selected a vacant lot in High Wycombe for this regeneration project. HQube houses 12 storefronts made from redesigned shipping containers. Each shop creates natural lighting without direct sunlight through north-light designs. Rooftop solar panels provide sustainable energy to electric vehicle chargers in the development's parking lot. Local officials filled all of the HQube vacancies by the end of construction, showing local desire for unique commercial spaces.

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Buckinghamshire Council, GB

United Kingdom

Buckinghamshire Council, GB coordinates the development of an Internet safety game for kids

Bao: It’s A Jungle Out There is a browser-based game for children with special educational needs. Kids learn how to make safe choices in online environments from Bao the panda. Responses to character questions about social media and cyber bullying prompt messages about good decisionmaking. A pilot at Stony Dean School produced feedback from students and teachers. Council leaders worked with French and Swedish researchers as well as Adeptly on the game's design.

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Buckinghamshire Council, GB

United Kingdom

Buckinghamshire Council, GB determines the feasability of wireless EV charging with OSRIC pilot

The On-Street Residential Induction Charger (OSRIC) trial operates a wireless charging station in Marlow. Drivers access a retrofitted Renault Zoe by registering with rideshare company Hiyacar. The vehicle's undercarriage holds an induction pad that connects wirelessly with the in-ground pad while parked. Buckinghamshire Council will work with Hiyacar and local authorities on additional tests of the technology prior to regional adoption.

BC

Buckinghamshire Council, GB

United Kingdom