Published today, a report we wrote for Social Investment Business and the #YouthInvestmentFund looking at the real world outcomes from investment in renewables and energy conservation in youth buildings. In researching it we wanted to get beyond the projections, headlines and glossy brochure stats and look at the actual benefits for the building occupiers and users.
All the projects had previously operated from cold and inefficient buildings. This was demotivating the young people while the staff had to spend more time managing and fixing the building and less time delivering youth services. Meanwhile more money had to be spent on utility bills with less spent on trips and activities. And for the planet it meant more resource use, more carbon emissions and less focus on helping young people understand, value and access the natural environment i.e. the exact opposite of what we should be doing.
The case studies all responded to the challenges in different ways and in this the vision of individual project leaders was key. Some were very focused on cheaper to run more comfortable spaces while others saw clear links between the benefits for young people of quality spaces, care for the environment and wellbeing.
Visiting the case studies showed the deep commitment that all the organisations had to improving the lives of young people and the services available to them. In this regard the YIF investment in their buildings has been truly transformative. But the case studies also show how reducing costs, reducing emissions and improving wellbeing are not mutually exclusive, they are part of the same equation. Going forward funders should pay great attention to how quality spaces, net zero targets and wellbeing are delivered together for the benefit of young people.
If you want to know more about the projects and the report, do get get in touch.