Abstract

Abstract
We explore how a community renewable energy enterprise may monitor and improve its functioning by using a quantitative model.
This model is designed to reflect the desired objectives of the community in terms of the overall returns to the enterprise’s environmental, financial and social stakeholders. Since a community renewable energy enterprise is part of a broader class of small, social enterprises, based on local intention, action and control, the ideas on which this model is based may be useful to other similar firms.
The conceptualisation of the model depends not only on extant literature, but also the need for the enterprise to be effective, democratic and display ethical values. Thus, it has to be firmly embedded in its members’ lived experiences.
The use of the model is illustrated through data, over an eight-year period, from Sustainable Hockerton Ltd.’s financial accounts, spreadsheets on electricity production, minutes of meetings and industry reports. Two types of indicators: RoSC and CoSC are identified. The model facilitates choices related to energy use; in this sense, it affects the national energy policy and is also affected by it. The model may lead to changes in the manner funding bodies support local initiatives.