The Greening Donside project was a partnership initiative involving the Donside Community Association, Langstane Housing Association and Tenants First Housing Co-operative with funding coming from Keep Scotland Beautiful’s Climate Challenge Fund.

Working with residents, the project aimed to reduce energy use in the home, promote food growing, reduce waste and promote sustainable transport options.

The event celebrated the achievements of the year long project which included the creation of a Gardening Group which held 15 separate events over the year involving both adults and children in tidying up and creating new growing spaces, planting and pruning; residents installing energy monitors in their homes; various children’s activities from gardening, making butterfly and bird feeders to a bike maintenance session and the promotion of a variety of recycling initiatives such as food recycling.

One resident who had an energy monitor installed in his home said: “I have found this device very helpful in understanding where my energy is being used. We now know how much all the appliances in my house cost and we are looking at ways to help us save money in the long run. My children are also learning from my actions - they now ask me if all the water in the kettle is needed and how much energy everything is using.”

Helen Gauld, chief executive, Langstane Housing Association, added: “This project is an excellent example of partnership working between Housing Associations and the communities that they serve. With a little bit of staff time and a lot of enthusiasm and commitment from community members, the Greening Donside project has helped the community to increase its level of knowledge, skills and confidence in living more environmentally sustainable lifestyles.”