A YOUNG entrepreneur from the University of York has started a business which promotes environmental awareness and saving energy.

Shaun Turkington, 22, has volunteered for various charities for the last ten years, and set up his own local animal welfare society in his community at the age of 16.

Originally from Grimsby, he is now studying for a BSc in environmental economics and environmental management at the university, and started ECOmmunity as a not-for-profit social enterprise last year.

Shaun said: “We are committed to helping cut CO2 emissions of 25 per cent from each household by 2013. The climate change initiative programme (CCIP), will give communities the opportunity to work closer together raising their environmental awareness and sharing ideas and knowledge through our social network.”

Under the slogan Working Together For A Greener Future, ECOmmunity is based at the Ron Cooke Hub at Heslington.

A free pilot scheme has been launched in York, with limited places available to meet a climate-change advisor and have one’s household assessed, looking at appliances, lighting and heating.

An energy monitor will be installed for three days to create a report.

Once analysed, the report should show where energy is being lost in the home, and how money and energy can be saved.

Shaun said: “ECOmmunity set up the CCIP to promote climate-change awareness with home owners and residents.

“We believe working closely with local communities is a key to building strong and effective partnerships that assist the needs and interest of local residents.

“We can guarantee to help reduce energy consumption, CO2 emissions and carbon footprints within the home and saving customers 25 per cent on fuel bills.”

For more information, and to sign up for the scheme, phone 01904 567725 or visit ecommunityccip.co.uk