Bridges Community Centre has been highly commended for its low carbon efforts after taking part in the Welsh Government's Climate Change Challenge.

The centre narrowly missed out on being crowned winner of the challenge by Environment Minister John Griffiths at a ceremony on 19th September.

The winning centre was Pontrobert Community Centre near Llanfair Caereinion in Powys.

Over the past year, Bridges has been in friendly competition with Pontrobert Community Centre and Bloomfield Community Centre in Narberth to find innovative and fun ways to cut their carbon footprint.

During the year, the centre worked with Carbon Trust, Dwr Cymru (Welsh Water) and the Energy Saving Trust to monitor water and energy use.

The centre has managed to reduce its carbon emissions by installing a water butt, insulating hot water pipework, installing thermostatic valves to radiators and fitting lighting controls. A 'smart' electricity meter has also been installed.

Bridges also engaged with Monmouth residents, community groups and school children throughout the year to show the importance of reducing our carbon footprint.

For full story see Beacon 21/09/11.