Community climate action

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Community business at the heart of meaningful & inclusive climate action.

As the impacts of interconnected climate, energy, and cost-of-living crises increase on our society, the imperative for a fairer, greener future demands a transformative shift in our economy. While this transformation poses its challenges, it also presents an unprecedented opportunity to forge a new economy that prioritises people, planet, and communities above all else. 

Community businesses are beacons of hope and crucial agents of change in combatting these crises together. Despite the barriers they face, these enterprises are already at the forefront of climate action, while simultaneously bolstering and building resilience in local economies and fostering improved social outcomes in their communities.  

Community work IS Climate work

Our latest research with IPPR North and Locality scopes the role of community business in climate action, providing practical resources on viable climate action pathways. 

Driving positive change

The latest case studies from community businesses all over the country taking action on climate. 

Bradford Organic Communities Service

Bradford Organic Communities Service

Providing organic fruit and veg, as well as recycled paint and crafts, to the people of Bradford.

a football coach talks to a group of young players on the pitch

Ambition Community Energy

England’s largest community-owned wind turbine powering over 3,000 homes in Lawrence Weston.

Bradford Organic Communities Service

Witton Lodge Community Organisation

Community anchor organisation in Birmingham that transformed derelict land into useable green space and turned the old park keepers cottage into an eco community facility, reducing energy costs by 55%

a football coach talks to a group of young players on the pitch

Fordhall Farm

England’s first community-owned, chemical-free farm in Shropshire. Educates on sustainable farming and supports local communities.

Pollenize

Pollenize uses the power of community and science to fight against pollinator decline.

a football coach talks to a group of young players on the pitch

Banister House Solar

Residents of Banister House turned disillusion into the UK’s largest community-owned solar energy project on social housing.

Community Climate Action
In our latest blogs

Scaling community energy: four key lessons

We have been testing models for community energy that will play an important role in a fair, clean energy transition. Our learning can inform the Labour Party’s plans to grow the sector, putting communities and people at the heart of net...

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CATALYSING THE COMMUNITY ENERGY SECTOR

As five community businesses launch a groundbreaking community energy collective, seeking to raise £2.5m to take ownership of seven solar farms, our climate action manager explores why Power to Change backed this initiative and what we hope our investment...

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“We believe that climate injustice goes hand in hand with social injustice, and that caring for the planet provides a huge opportunity to care for ourselves and our communities.”

Power to Change grantee

Community climate action

 

How you can get involved

 

LEARN WITH US
We’ve partnered with AimHi to run a Climate and Sustainability Leadership training course for the community business sector. 

TELL US
We want to know how your community is tackling the climate crisis. How are you engaging local people with the issue? And could your action plan be replicated and implemented elsewhere? Let us know.

REACH OUT
Get in touch to help shape a new, multimillion-pound climate action funding and support programme for the community business sector, which will launch in 2022. Contact us today.