Carbon Copy was born out of a realisation that place-based, collaborative environmental initiatives are an important and under-recognised tool in our efforts to address the climate and nature emergencies. We’ve always marked Earth Day, but rarely has the theme given to this global awareness day felt so relevant to our work in the UK. 

 “Our Power, Our Planet” is, according to the day’s organisers, about highlighting the “role of collective action in shaping environmental outcomes beyond formal governance structures alone.” 

Within this theme, are two pillars, the first of which is about local resilience.  

What is local resilience? 

When it comes to local environmental action, resilience can have multiple meanings. A resilient community is one that is physically safe and protected from the impacts of climate change. Where the population is prepared for extreme weather events (flooding, heatwaves, drought) and where adaptations are in place, or at least in progress, so that people are able to continue with their way of life. 

But resilience isn’t just about climate. Resilient projects and organisations are those that can weather different kinds of storms. That are agile, pragmatic, resourceful and collaborative. Organisations like those we spoke to, as part of our in-depth research into the shared characteristics of the most successful environmental initiatives in the UK. 

Remarkably common 

In our report, “From Footprint to Changeprint,” we uncovered 12 success factors that are common amongst high-impact local climate and nature projects. These were grouped under three core characteristics: Abundance, Belonging and Purpose; all of which are fundamentally important to the idea of building local resilience. 

Initiatives that embrace a mindset of Abundance are more resilient by appreciating and embracing the people, knowledge and resources available to them. They are not beholden to intermittent funding or temporary government support, rather they build their success and resilience around what they have and what they can develop through creativity, resourcefulness and a willingness to bring different voices and groups to the table. 

Secondly, initiatives enacted with a sense of Belonging help local people and stakeholders to feel valued and to value the efforts of those leading the work. A project that is serving specific local needs and concerns is more likely to flourish long-term, and will benefit from the buy-in of those it serves. Projects that are inclusive, give participants a feeling of ownership and engage the wider community are more likely to create lasting positive impact. 

Finally, taking a Purposeful approach to implementing projects also helps build resilience locally. Organisations that are pragmatic and prepared for different eventualities last longer and can do more. In taking this deliberate approach, our research uncovered the importance of learning by doing, and from mistakes and challenges, to propel a project forward to greater success. 

Through the 600 or so climate action stories in our national collection, through our Changeprint research and through the conversations with changemakers that fed into our report; we’ve established clear evidence of a groundswell of highly collaborative, remarkably resilient and genuinely impactful local initiatives across the UK.  

The roots of power 

We launched Changeprint earlier this year because we wanted some way to qualify and quantify what we’ve known for years: the narrative that the climate and nature emergencies are unsolvable is false. The story that we are powerless is fiction. The message that we should wait for action from the top is dangerous. The change we so desperately want is within not beyond our reach. 

The meaning of this year’s Earth Day theme is clear. What’s happening on a global level doesn’t need to derail efforts on the ground; indeed place-based initiatives are fundamentally protecting communities in a way that national and international policy often fails to.  

The initiatives shared on Carbon Copy and those that have contributed to our research are living proof of the power of collective action to affect positive change and build resilience.  

To learn more about how, download From Footprint to Changeprint now. 

FAQs

What is local resilience in environmental action?
Local resilience in environmental action refers to the ability of communities to prepare for, respond to and adapt to challenges such as climate change and wider social or economic pressures. This includes practical measures like preparing for extreme weather, as well as building strong, adaptable local organisations and networks. A resilient community is one that can continue to function, support its people and maintain progress even when faced with disruption.

How do local climate projects build resilience in communities?
Local climate projects build resilience in communities by strengthening local networks, encouraging collaboration and focusing on real, place-based needs. These initiatives bring people together to address challenges such as flooding, heat or access to resources, while also building long term capacity. By developing skills, relationships and shared ownership, projects create a foundation that helps communities respond more effectively to future challenges.

Why is collective action important for building resilience?
Collective action is important for building resilience because it brings together different skills, perspectives and resources to tackle complex challenges. When communities work together, they are better able to adapt, problem solve and sustain progress over time. This shared approach also builds trust and engagement, which are essential for maintaining momentum and ensuring that projects continue to deliver impact.

What role do local organisations play in strengthening resilience?
Local organisations play a key role in strengthening resilience by leading initiatives, coordinating efforts and responding to the specific needs of their communities. They act as hubs for collaboration, helping to connect people, ideas and resources. Their ability to remain flexible, resourceful and community-focused allows them to adapt to changing circumstances and continue delivering positive outcomes.

How does local action contribute to national strength?
Local action contributes to national strength by creating resilient, well-connected communities that are better equipped to handle challenges. When many local initiatives are working effectively, their combined impact strengthens the overall capacity of the country to respond to environmental, social and economic pressures. This bottom-up approach shows that meaningful change can be driven at a local level while supporting wider national resilience.

Since launching Carbon Copy nearly six years ago, we’ve discovered hundreds of examples of collective local action with impressive positive impacts for climate and nature, taking place all across the UK. What’s become clear, however, is that these projects and organisations are doing so much more than tackling carbon emissions; and in many cases the positive climate outcomes of the work are not even the primary focus. 

As we mark this year’s Earth Day, and its theme “Our Power, Our Planet,” we’re conscious that the current context – where interconnected issues around equality, economic instability, political and cultural divisions are often at the forefront of people’s minds – creates a need for climate and nature action to be portrayed in a different way. Instead of action aiming for the intangible and uninspiring goal of “Net Zero”, we instead need to paint a vision of a future that is peaceful, fair, healthy and prosperous; where climate and nature outcomes, whilst significant, are incidental. 

Within the “Our Power, Our Planet” theme, are two pillars. Resilience and Institutional Continuity and Shared Interests and Interconnected Outcomes. This second pillar speaks to the power of environmental action to create impacts that extend far beyond a reduction in carbon emissions. These wider and profuse “interconnected outcomes” can also be described as a Changeprint, the new term to talk about the wider benefits of collective local action.  

Our March 2026 report From Footprint to Changeprint provides insight into how groups and organisations can grow their impact. Working with sustainability consultancy Eunomia, we conducted an in-depth analysis of high-impact projects from across the UK, each one creating a Changeprint and each one achieving multiple positive outcomes beyond reducing carbon emissions. 

Everything, everywhere, all at once. 

The idea for our research project was sparked during our year-long campaign: 25 Big Local Actions, which uncovered 25 different ways in which people can make a difference in the place where they live or work. During the campaign we uncovered dozens of incredible stories from across the UK, of people who had taken their passion, their skills, and their concern for a specific local issue, and who had joined with others to do something about it.  

In speaking to these changemakers on the Carbon Copy Podcast and as part of the campaign, we started to identify some fundamental similarities. We hypothesised that if we could define these shared attributes of success and provide an action guide, then others could also accomplish everything they had achieved. 

What has been fascinating in both our coverage of 25 Big Local Actions, and in conducting this research, is the enormous diversity of people and organisations involved in local climate and nature initiatives. In fact, one of the headline conclusions of the study has been that “success is possible everywhere”. Regardless of geography, organisation type or size or project focus; local action is bringing irrefutable positive change across the whole of the UK. 

Needs must… 

Returning to the Earth Day pillar then, our findings clearly indicate that shared interests and shared values are fundamental to successful local projects. A clear understanding of local needs – a sense of belonging – and a willingness to partner and collaborate across a wide range of stakeholders and organisations is also crucial.  

In several cases the projects we included in the research did not primarily identify as “climate projects.” They were addressing needs around health and wellbeing, air quality, access to food or transport, warmer homes, better educational opportunities. Whatever those behind the project had established would make the biggest difference locally.  

Every high-impact climate project has multiple interconnected outcomes. Each is creating an impressive Changeprint. In most cases these projects are reducing carbon emissions; but to focus on that, and that alone, is to do a disservice to their remarkable and far-reaching impact. 

To learn more about embracing a broader definition of local climate success, download From Footprint to Changeprint now. 

FAQs

What is a Changeprint in the context of Earth Day 2026?
A Changeprint in the context of Earth Day 2026 refers to the wider impact created by local climate and nature action, beyond carbon reduction alone. It captures the broader benefits that projects bring to communities, including improvements in health, wellbeing, local economies and social connection. This concept helps shift the focus towards real, visible outcomes that people experience in their everyday lives.

How does local climate action create wider community benefits?
Local climate action creates wider community benefits by addressing practical, everyday challenges alongside environmental goals. Many projects focus on issues such as access to food, cleaner air, better transport or warmer homes, which directly improve quality of life. As a result, these initiatives deliver multiple positive outcomes at once, making climate action more relevant, inclusive and impactful for local communities.

Why is Earth Day 2026 focusing on more than carbon emissions?
Earth Day 2026 is focusing on more than carbon emissions to reflect the growing need for climate action to connect with people’s immediate concerns and priorities. In a context shaped by economic pressures and social challenges, focusing only on carbon can feel distant or abstract. Highlighting wider benefits such as fairness, health and prosperity helps make climate action more meaningful and motivating.

What does the theme “Our Power, Our Planet” represent?
The theme “Our Power, Our Planet” represents the collective ability of communities to create positive change. It emphasises shared interests and interconnected outcomes, showing that when people work together, they can achieve results that benefit both the environment and society. This approach reinforces the idea that local action plays a vital role in shaping a better future.

What makes local climate projects successful across different communities?
Local climate projects are successful across different communities when they respond to local needs and bring people together around shared goals. The research highlights that success is possible in any location, regardless of size or resources, when projects focus on collaboration, relevance and community engagement. By building on local strengths and priorities, these initiatives are able to create meaningful and lasting impact.

How do some local projects achieve such remarkable success?

Carbon Copy wanted to look beyond funding and understand the role of collaboration and other factors that help communities, organisations and local councils achieve real impact together and create a bigger Changeprint. So we asked a research team at global sustainability consultancy Eunomia¹, led by Daniel Stunell, to dig deep and find out.

We have the answer! The research findings are shared a new report, From Footprint to Changeprint: High-Impact Local Climate  Action Guide, and are also discussed in a special episode of the Carbon Copy Podcast.

The most exciting finding? Success appears possible everywhere and the success factors identified in the action guide can be copied.

Carbon Copy asked Daniel to reflect on some of the wider implications of this far-reaching piece of research.

CC: Why is climate action about more than carbon reduction?

DS: Carbon reduction is of course essential. It’s one big motivator for people to get involved in local action in the first place. But carbon reduction is the end result, and how we get there matters too. There’s scope for significant local – and larger scale – environmental benefits beyond carbon, and the nature restoration projects we looked at in the research were particularly inspiring. And the way of working creates benefits for volunteers, participants, and the wider community.

Actually doing things, and doing things together, is good for all of us, mentally, physically, and socially. And when we build stronger relationships and thriving communities, our capacity to act effectively on climate will grow too. It’s a win-win.  

CC: Why is place so important in taking effective local action?

DS: Our communities are unique – the people, the places, and the relationships between them. They also matter deeply to us, whether we realise it or not. The people that live and work in an area know it best – what will work and what won’t. It’s also possible to see progress, which is highly motivating, and it may be possible to engage people that are not focused on climate in the effort, because they too can see all the rewards.

One of the case studies we looked at, Haugheys Bog, knew the community needed to understand what they were doing and run educational activities to explain the importance of peatlands and how best to restore them. They target a wide audience, including schools and companies. This helps turn scientific knowledge into local, practical action – it’s a great example of linking the local to the global. Peatland generally is hugely important as a global carbon store – and Haughey’s Bog is hugely important to the community for a whole host of other reasons too.

CC: How is collective action greater than the sum of indivduals’ action?

DS: There’s things we can do as individuals. But if you persuade a friend to do the same, you’ve doubled your impact. You’re probably also both more likely to stick with it. Scale that up to community level, and the benefits keep multiplying. But crucially there are some things that we just can’t do alone. Ideas like share and repair or tool libraries work precisely because we’re coming together to share knowledge and tools – and I’d say this is a feature of a lot of the projects we looked at.

I truly believe we’re sociable by nature. Acting alone is often harder and more tiring, especially if something is challenging. Doing it together can be fun, inspiring, and, frankly, hopeful. That’s how effort is sustained, new ideas emerge, and a Changeprint grows. 

CC: Can the success factors you have identified be copied?

DS: Yes! We talked a lot as a research team about how to frame and describe the ideas that emerged from the research. We’ve talked a lot above about the importance of unique local contexts and knowledge – and that’s true. But we think that relates to deciding how to realise these success factors in situ, rather than whether they will be beneficial.

As an example, the success factor of ‘Wide Community Engagement’ is always fascinating to me. It’s essential – people make projects, multiple organisations bring more resources and knowledge, and buy-in from the wider community matters, even where people aren’t participating so actively. But how you build that engagement is often highly dependent on existing local networks, relationships, and understanding of how to speak to people in ways that really connect. There’s no shortage of different ways to how projects do this, and find their fellow changemakers.But it’s essential that it happens.

CC: Success is possible everywhere. Why did that not surprise you?

DS: The core ingredients to successful local climate action are the people, the place and the solutions, and these exist in every community. Every community has assets to build on, local knowledge, community networks, businesses, public institutions and natural resources.We deliberately selected case studies for this project that were ‘normal’ – these projects are exceptional and unique because the people and communities have made them that way, not because of special starting conditions. 

Carbon Copy’s Big Local Actions for example can be adopted everywhere – the solutions will be tailored, and the actions seen as most valuable might vary by community. But the underlying ideas remain. Every community has scope to organise, collaborate, take ownership and make a change. And the more you do, the easier it gets (or perhaps the more ambitious you get!). More people means more ideas and energy, and communities adapt ideas and learn from each other too – we very much hope this project contributes to that.

CC: How can this report help people make a bigger impact?

DS: We’ve deliberately written it as an action guide rather than a technical research report. Using the success factors as a checklist when thinking about building local projects will be helpful to many.

I also want to acknowledge that local groups have a lot of wisdom – many will be instinctively doing many of the things in this guide. But thinking about them explicitly may help local groups explain to potential partners how a project will work, and perhaps make it more likely projects can get the buy-in and support needed.

Fundamentally, this guide should help people identify how to take more effective action – and there is demand for that. For example, the National Emergency Briefing on the severity and imminence of climate change in the UK has been turned into a short film, for community showings around the country throughout 2026. That will obviously cause many people to ask, ‘what can we do?’. There’s resources out there that can answer that, such as Carbon Copy’s Big Local Actions.

From Footprint To Changeprint primarily addresses the next obvious question: ‘how do we do it?’. When faced with the climate crisis, the best response is taking action, together. And this is very much a guide to help make that action count. 

CC: Anything else you would like to add?

DS: The climate crisis is big and daunting. If we want change, we will find making change together is a real multiplier both in terms of what we can do, and in terms of the benefits that brings. We will reduce carbon, yes, but we will also encourage greener, healthier, happier, more connected, and thriving communities – which in turn will make us stronger when it comes to taking more action.

So, my final comment is a big thank you to changemakers up and down the country that are already building a better future – and especially those that shared their insights with us for this study. There’s enormous knowledge and expertise out there in our communities, and I hope this report helps share and mobilise even more of it. Speaking – and listening to – the changemakers we interviewed talk about how they did it and what worked for them was a really rewarding element of the research. 

¹Eunomia are an independent, B-Corp Certified research consultancy, who work extensively on Circular Economy, Natural Economy and Carbon Reduction with government, businesses and NGOs. Eunomia work locally and nationally, across all four UK nations, and overseas.

Abundance – not a word on everyone’s lips at the moment, is it? And yet here at UK charity Carbon Copy, we’re very excited about it. Because our latest research reveals it is one of three defining characteristics which give the most successful local collective climate and environment projects their power.

As you’re probably still scratching your head a bit, let’s unpack the idea. It comes out of an important new research report, ‘From Footprint to Changeprint‘, conducted by Eunomia for Carbon Copy.

In contrast to the negative focus on your carbon footprint, Changeprint captures all the positive benefits of collective action beyond carbon reduction – economic, health, social, educational and cultural – that also contribute towards greater fairness and a better place to live.

This report lays out the many ways that energetic, committed and effective collective action in local communities, even without additional funding, has been very successful in tackling the climate and nature crises, despite faltering progress at a national level.

After a deep qualitative and quantitative review over five months, Eunomia identified three core characteristics of high-impact local climate action projects across the UK: a mindset of Abundance, a strong sense of Belonging and a Purposeful approach.

The power of each characteristic becomes clear when we group their four related success factors that were also identified in this research study.

The notion of Abundance is about projects that may be cash-constrained relying instead on four other success factors: Creativity, Cross-Sector Collaboration, Participatory Leadership and Resourcefulness. (I have explored the equally powerful Belonging and Purpose characteristics in separate blogs – just click on the links.)

Clearly, having sufficient financial resources is a key enabler. But the secret of Abundance is not about financial resources. It is the mindset which has enabled all these projects to find ways around having only limited, or in some cases no funds at all!

As it says in the research report: “The mindset of Abundance is empowering because it shifts the focus away from constraints and scarcity to the almost limitless power of collective human energy.”

Or as Kate Collier, Bike Bus Project Lead at Bike Worcester puts it:

“I really love the concept of Abundance – it means so much for us as a small organisation that doesn’t have streams of money. We’re so rich in creativity, in people with ideas and love for the project. Also in people who are willing to help lead and to shape the development of other people involved in the project. It’s been really crucial that our Bike Bus Leaders have supported other people to step up, to be the next generation of Bike Bus Leaders, and to believe that they can do it in their community. That’s what Abundance means for us: being able to take that seed, that idea – the energy, buzz and creativity – and help empower others to bring all that into their area of Worcester.”

The research reveals that success is possible everywhere and the report has been put together as an action guide to help organisations of all types succeed in creating a bigger Changeprint. If you think these insights could support you in strengthening your existing project, or in creating a new successful collaboration in your area, do please download the report here.

FAQs

What does ‘abundance’ mean in local climate action?
Abundance in local climate action refers to a mindset that shifts the focus away from financial constraints and towards the strengths already present within a community. In the context of this research, abundance in local climate action is about recognising the value of creativity, collaboration, leadership and shared energy. Projects that embrace this mindset are able to move forward and create meaningful impact, even when funding is limited or unavailable. By focusing on what is possible rather than what is missing, communities can unlock new ideas, empower individuals to take ownership and build momentum that sustains long term environmental and social change.

How does the Changeprint concept differ from a carbon footprint?
The Changeprint concept differs from a carbon footprint by capturing the full range of positive outcomes created through climate action, rather than focusing solely on emissions reduction. While a carbon footprint measures environmental impact in terms of carbon output, Changeprint includes wider benefits such as improved public health, stronger local economies, increased social connection, educational opportunities and cultural value. This broader perspective helps organisations and communities understand the true impact of their work, making it easier to communicate success, build support and inspire further collective action.

What are the key characteristics of successful local climate projects?
The key characteristics of successful local climate projects, as identified in the research, are abundance, belonging and purpose. Each of these characteristics plays a distinct role in driving impact. Abundance encourages resourcefulness and creativity, belonging strengthens community engagement and shared ownership, and purpose provides clear direction and motivation. Together, these characteristics create a strong foundation for projects to grow and succeed. They also support the development of key success factors such as empowered leadership, wide collaboration and the ability to adapt and evolve over time.

Can climate projects succeed without significant funding?
Climate projects can succeed without significant funding when they are built on an abundance mindset and supported by strong community engagement. The research highlights that many high impact initiatives operate with limited or no financial resources, instead relying on resourcefulness, creativity and collaboration to achieve their goals. Empowered leaders play a crucial role in mobilising people, while shared purpose helps maintain momentum. By making the most of available skills, time and local networks, these projects demonstrate that meaningful progress can be achieved without large budgets.

How can organisations apply the findings from the Changeprint research?
Organisations can apply the findings from the Changeprint research by actively embedding the principles of abundance, belonging and purpose into their projects and strategies. This means prioritising collaboration, encouraging community participation and recognising the value of non financial resources such as skills, knowledge and local connections. The research can be used as a practical guide to help organisations strengthen existing initiatives or design new ones with greater impact. By focusing on collective action and broader benefits beyond carbon reduction, organisations can create more resilient, inclusive and effective climate projects that deliver lasting change.

It’s surprising when you think about it. Unlike ‘patriotism’, for feelings of loyalty and attachment towards our nation as a whole, there isn’t a similar word in the English language which describes loving, supporting and belonging to the place where we live.

Surprising, because the powerful emotional connection of belonging is vital to our own personal happiness and wellbeing. And, as our new research confirms, it also helps to drive the effectiveness of whatever we do when we work together in our community.

We at UK charity Carbon Copy asked Eunomia to undertake a deep review, qualitative and quantitative, of successful local climate and environment projects across the UK.

Based on that research, we came up with a new, positive and forward-looking description of the impact of these collective local projects. We call it their Changeprint.

In contrast to the negative and reductive focus of ‘carbon footprint’, Changeprint describes all the positive benefits of collective local action beyond carbon reduction – economic, health, social, educational and cultural – that also contribute towards greater fairness and a better place to live.

This new groundbreaking report, ‘From Footprint to Changeprint’, reveals three core characteristics of successful local projects – a mindset of Abundance, a strong sense of Belonging and a Purposeful approach. The power of each of these characteristics derives in turn from four success factors, also identified in the research.

In other blogs, I explored the mindset of Abundance and taking a Purposeful approach; today we’ll focus on that all-important sense of Belonging.

Why is it vital to success? Belonging is more than just being part of a group – it’s fundamentally tied to our social identity, our shared beliefs and ideals. As Dr Tracy Brower explains in Forbes magazine, this need for a sense of belonging, of unity and sharing among members of our group, is a fundamental part of being human. It’s hardwired into our brains – literally, as it turns out!

“A recent MIT study found we crave human interaction in the same region of our brains where we crave food,” she writes, “while another study showed we experience social exclusion in the same region of our brain where we experience physical pain.” That certainly helps to explain the power of collective climate and environment projects which satisfy that need in us.

Our research identifies four essential dimensions that nurture this sense of Belonging. The first is wide community engagement with diverse community groups. This leads to high levels of participation and awareness, and ensures projects reflect community needs while building trust and shared ownership. Over time, this engagement nurtures the social infrastructure that enables projects to grow, have greater impact and become self-sustaining.

Commitment to shared values is the second vital factor: a common understanding and acknowledgement among participants that action on the climate and environment is critical, urgent and has tangible, wider community benefits. By helping communities to feel informed about the issues at stake, see the action taken and experience the benefits, working together unites and inspires people around a shared purpose.

The third, inclusivity, is all about projects reflecting the needs, experiences, and viewpoints of the communities being served, with particular attention to vulnerable groups. Active representation of all community voices ensures outcomes are as beneficial as possible for the entire community.

The fourth success factor, placemaking, describes the shared sense of belonging and pride in ‘our place’, where communities create physical spaces to come together, get involved, and provide a focal point for project activity. They act as catalysts for different stakeholders to act as one community, with cross-cultural interaction and long-term involvement. These places might be community hubs, council buildings, repair cafés, libraries, tipis, visitor centres, or repurposed buildings such as pubs and community rooms. As well as being practical activity venues, they are also symbolic anchors that help build identity, belonging, and shared purpose.

As the research team summarises in the report, “Placemaking is about having somewhere safe, welcoming, and meaningful, a place where people feel ownership, connection, and pride.”

‘From Footprint to Changeprint’ is inspiring because it really brings out how success is possible everywhere. The report has been put together as an action guide to help organisations of all kinds succeed in creating a bigger Changeprint. If you think these insights could support you in strengthening your existing project, or creating a new successful collaboration in your area, do please download the report here.

FAQs

What does ‘belonging’ mean in local climate action?
Belonging in local climate action refers to the deep sense of connection people feel to their community and to each other when working towards shared environmental goals. In this research, belonging in local climate action is not simply about participation, it is about shared identity, trust and collective ownership. When individuals feel they belong, they are more likely to engage, contribute ideas and remain committed over time. This emotional connection strengthens collaboration and creates the conditions for projects to grow, adapt and deliver meaningful outcomes for the wider community.

Why is a sense of belonging important for successful community projects?
A sense of belonging is important for successful community projects because it directly influences motivation, participation and long term commitment. The research highlights that belonging is closely linked to human psychology, with studies showing that social connection is as essential as basic needs. When people feel included and valued, they are more willing to take part, share responsibility and support others. This leads to stronger relationships, higher levels of trust and more resilient projects that can sustain momentum and deliver lasting impact.

What are the key factors that create a sense of belonging in climate projects?
The key factors that create a sense of belonging in climate projects are wide community engagement, shared values, inclusivity and placemaking. Wide community engagement ensures that diverse groups are involved and represented, helping to build awareness and trust. Shared values bring people together around a common understanding of the importance of climate action and its wider benefits. Inclusivity ensures that all voices, especially those from underrepresented groups, are heard and reflected in decision making. Placemaking provides physical spaces where people can connect, collaborate and feel a sense of pride in their community, reinforcing long term involvement.

How does belonging influence the impact of local climate action?
Belonging influences the impact of local climate action by strengthening participation and encouraging collective responsibility. When people feel connected to a project and to each other, they are more likely to contribute their time, skills and ideas. This leads to more innovative solutions, better alignment with community needs and greater overall effectiveness. Belonging also helps projects become self sustaining, as engaged communities continue to support and develop initiatives over time without relying solely on external input or funding.

What is the role of placemaking in building community belonging?
The role of placemaking in building community belonging is to create shared physical spaces that bring people together and foster a sense of identity and pride. In the context of local climate projects, placemaking involves developing accessible and welcoming environments such as community hubs, libraries, repair cafés or repurposed buildings where people can meet, collaborate and take part in activities. These spaces act as focal points for engagement and help strengthen relationships across different groups. By providing a tangible place for connection, placemaking supports long term involvement and reinforces the collective purpose behind climate action.

“Purpose is the reason you journey. Passion is the fire that lights the way.” – Anon

A brief recap on my last two blogs: we at UK charity Carbon Copy recently asked global sustainability consultancy Eunomia to undertake a deep review, using qualitative and quantitative research, of impactful local climate and environment projects across the UK. It has identified the success factors driving impact, uncovering new insights from these real-world examples.

Based on that research and the projects that participated, we’ve further developed what we call a Changeprint. It’s a new, positive and forward-looking description, in contrast to the negative and reductive framing of ‘carbon footprint’. Changeprint describes all the positive benefits of collective local action beyond just carbon reduction – economic, health, social, educational and cultural – which together help to create greater fairness and a better place to live.

This new groundbreaking report, ‘From Footprint to Changeprint’, reveals three core characteristics of the most impactful local projects. They are a mindset of Abundance, a strong sense of Belonging and a Purposeful approach. The power of each of these characteristics derives in turn from four success factors, also identified by the research.

I’ve already written about two of these core characteristics, Abundance and Belonging. Today I shall dive into the third one, a Purposeful approach.

At the core of Purpose is the passion to make change happen, and being purposeful in organising people, resources and communication. It widens to encompass learning from mistakes and a willingness to be flexible, in order to achieve an intended goal. This is liberating because it reduces the fear of failure. Unexpected outcomes become ways to learn from experience and adapt.

A purposeful approach cannot be possessive. We’re all familiar with “Not Invented Here” (NIH) syndrome, which stops people adopting ideas from elsewhere, no matter how useful or successful. Sorry, but we simply haven’t got time for NIH, given the urgency of the climate and nature crises! Let’s just copy and adapt for our unique community the best of what works. Because (as we at Carbon Copy like to point out) copying is human nature.

Our research identifies four essential success factors underpinning the remarkable power of a Purposeful approach. Let’s get into the nuts and bolts, because it’s all about the practical details that make a big difference to project success:

Effective Organisation is frequently cited by project leaders as perhaps the most important success factor of all twelve identified in the research. Strong leadership, maintaining strategic direction with clear objectives, timelines and monitoring, means the project stays focused, aligned to its mission and participants’ values, generating real impact.

The second essential factor is Purposeful Communication – not just informational but relational as well, underpinning trust and encouraging participation. Two-way communication between and among teams is vital, helping to motivate, maintain and align everyone’s efforts. Equally important are the myriad ways of communicating with anyone and everyone in the wider community. Again, good ideas can be borrowed, but each project’s communication approach will employ a unique optimum mix of face-to-face, social media, newsletters, consultations and surveys, townhall meetings and so on.

The projects participating in our research described the third factor essential to their success as ‘Learning by Doing’. They emphasised continuous learning, experimentation and community-driven improvement. In the face of inevitable setbacks, successful projects switch tack, coming up with new and creative approaches. And they needn’t be restricted to their own imagination. Resources such as Carbon Copy’s public database of successful projects are a treasure trove of ideas and potential contacts in other places. Active learning leads to constant improvement in areas as diverse as finance, leadership, strategy development and engagement.

The fourth success factor, Pragmatism, is about being grounded. Successful projects prioritise steady, manageable progress over rapidity, understanding that meaningful impact is built over time through sustained engagement and long-term relationship building. Pragmatic leadership keeps projects rooted in their mission, moving with patience, adaptability, and practicality. It means staying focused, avoiding distraction, and making decisions that align with community needs and available capacity. This often means balancing passion and enjoyment with the ability to make difficult choices, such as setting boundaries, narrowing scope and keeping within limited resources.

One participating organisation that has focused on its purpose with a passion is Share Portsmouth, whose main projects include a repair café, a Library of Things, and DIY Skill Shares. Clare Seek, the charity’s CEO and founder, is clear-eyed about being goal-oriented and being organised: “What’s been important is that we kept reviewing the way we are organised through different stages and that people understood what our goal was at every stage. The two are really important together.”

‘From Footprint to Changeprint’ is inspiring because it really brings out how success is possible everywhere. The report has been put together as an action guide to help organisations of all kinds succeed in creating a bigger, more impactful Changeprint. If you think these insights could support you in strengthening your existing project, or creating a new successful collaboration in your area, do please download the report here.

FAQs

What does a purposeful approach mean in local climate action?
A purposeful approach in local climate action refers to having a clear goal and organising people, resources and communication around achieving it. In the local climate action report, purpose is described as the driving force behind meaningful impact, combining passion with practical action. It involves staying focused on outcomes, being willing to adapt when needed and using both successes and setbacks as opportunities to learn. This clarity of direction helps projects remain aligned, motivated and effective over time.

Why is purpose important for successful climate projects?
Purpose is important for successful climate projects because it provides direction, structure and momentum. The local climate action report shows that projects with a strong sense of purpose are better able to organise teams, maintain focus and achieve long term impact. Purpose also reduces fear of failure by encouraging learning and flexibility, which allows projects to evolve and improve. When everyone understands the goal, it becomes easier to align efforts and sustain engagement across the community.

What are the key success factors behind a purposeful approach?
The key success factors behind a purposeful approach in the local climate action report are effective organisation, purposeful communication, learning by doing and pragmatism. Effective organisation ensures clear leadership, goals and timelines. Purposeful communication builds trust and keeps people engaged. Learning by doing encourages experimentation and continuous improvement. Pragmatism helps projects stay grounded, focusing on steady progress and realistic outcomes rather than quick wins.

How does purposeful communication support local climate action?
Purposeful communication supports local climate action by building trust, encouraging participation and keeping everyone aligned with the project’s goals. The local climate action report highlights that communication should be both informative and relational, with strong two way engagement between teams and the wider community. This can include a mix of approaches such as face to face interaction, social media, newsletters and community events. Effective communication helps maintain momentum and ensures that everyone understands their role in achieving the shared purpose.

What does ‘learning by doing’ mean in the local climate action report?
Learning by doing in the local climate action report refers to the process of continuous improvement through experience, experimentation and adaptation. Projects are encouraged to test ideas, learn from setbacks and refine their approach over time. This mindset allows teams to respond to challenges creatively and draw inspiration from other successful initiatives. By actively learning and evolving, projects can strengthen their impact and develop more effective ways of working within their communities.

The latest episode of the climate podcast Outrage + Optimism, with Lorraine Whitmarsh as special guest, shows just how simple and how complicated it is for people to change their behaviour.

The conversation starts with the story of the carbon footprint, a concept created for BP to shift the target of behaviour change from themselves onto individuals. Looking back to its origin in the early 2000s, the ‘personal carbon footprint’ is the greatest trick the devil ever pulled.

Clearly, it’s not only about individual choices but also about bigger systemic changes. But if systemic change requires public consent and public consent requires systemic change, how do we break the climate Catch 22?

It’s difficult to reconcile two extreme scales of action and the dichotomy between individual agency and systemic change. We need both and collective, place-based action is the bridge where they meet and we can escape the trap.

At an individual level, it’s helpful to recognise that we play multiple roles, as consumers, citizens, professionals, community members and more. Too often our role is relegated to consumers but we can also do lots of positive things to improve the world around us in our other roles.

A citizen is literally a person who belongs to a particular place. A role that you and everyone around you can play and one that shapes collective behaviour locally.

Reflecting on this podcast discussion, the big step is not so much to impose policy and regulate change as it is to encourage more people to make changes together where they live. And for that, we need a new narrative.

Most of the things we can do to address climate change have tangible benefits that improve our quality of life, from better health outcomes to cost savings to being more in touch with nature. These are known as ‘co-benefits’ in eco jargon. They are better looked at simply as the main reason(s) why someone will do something different.

As Wayne Dyer said, if you change the way you look at things, the things you look at will change. At Carbon Copy, we’re changing the way we look at the benefits of climate action by talking about a Changeprint instead of a carbon footprint.

If that’s helpful for you too, repeat it. If people repeat it, behaviours shift. If behaviours shift, systems change.

It’s time for a change.

Things these days are feeling precarious with an unrelenting news cycle of trade wars, culture wars, real wars. No less urgent, a climate and nature crisis that’s not going away. And yet, the doom and gloom of national headlines are drowning out a multitude of positive changes closer to home.

If you’re not yet involved in some of this positivity, it’s easy to feel that you don’t have a say or can’t make a difference. The good news is that you already have the power to change the world around you. You just have to use it.

What’s in a name?

A Changeprint is the collective impact created when people join forces to make something happen. It’s visible proof that collaboration works.

It isn’t the project itself – it’s the sum of all the good it generates such as stronger community ties, healthier environments, shared learning and visible local progress.

Where a carbon footprint measures what we take away, a Changeprint shows what we build together. In simple terms, you shrink a carbon footprint and you grow a Changeprint.

Each Changeprint starts locally, then grows as others copy what works and make it their own – creating ripples that move us closer to a social tipping point.

Names have the power to change the world around us. In talking about a Changeprint, we gather up into one word all the positive benefits of taking collective action. We have a name that makes things easy to communicate and copy.

What does a Changeprint look like?

Warmer homes, more vibrant communities, cleaner air, better health and wellbeing, access to fresh food, thriving wildlife… just some of the varied benefits that could be part of a Changeprint.

Carbon Copy has been gathering stories of people taking collective action for climate and nature for over five years now, and there are literally hundreds published on our website.

Each one of these stories has a Changeprint, and now you can explore this collection to learn more about what a Changeprint looks like.

You’ll see some of the far-reaching benefits of collective climate action and discover other motivations beyond reducing carbon footprints or hitting net zero targets. It’s amazing what more can happen when we work together.

Changeprints in action.

These collaborative, dynamic and lasting ways of working together create a Changeprint. Here are four examples from our national collection to give you a glimpse of this new, positive way of talking about impact:

Share and Repair  A small charity based in the southwest of England, Share and Repair is helping reduce waste and keep items in use for longer through its workshops and borrowing initiatives.

Share and Repair’s Changeprint can be measured by the items fixed instead of thrown away, in their repair cafes; by the items loaned and money saved from not buying new, in their Library of Things; by the people who gain new maintenance skills, in their ‘how to’ workshops; by the electricals re-housed instead of rejected as e-waste, in their HomeKIT initiative.

Maes Gwenfrewi Biodiverse Town Centre Park  A former bowling green in the town of Aberystwyth, West Wales, has been repurposed with help from a Challenge for Nature grant into a new wildlife haven and community green space.

Their Changeprint can be measured by the increase in local biodiversity; the number of thriving new trees; the amount of local food grown and enjoyed; and by how the space brings the local community together in different ways.

Safe, Warm and Well  Northern Ireland has the highest incidence of fuel poverty in the UK, so this initiative, run by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, is helping address a significant need for people locally. The service provides advice, support with implementing energy efficiency measures and other health and wellbeing services.

The Changeprint of this service can be measured in terms of community health and wellbeing, improving residents’ ability to stay Safe, Warm and Well. Safe, by addressing home safety issues, poor energy efficiency, high energy costs. Warm, by supporting households through the Affordable Warmth grant scheme. Well, by addressing fuel poverty, making homes more comfortable, reducing carbon emissions and providing ongoing referrals for additional support.

Glasgow Food Policy Partnership  A group of public, private and voluntary sector organisations who have come together with one specific objective: to create a fairer, healthier, more sustainable and resilient food system that makes Glasgow an even better city to live in.

This partnership’s Changeprint can be measured in so many different and far-reaching ways. More equal access to healthy food in all areas of the city. Lower rates of food insecurity. More food procured locally. Higher proportion of food consumed in Glasgow from local producers. More land available for food growing. The development of local and short food supply chains. New employment and training opportunities. Reduced food waste. And last but not least, better health of people in Glasgow longer term.

We hope that any one of the stories shared on Carbon Copy will inspire you to grow your own Changeprint by joining in, taking part or copying the change you wish to see.

1. Included does not equal inclusive. 

Inclusivity is about far more than box-ticking. Ensuring that different groups are included in outreach is a good step in the right direction, but this is one-way communication and doesn’t always factor in community perspectives. As Emma River-Roberts explained in the Be More Inclusive episode of the Carbon Copy Podcast;  

“It’s centred around building that long-term relatability saying, ‘We’d love to have you in our spaces, but we also want to be in your spaces.’” 

Listen to the full episode for more of Emma’s tips. 

2. Everyone has their place.

As well as protected characteristics such as race, sexuality and disability; geographic inclusion is incredibly important. Those involved with climate and nature action should be from every background and every part of the UK (and the world!) Often, the way the climate and nature crises affect those living in urban environments is very different to those living in more rural or coastal areas. The impacts can be different in the different nations or depending on how far north or south you live. 

This blog from Chris Coonick highlights the work of Wadebridge Renewable Energy Network (WREN) is supporting people living in rural Cornwall to move towards a more sustainable future, whilst avoiding fuel poverty and other hardships. 

3. One size fits no-one.

Being more inclusive means adapting your approach to suit individual needs. Organisations working with vulnerable groups, in particular, can have a much bigger impact when they take a person-centred approach. Everyone has different priorities and needs, and will get involved with taking action for different reasons; which may or may not relate to wanting to protect the environment and reduce the impacts of climate change. 

New-U is a clothing swap-shop based in Norwich. As well as helping to reduce waste by offering a points-based incentive for donating clothes for resale, the initiative supports young people who are out of work with training opportunities and work placements; tailoring each programme to the needs of the individual. Although those participating in these schemes may not have initially had environmental reasons to get involved, these young people are being introduced to new ideas around waste and sustainability, alongside broader skills development. 

4. Many viewpoints make light work.

At Carbon Copy we are all about collective action. What we mean by collective, is action that is taken together. Collective action creates change by bringing skills, experiences and perspectives from all of those involved, and so to make the biggest positive impact, it’s important to include as many different viewpoints as possible. 

A fantastic example of this kind of radical collaboration was in the People’s Assembly for Nature. This citizen’s assembly, which was created using a process of sortition to ensure it was representative of the UK population, was facilitated by RSPB, National Trust and WWF UK and led to the production of the People’s Plan for Nature. 

Listen to our podcast episode Bigger Than All Of Us, which tells the story of this amazing process and what has happened since the plan was published. 

5. Diversify action.

Over the past year Carbon Copy has been showcasing 25 Big Local Actions that you can take, with others, to make a difference for climate and nature in the place you call home. The purpose of this campaign isn’t to overwhelm or to burden. We are not suggesting that anyone should, or could, take all 25 of these actions. In fact, the purpose is to help you to find an action that is right for you and your community.  

As much as we need diversity in the people who are taking action, we also need diversity in the action that is being taken. We need people to focus on the steps that will have the biggest impact and bring the most positive change. So, if you haven’t already, now is the perfect time to take a look at our online tool, to think about what you care about most, what you are good at, and what is needed in your community.  

How will you make your mark? 

Be More Inclusive is the final focus in Carbon Copy’s 25 Big Local Actions in 2025 campaign. For more information about this and to discover a local action that’s right for you, visit our campaign landing page.  

A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere as a result of the actions and choices of an individual, organisation, event or product. These gases, mainly carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide, are measured in carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) to allow for comparison and tracking.

Carbon footprints can come from direct sources, like driving a petrol car, or indirect ones, such as the emissions from producing the food we eat or the clothes we wear. Everything from heating our homes to how we travel and what we buy contributes to our overall footprint.

Where the Term “Carbon Footprint” Came From

British Petroleum employed PR agency Ogilvy & Mather in the early 2000s to spread the idea that climate change is not the responsibility of an oil business, but of individuals. By creating the concept of a carbon footprint, their aim was to focus on the impact of people’s choices and not on corporations..

In 2004, BP unveiled the first carbon footprint calculator on their website so individuals could measure their own greenhouse gas emissions. The carbon footprint model drew on earlier work in lifecycle analysis and environmental accounting, which tried to capture the total impact of a product or action by considering every stage from production to disposal.

Limitations of Carbon Footprint

Although widely used, the idea of a carbon footprint has been criticised for several reasons:

• It emphasises individual responsibility at the expense of structural change. By focusing on personal choices, it can deflect attention from the role of governments, industries and global supply chains in driving emissions.
• It can oversimplify complex systems. For example, it may suggest that certain foods or products are always high or low carbon without considering how they were produced, transported or used.
• It is difficult to measure accurately. Carbon footprint calculators often rely on generalised data and estimates, which can vary widely depending on methodology.
• It reinforces guilt based framing rather than highlighting opportunities for collaboration, innovation or systemic change.

Individual and Collective Impact

The carbon footprint model helped raise awareness of emissions, especially among consumers. It introduced the idea that everyday activities have climate impacts and encouraged behaviour change in areas like energy use and travel.

However, critics argue that it has limited use as a long term framework for climate action. Many of the biggest sources of emissions, such as industrial processes, infrastructure and global trade, lie beyond the reach of individual decisions.

Understanding carbon footprints can still help identify patterns and priorities, but addressing climate change requires a wider focus. This includes collective actions, public policies and systemic shifts that go beyond consumer choices.

A Shared Challenge

Climate change is caused by systems, not just individual behaviour. While personal decisions contribute to emissions, they are shaped by broader structures such as housing, transport and energy systems that determine what choices are available.

Reducing emissions effectively depends on changes at multiple levels. This includes community projects, local government leadership, national policy and international cooperation.

Instead of asking only what our carbon footprint is, it is also worth asking how we can change the systems that produce emissions in the first place.

Changeprint

One way to think about system change is to rethink what we are measuring. A Changeprint is the collective impact created when people join forces to make something happen that reduces greenhouse gas emissions. It isn’t the action itself – it’s the sum of all the good it generates, such as stronger community ties, healthier environments, shared learning and visible local progress.

Where a carbon footprint measures what we take away, a Changeprint shows what we build together. In simple terms, you shrink a carbon footprint and you grow a Changeprint.

Each Changeprint starts locally, then grows as others copy what works and make it their own – creating ripples that move us closer to a social tipping point for climate and shared action.

FAQs

What does a carbon footprint actually measure?

A carbon footprint measures the total greenhouse gases released as a result of specific activities. These gases are expressed in carbon dioxide equivalent to capture the combined impact of different emissions. It includes both direct emissions like car travel and indirect emissions from producing goods or services.

Where did the idea of carbon footprints come from?

The term became popular in the early 2000s through public awareness campaigns, initially led by British Petroleum.. It built on earlier environmental analysis methods that aimed to quantify the impact of human activities across their full life cycle.

Why do people question the usefulness of carbon footprints?

While the idea helped raise awareness, it has also been criticised for focusing too much on individual responsibility. This can take attention away from the role of industries, infrastructure and policy in shaping emissions and limiting choices.

Can calculating your footprint help you reduce emissions?

It can help highlight high impact areas like travel, diet or energy use. But the numbers are often based on averages, not specific conditions, and some emissions are hard to control individually. Reducing emissions at scale needs coordinated changes across society.

What should we focus on beyond personal footprints?

Looking beyond individual impact means thinking about shared systems. That includes how energy is generated, how buildings are heated, how transport works and how goods are made and moved. These systems influence everyone and require collective solutions. The wider impact when people join forces is known as a Changeprint.

What is a Changeprint?

A Changeprint is the positive impact created when people join forces in taking climate action. It’s not the action itself, but all the benefits that result. The impact is not limited to carbon emissions and includes wider project benefits such as cleaner air, improved health outcomes and stronger communities. Where a carbon footprint measures what we take away, a Changeprint shows what we can build together.

Sources:

• https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/aug/23/big-oil-coined-carbon-footprints-to-blame-us-for-their-greed-keep-them-on-the-hook
• https://www.clf.org/blog/the-truth-about-carbon-footprints/

About Carbon Copy

Carbon Copy exists to turn individual concern for climate and nature into collective impact by helping people connect locally and create real change together. We believe the fastest way to create change is to share it. We tap into a powerful truth: copying is human nature. When action is visible and easy to replicate, it spreads. It’s about people stepping in, inspired by what others have done and copying what works. Carbon Copy offers a place to start, with a national collection of climate action stories, place-by-place climate and nature plans, a popular podcast and blog, and capacity building for organisations across public, private and third sectors.

1. Grid and bear it.

The energy system in the UK is outdated – set-up at a time when energy flowed in one direction only, from big power plants, through district network operators (DNOs) and into homes. Now, with the dramatic rise of local electricity generation; both at a domestic and community level, the system is having to cope with two-way energy flow. Surely, it would be beneficial for everyone, therefore, to reduce pressure on the National Grid by allowing localised “micro-grids” to operate, distributing electricity in a smaller geography? 

So far, progress towards this solution is very slow. There are a few hyper-local pilot projects around the UK where this is being demonstrated, including the Cornwall Local Energy Market (LEM) which, since 2021 has included generation from the Ventonteague wind turbine. This smart grid helps to manage demand by incentivising people to use more energy when generation is high, and less energy when there is limited capacity in the system. There is huge potential for systems like this to be rolled out in other areas, so that we can all benefit from a more reliable, more affordable and more sustainable energy future! 

2. Batteries will get you everywhere…

Solar power is brilliant, and can lower bills and carbon emissions dramatically for those with access to systems. However, the time when we use the most energy is often not when the sun is shining. To avoid losing out on the electricity generated, and to reduce reliance on energy pulled from the grid, energy storage in the form of batteries is a vital part of any decentralised energy system. In Lancashire, Together Housing Trust has been implementing the large-scale use of solar photovoltaic panels with battery storage technology in retrofitted social housing properties. The project is not only acting as a demonstrator for other social housing developments across the UK, but is helping to engage a diverse group of residents with the benefits of renewable energy. 

3. Everybody needs good neighbours!

Did you know that if you have solar panels or another form of electricity generation on your property, and you don’t use everything you generate, you can choose to share the excess with your neighbours? There are now several peer-to-peer energy suppliers which help those that generate connect with those that want to buy local energy. Read more about this, alongside other useful information and examples of projects using decentralised energy on our Big Local Action page. 

4. Tell the decentralised story.

As Sir David Attenborough famously said, the climate crisis is now a challenge of communication. As we’ve heard from many of the people we have spoken to for the 25 Big Local Actions campaign, getting the story of the action out is sometimes equally, if not more important than the action itself. This is very much the case for Hilary Powell and Dan Edelstyn, the artists behind Power Station. The pair started their project in 2020, with the idea to create a whole street of houses that could generate its own electricity, and to document the process of implementation through a film, which was released into cinemas in autumn this year (2025). Hilary spoke to us on the Carbon Copy Podcast, and told us some of the story behind the project and why creating the film was a crucial part of the journey.

5. Join the club!

Energy Local is a Community Interest Company, which has designed a local market in power via Energy Local Clubs. These clubs enable households to join together to show when they are using local clean power when it is generated. The scheme gives generators a price for the power they produce, that reflects its true value, keeps more money local and reduces household electricity bills. 

Learn more about setting up or joining an Energy Local Club where you are. 

Use Decentralised Energy is the latest focus in Carbon Copy’s 25 Big Local Actions in 2025 campaign. For more information about this and to discover a local action that’s right for you, visit our campaign landing page.  

1. When one door closes, another one opens… 

Hwb y Gors, in Cwmgors, Neath Port Talbot, is a multiuse community, arts and environment centre built in a beautiful Victorian former school. The school was cherished by the community, and there were local protests and campaigns to prevent it being closed, but these were unsuccessful and the school shut its doors in 2015. Now, a decade later, the building has been lovingly and faithfully restored and converted into a fantastic community space, which opened in September 2025. Bought and funded by community energy charity Awel Aman Tawe, the centre is helping local people to connect, learn new skills and participate in a whole range of activities together.  

Learn more about this amazing project in the latest episode of the Carbon Copy Podcast. 

2. There’s space for everyone. 

In shopping centres and high streets across the UK, empty units hold the potential for great impact, in bringing people together, reducing isolation, boosting skills and raising awareness about how to live a more sustainable life. Greener & Cleaner is a South East London based charity which has done just this. Housed in The Glades in Bromley, the organisation is now hoping to help other groups across the country to develop similar hubs in disused retail space, through its Community Hubs Blueprinting Package. 

Discover more about this initiative on our Create a Community Hub page. 

3. No roof? No problem! 

A community hub doesn’t need to be a bricks and mortar building. People create virtual hubs through online communities, some places have pop-up hubs that move from location to location; and in some cases, a hub is an outdoor space, like a park or a garden. In the Cardiff district of Splott, the Railway Gardens is a community-led space hosting events, workshops and regular activities like a gardening club, run by Green Squirrel CIC. 

Learn about the Railway Gardens. 

4. In case of emergency… 

Community hubs aren’t just about everyday support and community cohesion. Extreme weather events leading to flooding, intense heat and even wildfires are already affecting people right here in the UK. In some communities, shared spaces become vital refuges for people who have had to leave their homes in an emergency. They also provide a venue for action groups, who help to put plans in place and to ensure that local people, especially those with additional vulnerabilities, are protected when the worst happens. 

Listen to our Carbon Copy Podcast episodes from earlier this year about flooding and heatwaves, to learn more about initiatives that are helping to build more resilient communities. 

5. All you need is hub? (A hub for all your needs..!) 

Places across the UK are affected by lots of different issues. Economic instability, job losses and poverty, environmental risks like flooding and coastal erosion, a lack of opportunity and provision for young people and families and high incidence of mental health issues; to name but a few. Each neighbourhood, village, town or city will have different things which matter to them, and so any shared community space should seek to fulfil the specific needs of that community. There’s no one-size-fits all approach, but there is lots that can be learned from existing initiatives. At Carbon Copy we’re all about copying – but copying can also mean adapting to suit your place and your people.  

Take a look at some of the community hub stories published on our website, and find an example, or examples that inspire you! 

Create a Community Hub is the latest focus in Carbon Copy’s 25 Big Local Actions in 2025 campaign. For more information about this and to discover a local action that’s right for you, visit our campaign landing page.