Climate engagement and inclusion
Climate solutions for all
With the right climate solutions, we can build a future that’s fairer and greener. And whether they fight fuel poverty or slash school energy bills, inclusive solutions help to grow public support for climate action – by spreading their benefits far and wide. So these initiatives are a vital part of the UK’s net zero journey.
Developing truly inclusive solutions means working closely with diverse communities, understanding people’s lives and the barriers they face. It means collaboration and co-design, to produce solutions tailored to local needs. And it means meeting people where they feel comfortable.
Our work on engagement and inclusion includes the Sharing Spaces programme, creating climate action hubs in community spaces. We also run a network supporting climate action in faith communities, and bring insights and inspiration on citizen engagement to councils and community groups. Recognising the vital role of schools in driving change, we also deliver the Let’s Go Zero campaign – working for every school, college and nursery in the UK to be zero carbon by 2030.
Our programmes
GrassRoutes
GrassRoutes helps diverse faith organisations in Birmingham deliver inclusive climate projects. Through these schemes, faith groups bring immediate benefits to communities – like lower energy bills and better access to nature – while also caring for the world and safeguarding its future. Â
GrassRoutes has created funding and guidance for setting up projects, as well the chance for different faith groups to collaborate and learn from each other. Five projects have already been supported, with more under development. Ashden is delivering GrassRoutes alongside fellow partners BCF Footsteps and the Bahu Trust. Â
Sharing Spaces
A London-wide project, Sharing Spaces, is enabling eight community organisations in London to set up their own centres to provide community learning on climate action and build community connections at underused spaces such as libraries, cinemas, churches and tenants and residents halls. Â
Ashden has joined forces with community organisation Camden Think & Do to replicate their ‘Sharing Space’ venues which help community groups share information and practical tips about living in a low-cost, low-impact way. The community venues will help residents share skills, knowledge and build community relationships and resilience to climate impacts.
Let’s Go Zero
Let’s Go Zero is our national campaign uniting teachers, pupils, parents and their schools as they all work together to be zero carbon by 2030.
That’s a huge challenge – but transforming our schools will help safeguard the planet for future generations.
We’re also working with national government to ensure the right support is in place to help all schools reach this goal.
Energise Grimsby
In Grimsby, we’re exploring new ways for people on low incomes to enjoy the benefits of solar energy. Energise Grimsby is developing a business model that can bring clean, affordable energy to social housing and rented properties, with no up-front cost for residents. Â
We’re working alongside local community group East Marsh United, as well as Create Streets, the University of York and local developer GY900 Ltd. Lessons from this work could create savings for up to 4.6 million low-income households across the UK.Â
Climate Positive Bedfordshire
The UK’s zero carbon journey demands ambitious strategies, tailored to local needs. Ones that create social impact, power local economies, and engage communities.Â
Climate Positive Bedfordshire is designing a vision and strategy that will empower the county to remove more CO2 from the atmosphere than it emits by 2040. Collaboration across sectors and communities will be key – so this work includes mapping the many different organisations with a part to play. It’s been funded by local stakeholder Green Future Investments Limited.Â
Retrofit Futures Project
The Warm Homes Plan is providing £13.2bn to decarbonise homes over the next few years with a strong focus on those struggling to pay bills. This home upgrade work will provide opportunities for good jobs across the country. Our Retrofit Futures project, funded by MCS Foundation, will explore how we can support more people to enter the retrofit supply chain through better procurement practices. By equipping retrofit commissioners with practical tools and guidance to embed and enforce social value, we aim to unlock local jobs and training opportunities, boost economic value in communities, and help diversify the sector. We are jointly delivering this work with EN:Able Communities, UK Green Building Council and the National Retrofit Hub.
Our Networks
The Green Communities Network
Be part of an 80+ UK-wide network of community groups, sharing inspiration & best practice, and working together on climate action.
Register to join the network and attend free online sessions.
Case Studies – proven climate engagement and inclusion solutions
Wild Haweswater
The 2024 Ashden Award for Nature Based Solutions (UK)
As well as cleaner water and flood protection for downstream communities, the Wild Haweswater project has created or supported news ways for local people to earn a living, from sustainable farming to eco-tourism. It’s backed by dozens of enthusiastic local volunteers, and is creating chances for young people through an apprenticeship scheme.
Tools and reports
Climate Action Co-benefits Toolkit
Build the business case for climate action.
The Ashden Climate Action Co-Benefits Toolkit helps local authorities persuade decision makers and partners to invest in a zero carbon future.
It lays out how lowering emissions also creates improved health, social equality, thriving economies and community resilience. These wider benefits engage citizens in climate action – boosting public support for further change.
The toolkit features case studies, region-specific data, and links to a wide range of resources, including reports and videos.
31 Actions Tool for Councils
Pick the right actions for your residents.
Our list of 31 climate actions – all quantified in terms of likely carbon savings, approximate cost and co-benefits – helps councils choose the right interventions for their communities. They also point to examples of best practice around the UK.Â
The actions were co-developed by Ashden, Friends of the Earth and CDP.
Download the spreadsheet
View the flipbook
How to: deliver climate action in partnership with councils
Local authorities are great partners for community groups looking to deliver inclusive climate action.Â
Projects such as getting people cycling, reducing waste or lowering energy bills fit well with council priorities. And many authorities are eager to find organisations that can help them engage with residents.Â
Working with councils isn’t always easy – but they can be a great source of resources, expertise and opportunities. Here’s our advice on partnering with councils, and making the most of your relationship.
How to: engage diverse communities and deliver inclusive climate action
Climate action brings big benefits to communities – such as better health and wellbeing, and the chance to learn new skills and connect with neighbours.Â
It’s vital that these benefits, which include warmer homes and access to nature, reach those facing poverty or social exclusion.Â
Trusted, knowledgeable community organisations are well-placed to deliver inclusive climate projects where they are needed most.Â
How to: win funding for your climate action projects
How can your community group unlock funding for your climate project?Â
Securing support can be hard, particularly for smaller organisations. That’s why we’ve collected learnings from community groups across the UK that increased the success rate of their funding applications.
Read on below to see how you can do the same.
Retrofitting UK homes
Programmes | Case studies | Tools
Low-carbon community energy
Programmes | Case studies | Tools
Nature and adaptation
Programmes | Networks | Case studies | Tools
Climate engagement and inclusion
Programmes | Networks | Case studies | Tools