Building Greener Communities
Building Greener Communities is an ecobirmingham project – giving people the knowledge and tools they need to take steps to live more sustainably.
Supported by the National Lottery community fund, Building Greener Communities has allowed us to work closely in partnership with anchor organisations: The Springfield Project and Allens Cross Community Association. We have focused our work in the surrounding areas supporting residents, community groups and organisations to create a greener, healthier and happier environment for themselves and their community.
We are working with residents and community organisations to deliver a range of activities and events including:
- Nature education sessions for children and families
- Healthy, affordable cooking classes – with free cooking equipment provided
- Gardening sessions to encourage biodiversity in the community
- Energy saving workshops for those trying to reduce their bills and emissions
- Nature connection through active travel sessions
- Skill-building opportunities equipping people with practical, sustainable skills.
Our services are constantly evolving to cater to the needs of our communities, to introduce sustainable choices as an easy and beneficial addition to their lifestyle. Find an event.
Through the Building Greener Communities project we promote an inclusive approach to environmental action, encouraging and enabling small changes in our daily lives that can have a significant, positive impact on the environment especially when we all work together.
Individuals
For people just getting started or well on their way through their sustainable living journey we are sharing our online sustainability toolkit for Birmingham. This provides people with the knowledge and tools needed to make better choices everyday.
Organisations and Community Groups
We have also been working hard, alongside the anchor organisations to implement Sustainability Action Plans for their sites. Currently in progress; we are making their buildings more efficient, creating an ecofriendly culture amongst their teams, and embedding long-term community support services. Our main goal is to reach as many residents in Allens Cross and Sparkhill as we can, and to have a positive, long-term impact on these communities.
Community directories
To ensure continued action we have been listening to residents, gathering data and working with partners to develop Greener Community Plans. These plans provide a tool for local organisations and residents to get involved. Our vision is to bring together the amazing network of partners to work towards Greener, Healthier and Fairer Allens Cross and Sparkhill.
We have produced local maps signposting the organisations doing amazing work in, and around Allens Cross and Sparkhill helping you to explore your local area and get involved.
If you are a local resident, organisation or community group and would like to get involved or just learn more, we would love to hear from you!
We have now entered the next phase of Building Greener Communities, working to build relationships and grow into two new wards – Balsall Heath East and Sparkbrook, and Hall Green South.
