Greening your asset and beyond

'Greening' your building isn't just about protecting the planet; it’s about making your organisation more resilient, reducing soaring energy bills, and creating healthier spaces for local communities to thrive.

Whether you are managing a historic hall or planning a new community hub, this guide provides a clear, supportive roadmap for your environmental journey. We move beyond the jargon to help you understand the practical changes you can make today to ensure your asset remains a sustainable heart of the community for generations to come.

What you will learn

This handbook breaks down complex environmental challenges into manageable steps. By reading this guide, you will learn how to:

• Climate action context: The urgent need for community‑level action, as buildings are a major contributor to UK carbon emissions.
• Policy and governance: National climate laws and local authority action plans help shape how community assets can plan for and deliver decarbonisation.
• Energy and carbon audits: Conducting audits provides essential baseline data and identifies where efficiencies, savings and carbon reductions can be made.
• Efficiency first approach: Low‑cost behavioural changes and energy‑saving measures should be prioritised before investing in larger technical upgrades.
• Building fabric focus: Understanding materials, insulation needs and embodied carbon helps assets reduce energy loss and improve long‑term sustainability.
• Renewables and heating: Smart controls, modern heating systems and renewable energy sources offer ways to cut emissions once efficiency measures are in place.
• Culture and engagement: Organisational policies, staff training, and community participation help embed sustainable behaviour and maximise co‑benefits such as improved wellbeing and cost savings.

Who is this for?

This resource is designed for the 'informed optimists' leading our community sector:

• Trustees and Board Members: Looking to align their organisation’s mission with climate goals and reduce long-term running costs.
• Building managers and caretakers: Seeking practical, hands-on advice for maintenance and eco-friendly upgrades.
• Community Asset Transfer (CAT) Groups: Planning to take over a building and wanting to build in sustainability from the start.
• Local Climate Action Groups: Looking for a framework to help local organisations reduce their carbon footprint.