Getting Started
Research estimates that over 60% of changes needed to reach net zero, will require people to change their habits.
Whether you’re an individual or an organisation, you can become part of East Renfrewshire Climate Action Hub.
Follow us on Facebook and check the Events Calendar to keep up to date with upcoming events and opportunities.
General information about community climate action in Scotland
SCCAN provides support for community-led action in Scotland to address climate and nature emergency. They have a plethora of information and resources on how to start your community climate action journey.
‘Net Zero’ means the amount of greenhouse gas emissions we put into the atmosphere and the amount we’re able to take out will add up to zero.
Find out more about Scotland’s Net Zero by 2045 plan, the work that’s already being done and how to take action.
While governments and corporations have a huge role to play, most emissions come from shopping, eating, travelling and domestic energy use – all done on a daily basis by people just like us. 52 Climate Actions lists easy steps everyone can take to minimize our impact on the planet.
Taking small steps to protect our environment is easy. Here are some resources to help you get started
Home energy
Making your home more energy-efficient reduces waste, lowers bills, and shrinks your carbon footprint. Simple changes like better insulation, efficient appliances, and renewable energy can make a big impact.
Home Energy Scotland is an energy advice service that helps people in Scotland create warmer homes, reduce their energy bills, and lower their carbon footprint. There are a number of schemes running in East Renfrewshire to help you fund your energy improvement projects.
Community Energy
Community energy is when local people come together to produce, own, and benefit from renewable energy projects like solar panels, wind turbines, or shared battery storage. It helps tackle climate change by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and cutting carbon emissions while keeping energy costs fair and profits within the community.
Local Energy Scotland manages CARES – the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme. CARES supports communities across Scotland to engage with, participate in and benefit from the energy transition to net zero emissions.
Other useful organisations and resources:
Food Growing
Growing food locally cuts carbon emissions by reducing transport, packaging, and waste while promoting sustainable farming practices. Getting involved in community growing not only transforms local green spaces but improves wellbeing and our sense of belonging.
Check the Growing Toolkit from Propagate Scotland to start growing your food at home or in the community:
Understanding and Planning the Space
Reducing Waste
The 5Rs—Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot—offer a simple framework to minimize waste and lessen our environmental impact. By refusing unnecessary items, reducing consumption, reusing what we can, recycling materials properly, and composting organic waste, we can conserve energy, cut emissions, and protect our planet.
Facilitating change
Creating change in communities is essential for building a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future. By learning from resources and roadmaps others have developed, we can avoid reinventing the wheel and take more effective action. These tools provide guidance, inspiration, and practical steps to help individuals and groups drive meaningful progress.
Community Climate Adaptation Routemap – Adaptation Scotland
Transition Resources – Community Resilience
Shifting Normal – How to design projects that change things for the better
Place Standard with a Climate Lens