A new research report published today reveals the many ways that energetic, committed and effective collective action in local communities leads the UK's response to the climate and environment emergencies. The study, carried out by consultancy Eunomia on behalf of charity Carbon Copy uncovers how and why many local UK communities, even with minimal funding, have been very successful in tackling the climate and nature crises when progress is faltering at a national level.

In the latest publication1 from the UK’s Climate Change Committee, it was highlighted that “there has been ‘no progress’ on five of [the committee’s priority] recommendations and ‘some but insufficient progress’ on nine, leaving gaps or shortfalls in the policy landscape which will need to be addressed to avoid the UK going off track."

Carbon Copy’s research provides a positive and hopeful antidote, by focusing on the often-overlooked impact of place-based action to tackle climate change, protect nature and to bring a wealth of positive impacts to the wider community.

Carbon Copy exists to turn individual concern about the climate and nature crises into collective action; but they recognise that for many, the benefits of doing something together are unclear or too distant.

In response to this, the charity talks about the Changeprint that projects make locally: a new way to explore the wider and more immediate benefits of collective action beyond reducing carbon emissions.

Today’s report is titled “From Footprint to Changeprint” and acts as a guide to other groups and organisations to grow their impact not just in environmental terms, but in economic, health, social, educational and cultural terms as well. The guide details twelve success factors, grouped into three core characteristics: a mindset of Abundance, a strong sense of Belonging and a Purposeful approach.

A mindset of Abundance is about projects that may be cash-poor finding success through resourcefulness, creativity and empowered leaders. The sense of Belonging relates to an initiative’s grounding in place: its ability to fulfil a specific local need and to engage those in a community in order to thrive and be sustainable long-term. And Purpose is an approach rather than simply strategic direction; centred on pragmatism, effective organisation and clear communication.

The research was both qualitative and quantitative in its design and analysis.

Qualitatively, findings were collated from interviews and surveys with 15 participating projects, spanning all four nations and six “action areas” covering Buildings & Places, Circular Economy, Food & Agriculture, Nature, Renewable Energy and Transport. Quantitatively, the findings were substantiated through meta-data synthesis and analysis in order to provide robust insights and recommendations.

Importantly, despite the differences in local projects’ set-up, geography, size and purpose the research clearly shows that success is possible (and indeed, is happening) across the UK. There are attributes in all cases that can be learned and copied locally by changemakers wanting to boost their impact.

Carbon Copy Cofounder Ric Casale said:

“Carbon Copy commissioned Eunomia to conduct new 360-degree research into what makes some place-based climate and nature projects so successful, so that others can discover and copy what works.

Of course, funding is a crucial element in implementing any ambitious local initiative. The intent of this research, however, was to look beyond funding to understand the role of collaboration and other factors that can also drive high impact.

What makes the research findings so exciting is their relevance to so many people and different organisations. High-impact collective action appears possible within the resources of a wide range of local communities and the success factors can be readily copied.

‘From Footprint to Changeprint’ can be used as an action guide, providing practical advice for councils, communities, and organisations. As such, the research is designed to support the implementation of local Climate Action Plans and Biodiversity Plans in a way that achieves real results.”

Daniel Stunell, Managing Consultant at Eunomia added:

“Our analysis shows that successful community climate action delivers a wide range of benefits beyond carbon reduction - strengthening local economies, restoring nature, and improving outcomes for communities.

“The Changeprint idea, and the principles underpinning it, offer an innovative way to think about net zero and climate action. Emissions reductions matter deeply, but community climate action can deliver so much more. Where a carbon footprint measures what we remove, a Changeprint shows what can be built when communities come together to deliver collective change. It shows how the power of many can grow into something bigger.

“Our research focused on the key success factors that help make these changes a reality in actual projects across the country, benefitting both communities and the environment. These success factors can be replicated anywhere and are not dependent on external funding sources.

“I’m excited to see this research and the Changeprint concept continue to evolve and get put into practice, helping to accelerate climate action that delivers tangible, lasting value for people, places, and the planet.”

Representatives from participant organisations were invited to an early viewing of the report and have responded positively to its findings.

Katie Collier, Bike Bus Project Lead at Bike Worcester said:

“The idea of Abundance is such an important one for a small organisation like ours. We don’t have huge amounts of cash, but what we do have is people who are really passionate and engaged with the project. What Abundance means for us is being able to take that seed, that idea, that energy - the buzz and the creativity - and help others feel empowered to bring that into their area of Worcester.”

For more information and to access a copy of the full report, visit https://carboncopy.eco/changeprint/report.

-ENDS-

Notes to editors

Reference:

1. The Climate Change Committee Progress in Reducing Emissions Report 2025: https://www.theccc.org.uk/publication/progress-in-reducing-emissions-2025-report-to-parliament (25 June 2025)

For more information or to set up interviews, please contact Isabelle Sparrow, Head of Communications at Carbon Copy: 07766375192 / isabelle@carboncopy.eco.

About Carbon Copy

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.

This isn’t about one big solution. It’s about people stepping in, inspired by others and copying what works.

Carbon Copy offers a place to join in: a national collection of climate action stories from across the UK; place-by-place climate and nature plans; a popular podcast and blog about collective action; and capacity building for organisations across public, private and third sectors.

In collaboration with our partners, Carbon Copy’s aim is to engage one million more people locally in UK climate action by 2030. Achieving this aim would bring us closer to a new norm for collective action. To do this, we’d like to change the climate narrative into something more positive and to show how Changeprint brings people together.

https://carboncopy.eco

About Eunomia

Eunomia is a leading global sustainability consultancy. We're a team of social-environmental problem-solvers and researchers with a difference.

Combining real world consulting experience and deep knowledge with an active role in policy empowers us to provide pragmatic, science-led solutions that reduce human impact on the planet.

We are a certified B-Corp business and have been turning insights into impact for over 25 years, across six offices and spanning three continents.

For more information, visit www.eunomia.eco

Logo

Tags

More Like This

Local action means big impact, reveals UK climate charity

Carbon Copy calls for solutions journalism to tackle the “spiral of silence” on climate.

DESNZ survey fails to account for the impact of collective action to address climate change, says climate charity Carbon Copy.

Our power, our place

The 89 percent aren’t waiting for global leaders: it’s time for the silent majority to be heard.

Brits proud of clean energy and looking for strong leadership on climate and nature, new study reveals

One year on – will Manchester achieve its ambition to be the world’s first Carbon Literate City?

“You get food right, you get a lot of things right.” - Food is the common denominator that can help us all to take action.