Becoming a Climate Ally: Local Organisations Taking Action
Every part of our community can help tackle climate change, from small shops to charities, from churches to individual service providers. That idea inspired the Climate Ally initiative from Climate Action: Bovey & Heathfield —a simple recognition scheme that encourages local organisations to take practical steps, gain acknowledgment, benefit their own activities and inspire others.
What is a Climate Ally?
Any business or non-profit in our area can apply to become a Climate Ally by showing how it reduces, or intends to reduce, its environmental impact—cutting energy use, reducing waste, sourcing locally, or helping staff and customers get involved. Applicants answer a short online questionnaire about current and planned actions. CABH reviews the responses and grants the Climate Ally title and a Certificate for display to those meeting a basic set of criteria. The aim is progress, not perfection, with support and recognition to keep improvements going.
Why it matters
Climate change isn’t just a global headline; we see it locally in heavier rains, hotter summers, and pressure on wildlife and crops. Many organisations want to help but are unsure where to start. Being a Climate Ally provides clear guidance, practical ideas, and public recognition so that action feels achievable and worthwhile.
How it fits with wider efforts
National schemes exist—the SME Climate Hub helps small businesses measure and cut carbon, while the Carbon Literacy Project trains staff and accredits organisations. The Climate Ally concept complements these by staying community-focused and recognising and celebrating local initiatives. It welcomes companies and charities and other institutions to consider what they need to do and may be capable of achieving. If appropriate, CABH can provide advice in assessing the possibilities.
Local examples where Climate Ally status has been awarded
* Make Southwest faces up to the challenges of reducing its carbon footprint, being based in a Listed heritage building, securing funding and supporting makers become more sustainable in their creative practice.
* Bovey Tracey Activities Trust, a charity promoting the wellbeing of senior members of our community, has significantly upgraded its status as a Climate Ally, through installation of solar panels, a heat pump and other, cutting both bills and emissions.
* A retailer now sources more stock from nearby producers, requesting plastic-free packaging, minimising energy use, lowering transport emissions and supporting the local economy.
These relatively small but meaningful actions show what’s possible and inspire others to follow.
How to join
Applying is straightforward: visit cabh.org.uk/climate-allies, in the online questionnaire share what you’re already doing and your next steps, and consult the help pages for ideas. Successful applicants receive a Climate Ally certificate to display and can choose to be listed on our website, highlighting their commitment to customers, supporters, and funders.
Benefits apart from the planet
Reducing energy use and waste often saves money, while staff morale and community reputation rise when sustainability is visible. Being a Climate Ally signals that your organisation takes responsibility seriously and wants to help shape a greener future.
Take the first step
Climate change demands many hands, not just a few experts. By becoming a Climate Ally, your organisation becomes part of a growing, local movement where small actions add up to big impact. Visit cabh.org.uk/climate-allies and help our town move toward a cleaner, more resilient future.