ABOUT THE PARTNERS

Think & Do London (T&D) 

T&D is a resident-led movement rooted in social inequality, climate justice, working with communities from the global majority, who are often left out of traditional environmental
initiatives. They have earned deep and long-standing trust in estates across Camden, reaching hundreds of Bengali, Somali, Arabic-speaking women through door-knocking, multilingual conversations and co-designed workshops. Their Sharing Spaces repair sessions and greening activities have given residents a voice, practical skills and a sense of belonging. T&D’s ethos, ‘We don’t parachute ideas into communities; we listen and respond’, guides how Green Sparks will be co-created and delivered. 

How we will share learning:
Learning is central because we are designing a model intended to grow across London and beyond. We will: 

  • Hold weekly partner meetings to review feedback 
  • Create a ‘Green Sparks’ group where residents, employers, libraries and councils beyond Camden reflect, share what’s working, and shape the next steps. The Ashden Foundation Sustainable Towns and Cities network will be invited to be involved.
  • Create a shared digital workspace for case studies, templates and translated resources
    • Produce Green Sparks Learning Briefs 
    • Create accessible toolkits to support replication 

In this way, Green Sparks will not only benefit local participants, but it will also help shape how London engages communities in climate action long into the future.

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Euston Skills Centre (ESC)

The ESC is a state-of-the-art training hub in Camden designed to bridge the gap between local residents and the booming construction industry in London. Launched as part of the community benefits secured during the HS2 development, it serves as a “front door” to major infrastructure projects.

They offer:

  1. Core Training & Qualifications

The centre focuses on high-demand trade skills, providing both accredited diplomas and short-term certifications.

  • Trade Diplomas: In partnership with the College of North West London, they offer Level 1 and Level 2 courses in:
    • Electrical Installation
    • Plumbing Studies
    • Carpentry & Joinery
    • Multi-Trades (specifically for 16–18 year olds)
  • CSCS Accreditation: The centre houses a dedicated CSCS test centre, which is essential for anyone wanting to legally work on a UK construction site.
  • Green Skills: They are increasingly focused on future-proof technology, including training for Air Source Heat Pumps, Solar Thermal/PV, and Electric Vehicle (EV) charging installation.
  1. Apprenticeships & Employment

The ESC also acts as a recruitment pipeline.

  • Direct Links to HS2: Because of its location and funding, the centre has a direct line to contractors working on the HS2 Euston Station and the King’s Cross development.
  • Apprenticeship Support: They support over 150 construction apprenticeships annually in trades ranging from steel fixing to site management.
  • Exclusive Access: Many training courses and job opportunities are prioritised for Camden and Islington residents.
  1. Facilities

The centre is built on the site of the former Maria Fidelis school and features:

  • Practical Workshops: Specialised machinery rooms and large indoor workshop areas.
  • Outdoor Training Zone: A dedicated space for “wet trades” and large-scale practical manoeuvres.
  • Sustainable Design: The building itself is a modular, “meanwhile use” structure designed to be recycled at the end of the project, holding a BREEAM “Very Good” rating

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The Camden Climate Alliance (CCA) 

The CCA is a voluntary network of businesses, schools, and public sector organisations working together to drive environmental sustainability across the London Borough of Camden.

Established in 2008, it acts as the primary bridge between Camden Council’s ambitious climate policies (such as the 2026–2030 Climate Action Plan) and the private/non-profit sectors.

What the Alliance Does

The CCA provides a structured framework for local organisations to reduce their carbon footprint. Its work is centred on three main pillars:

  • Knowledge Sharing: Hosting peer-learning events, workshops, and webinars where members share knowledge on topics such as retrofitting buildings, reducing waste, and carbon footprinting.
  • Carbon Reporting: Helping members track their annual energy and gas data to understand the collective carbon impact of Camden’s business community.
  • Community Connection: Linking large corporations with local community projects to ensure value transfer and community connection is delivered alongside environmental improvements.

The Carbon Certification Scheme

One of the most useful features for members is the tiered certification program. This allows businesses to demonstrate their “green credentials” to customers and stakeholders:

  • Level 1 (Climate Foundations): For those just starting their sustainability journey.
  • Level 2 (Climate Steward): For organisations showing sustained progress across multiple business areas.
  • Level 3 (Climate Champion): For leaders who have significantly reduced emissions and support borough-wide initiatives.
  • Adaptive & Resilient: A specialised badge for businesses proactively preparing for climate risks like extreme heat or flooding.

Financial Support & Resources

Membership in the Alliance often serves as a gateway to the Camden Climate Fund. As of 2026, this fund offers substantial match-funding for local projects:

  • Businesses (SMEs): Up to £15,000 for energy efficiency measures like LED lighting or heating upgrades.
  • Community Groups: Up to £50,000 for community-led renewable energy projects.