NEW LEAF is a not for profit co-operative, whose aim is to promote sustainable living in Herefordshire and beyond.
Initiated in 2010, we have been best known in the county for our annual h.Energy event and for our work to reduce Herefordshire’s carbon footprint.
As a small charitable co-op, New Leaf works collaboratively with many communities, public sector organisations and businesses across Herefordshire and the region. We seek to support and encourage people, locally and internationally, to demonstrate that the pursuit of a flourishing ecology, human wellbeing and a prosperous local economy are worthwhile and inter-related objectives with multiple benefits.
In common with all co-operatives, New Leaf is regulated by and reports to the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority).
For five years (April 2011 – April 2016) New Leaf had a Service Level Agreement (SLA) to deliver a number of activities for Herefordshire Council. Working primarily with the Energy and Environmental Management team (previously called the Waste and Sustainability team), these activities included:
- Re-Energise Herefordshire – a Charter and accompanying action plan for the county to reduce its carbon emissions
- h.Energy – an annual showcase of sustainable energy saving activity initiated by New Leaf in 2010
- Work with local communities including the Herefordshire Green Network (an alliance of more than 40 environmental groups across the county) to raise awareness of energy saving opportunities and sustainable lifestyle choices.
Over the past 6 years New Leaf has also received project funding from a number of bodies, including the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), Big Lottery, WRAP and CSE (the Centre for Sustainable Energy). All of our accounts are publicly available from the FCA website.
New Leaf aims to
- act as a catalyst for change
- engage Herefordshire’s diverse communities in building and realising a shared and just vision of a sustainable future
- establish effective and equitable structures and systems to realise that vision
- build on the strengths and achievements of the county and its communities
Three parallel actions or challenges underpin the work of New Leaf:
- Influencing public policy in favour of sustainable development
- Raising public awareness of climate change, peak oil and broader sustainability issues
- Encouraging and supporting individuals, organisations, communities and businesses in their own endeavours to devise and implement practical changes to make Herefordshire a more sustainable county
To find out more about how to become a member of the New Leaf team, click here.
Please contact us if you have any questions, or if you are embarking on an initiative and would like some advice or support. We would also be happy to connect you up with others working in a similar way around the county, for your mutual benefit. Contact: hello@herefordshirenewleaf.org.uk