What is a Climate Emergency Centre? A centre which offers solutions for people, pocket and planet, local and inclusive, focused on meeting community needs, the displays and volunteers will share solutions to the climate & ecological crises & provide a signposting service. The project self-funds by using a business model that enables owners of currently vacant business premises to reduce their Business Rates payments by up to 100% through ‘meanwhile leasing’ the property for community benefit to a not for profit / charitable organisation (the CEC). This means the project can acquire a vacant property, generate income through activities which help people live within the planetary limits, including: Refills; recycling point; repair café; bicycle repairs; baby clothes, toys, tools, green books, seed swaps; community fridge; advice on energy, transport, gardening, carbon footprint reduction; room(s) for educational events and meetings.

What we'll deliver:

• Energy advice, reducing bills, energy use and CO2 emissions
• Baby & toddler clothes bundle hire
• Advice on waste prevention through reduction, refills, repairs, recycling etc
• Horsham Repair Cafe sessions and signposting to other local repair cafes
• Refill service reducing plastics purchased and saving money
• Clothes swap shops
• Talks & events and space for others to use

Why it's a great idea:

Knowledge & skills sharing, help people save money, reduce carbon &d the negative effect of their lifestyle on the planet. Brings together a diverse alliance of groups & individuals in the local community to build solutions, relationships & resilience in the face of the Climate Emergency & multiple social crises. Provide a vibrant community place where people can come together to promote the conservation, protection & improvement of the physical, natural & social environments in Horsham for the public benefit of its residents & the wider community Build community ties by working collaboratively with local groups & individuals, educating the public, local business & other local bodies on the impact and mitigation of, as well as adaptation to, climate, ecological & social challenges Develop understanding & create a sense of purpose to act on the climate, ecological & social issues that affect us all in order to deliver positive changes within our lives & create resilient communities

Steps to get it done:

Who are Sussex Green Living? We are an environmental charity working with households, schools, local government and business to create a world in which we use resources sustainably. We seek to empower a network of regenerative communities restoring nature for people and planet.