Helping Community Groups Reduce Costs & Environmental Impact and build evidence for Grant Applications
BIG Climate Leap is a community-focused programme helping third sector and grassroots organisations reduce their carbon footprint, build practical action plans, access training, build evidence for grant applications and become part of a community movement for a sustainable Swansea.
So Far We’ve Partnered With
How can we help ?
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TAILORED CARBON FOOTPRINT AND ACTION PLANNING
We work with community groups to help them to develop plans to reduce their carbon footprints.
We have a dedicated Project Manager to help guide you through this process and provide training and support as and where needed.
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PRACTICAL TRAINING & LEARNING SUPPORT
Quite often, we know what to do, but not always how to do it. We’ve developed an exclusive training programme of practical support to help groups take action, from tree planting to installing solar PVs, we are always keen to expand and provide training in an area that means the most to you.
We are ready to start where you are, you dont need to be green, or an expert.
How being Part of the BIG Climate Leap benefits your group?
We’re here for the long run and want to help you make meaningful long-term change. We will be with you on every step of your journey, you will become part of our community network of other change-making groups, providing support to help you reach your environmental goals.
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REDUCE COSTS
Reducing emissions can also reduce your utility bills. Energy efficiency measures such as insulation, low-energy lighting and green transport options can save your group’s money. Our friendly team can suggest the most cost-effective measures to help you educe your carbon emissions and save pounds.
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BUILD EVIDENCE FOR GRANT FUNDING
Many funders, councils, and Charities now require environmental action plans to reduce emissions as part of the bidding processes.
Our knowledgeable team will help you to implement environmental practices to help you access these funds
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CUT CARBON EMISIONS
There is a unanimous scientific consensus worldwide that the rapid global warming we have experienced since 1800 is due to the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere as a result of human activity. To best negate the effects of climate change, we must all work together to reduce our carbon emissions.
CASE STUDY: Exist Skate Park – Unlocking Funding Through Environmental Assessment
The Challenge
Exist Skate, a community-led skate organisation, had repeatedly missed out on Sport Wales funding due to issues linked to their lease—despite their strong local impact.
What We Did
The Big Climate delivered a focused environmental impact assessment, giving Exist Skate clear, credible evidence of their sustainability performance and potential.
The Result
That report became a key part of their funding application—helping them overcome previous barriers and secure Sport Wales funding for the first time.
“Your audit helped support our Sport Wales application, we hadn’t previously been considered because of our lease.” – Exist
Why It Matters
With the right data, organisations can unlock opportunities that were previously out of reach. Exist’s success shows how environmental insight can strengthen applications and open doors to funding.
CASE STUDY: Volcano Theatre: Cutting Costs Through Climate Action
The Challenge
As a multi-use venue with high energy demands—particularly for lighting and heating—Volcano faced rising energy costs and limited visibility over where emissions (and expenses) were coming from.
What We Did
BCL supported Volcano to:
Establish a baseline carbon footprint, identify key sources of energy use and carry out an energy audit and implement targeted interventions
Together, this informed a practical carbon reduction plan focused on cost-saving measures.
The Action
Volcano introduced a series of changes:
Switched to a 100% renewable electricity supplier
Replaced traditional and strip lighting with energy-efficient LEDs
Theatre lighting reduced from 23kW to 8kW using retrofit kits
Installed infra-red heating, targeting people rather than entire spaces
Introduced zoned heating to avoid wasting energy
Upgraded office spaces with programmable, efficient electric heaters
The Results
65% reduction in theatre lighting energy use
30% reduction in heating costs
Significant overall drop in energy consumption and running costs
Why It Matters
Volcano Theatre shows how combining carbon insight with practical support can drive meaningful cost reductions—proving that sustainability isn’t just good for the planet, it’s good for business too.
Who Can Take Part?
We’ve partnered with lots of different groups throughout Swansea to help reduce their carbon emissions; including community groups, faith groups, sports clubs, community buildings, cultural and hobby groups, charities and third-sector organisations, to name but a few.
If that sounds like you please do get in touch to find out about taking a BIG Climate Leap together.
Ready To Take The Leap?
Join groups across Swansea, reducing emissions, building resilience, and unlocking support and savings.
Based on 15+ years of community carbon work, with tailored support just for you.
Let’s work together
Please get in touch using the form below, please feel free to answer as many or as few questions as you feel.
The BIG Climate Leap is funded by The National Lottery Sustainable Steps Fund
