Low carbon West Oxford

Low Carbon West Oxford (LCWO) was set up after the summer floods of 2007 by residents concerned about the link between climate change and local flooding.

It is now a community-led initiative which aims to combat climate change by cutting CO2 emissions by 80% by 2050, encouraging residents to live more sustainably, and contributing to a more cohesive and resilient community.

Capital raised by West Oxford Community Renewables, through the surplus income generated from its energy projects, is reinvested in other carbon-cutting projects in the community through a programme of lively and creative events.

LCWO seeks to ensure that everyone who lives and works in the area has a chance to participate in and benefit from its projects. There are five main topics of action – food, home energy, transport and money – each researched and promoted through a series of Act Now workshops.

LCWO created Kids Climate Action Network’ (KidsCAN) to produce safe and empowering climate change resources for children, as well as for the adults looking to engage with the younger generation, with visually engaging materials for children and teachers available to download and share.

LCWO developed its own carbon footprint tool – the Quicksilver Calculator – as part of its Low Carbon Living Programm. The calculator is kept up to date and available to download, complete with a how-to guide. They are part of Communities for Zero Carbon Oxford and a member of the Coalition for Healthy Streets and Active Travel.