Environmental Heroes: six months of community action across the UK

Earlier this year, Novus launched its Environmental Heroes campaign, building on its Food Bank Appeal and bringing colleagues, clients and residents together to support projects that improve local environments and encourage more sustainable ways of living.

Since then, activity has taken place across a range of communities, from hands-on improvements in shared outdoor spaces through to conversations withabout energy use and more efficient homes.

Supporting greener communities

 A large part of the campaign has focused on improving shared outdoor spaces so they feel more welcoming and better used by residents.

In Burton upon Trent, Novus colleagues supported the Kingfisher Green Space Project in partnership with Trent & Dove Housing. The team rebuilt raised planting beds, installed a greenhouse, refreshed pathways and repainted fencing, helping to create a more usable space for around 80 local residents.

Elsewhere, projects have focused on smaller-scale community improvements within residential schemes. In Wilmslow, residents at Anchor Court worked with Novus colleagues on a planting session using bulbs and compost to encourage biodiversity, while similar activities in Bristol, Swindon and at St Catherine’s Court have helped bring more colour and life into communal areas.

On the Isle of Wight, Novus worked with Places for People on a wider improvement day that included fencing repairs, planting, signage updates and new seating, helping make the space safer and more inviting for everyday use.

Helping residents live more sustainably

 Alongside physical improvements, the campaign has focused on supporting residents to make more informed choices about energy use and everyday sustainability.

At First Sovereign, Novus hosted a Meet the Contractor event ahead of planned retrofit works. Residents attended to find out more about insulation upgrades and wider energy efficiency improvements, with the team answering questions and explaining what the works would mean in practical terms, including comfort and energy bills. Simple energy-saving advice was also shared for residents to use at home straight away.

Work has also supported initiatives aimed at reducing waste and encouraging reuse. In Welwyn Garden City, Novus supported the Borrow It! tool share scheme with a £500 B&Q voucher, helping stock a community lending station where residents can borrow tools and household items rather than buying them outright.

In Sidmouth, work with The Guinness Partnership focused on improving accessibility and day-to-day living, with the installation of a secure mobility storage unit and additional seating in communal garden areas following feedback from residents.

Inspiring future generations

 Alongside this, the campaign has focused on young people and future skills. At Bromford Flagship’s Green Skills event in Tewkesbury, Novus colleagues joined schools, colleges and local authorities to discuss careers in housing, retrofit and energy efficiency, highlighting the growing demand for green skills across the sector.

In Carlisle, donated materials supported the creation of an outdoor ‘Wild Classroom’ at a primary school, giving children a space to learn outside and spend more time in nature.

Working together in practice

 Edge Hill University shows how the campaign works through partnership. As part of Novus’ wider social value commitment, colleagues joined the university swimming team for a campus litter pick.

The team spent a few hours walking the campus and collecting litter, with informal conversations taking place about shared responsibility for the environment and everyday upkeep of shared spaces.

Looking ahead

 Across the Environmental Heroes campaign, what stands out is the variety of activities taking place across different communities.

Some projects focus on improving shared spaces, others on reducing waste or improving energy efficiency, and others on supporting future skills. While each looks slightly different, they are all connected by a practical approach to environmental and social value.

As the social value campaign continues through 2026, Novus will keep working with clients, residents and community partners to build on this activity and deliver improvements that make a difference in everyday life.