Our mission is to inspire change from the ground up
The Edinburgh Communities Climate Action Network (ECCAN) mission is to foster community-led initiatives in Edinburgh that address the climate and nature emergency, aiming for a just, thriving, and resilient city.
We do this by providing networking events, training opportunities, funding, and development support
Inspire
Perhaps you’re just starting your journey towards climate action? Check out our ‘Take Action’ pages for steps you can take as an individual or community.
Connect
Are you looking to connect with others who have similar values and outlooks? We advertise and run various events, as well as hosting a membership directory so you can connect with others.
Grow
From resource lists, to dedicated funding and support, we’re here to help you get active.
We’re part of a Scotland-wide initiative
After COP26, the Scottish Government set up a network of regional Climate Action Hubs.
ECCAN is the Climate Hub for Edinburgh. We’re seeking to create a network of groups supporting each other to work towards a thriving, sustainable future for the city of Edinburgh.
Read about the journey to create the climate action hubs in Scotland here.
Find community and get support for your initiatives
At ECCAN, we want to inspire the climate curious, and champion the climate champions. As well as news and events, our members benefit from support to get their initiatives under way. Find out more about ECCAN, or join today to access support.
We are committed to the values of inclusivity and accessibility
ECCAN has a core value of Widening Access and Participation throughout the network. We aim to be a meeting point for diverse voices in the climate action movement.
Here are the outcomes that we aim to generate
Awareness – Communities’ awareness of the climate emergency and what actions they can take increases; and communities’ confidence to take action increases.
Knowledge and skills – Communities’ knowledge and skills to take climate action increases, through collaborative working.
Capacity – Communities’ capacity to take climate action increases, by increased funding, and by access to equipment and volunteers.
Decision-making – Communities are more involved in determining local and national government policy regarding climate action.
Innovation – Communities receive an increased level of benefit from innovations to take climate action.
Our Values
Real climate action starts right here - in our communities, with the people who live, work, and care about the City of Edinburgh.
ECCAN is Edinburgh’s Climate Hub and we are here to support and connect local groups, organisations, and partners who are passionate about making a difference. Whether it’s growing community gardens and protecting green spaces, highlighting how to have a warmer and more energy-efficient home, sharing funding through our Greenlight programme, or creating spaces and events for conversation and collaboration, we’re all about helping communities take climate action in ways that matter to them.
Everything we do is shaped by our values. They’re what guide our choices and help us help communities build a future that’s fairer, greener, more resilient, and full of possibility - for everyone.
Collaborative
We actively engage and empower Edinburgh’s communities in their climate action efforts, providing support, resources and opportunities in a positive and inclusive manner. We foster a cooperative culture where sharing knowledge and experiences leads to better outcomes for all.
Inclusive
We respect and celebrate our many different communities, recognise the value of diverse voices, and ensure that marginalised and disadvantaged groups are included in activities and decision-making.
Compassionate
We prioritise empathy and understanding, finding ways of working that enable celebration as well as reflection. We cultivate collaborative and trusting relationships that help us achieve goals with care and compassion.
Responsive
We embrace a culture of continuous learning across the network. We welcome feedback, acknowledge our successes and failures, and adapt our approaches accordingly.
Fair work declaration
We are committed to Fair Work First principles. Our charity pays at least the real Living Wage, does not use inappropriate zero-hours contracts, and ensures all staff have a meaningful voice in decision-making. We provide opportunities for learning and progression, support health and wellbeing, and promote equality, diversity and inclusion. Where appropriate, we engage constructively with trade unions and always act to create a safe, respectful, and supportive workplace.