For community organisations, sustainability is about more than just reducing their environmental impact. It is about building resilience, managing resources effectively, and creating lasting value for local people.
Through Groundwork’s Sustainable Business Membership (SBM) scheme, the Burnside Centre has been able to benchmark its sustainability performance, gain independent recognition for its achievements, and identify clear actions for future improvement.
As part of the SBM assessment, the Centre has been recognised for its strong performance in Operational Efficiency. Following an energy audit in 2024, the organisation has implemented several improvements, including installing solar PV and LED lighting, along with a water harvesting system and other water-saving technologies. These investments have helped reduce resource consumption and save costs, while supporting the Centre’s long-term sustainability goals.
A key benefit of SBM has been the tailored Sustainability Action Plan, providing practical recommendations and a structured framework for continual improvement. The independent assessment will also enable the Centre to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability to partners, funders and stakeholders.
The Centre’s environmental efforts extend beyond its buildings. An environmental and biodiversity report has been undertaken for its planned Forest School extension, helping to maximise benefits for nature. Existing initiatives include bat boxes, hedgehog houses, wildflower habitats and tree planting projects, alongside participation in local Town in Bloom activities. The Forest School will also utilise repurposed timber that has been sourced locally from the Commonwealth Games velodrome, supporting circular economy principles and local suppliers.
SBM has also helped the Centre showcase its wider social value impact. Through the Rochdale Community Centre Consortium – a partnership of eight community organisations -the Centre shares learning and organisational impacts to strengthen local services. It also works closely with Local Authorities, Groundwork Greater Manchester, and Macmillan Cancer Support, while providing work placements, interview support, early years training and food parcel services.
By bringing together environmental, social and practical activities within one recognised framework, the Sustainable Business Membership has helped The Burnside Centre celebrate progress, demonstrate impact, and plan confidently for the future. As the organisation continues to develop its sustainability journey, SBM provides both the recognition and practical support needed to drive continuous improvement.
