Global Generation, Kings Cross London

Global Generation’s Living Buildings – Local Links project gives young volunteers opportunities to develop food growing spaces, biodiverse green roofs and plant-filtered grey water systems on office rooftops, school grounds and development sites in the King’s Cross area of London.

The project gives young volunteers opportunities to develop food growing spaces, biodiverse green roofs and plant-filtered grey water systems on office rooftops, school grounds and development sites in the King's Cross area of London.

Before starting work on a project, volunteers spend time at an organic farm in Wiltshire where they learn about themselves, team working and environmental issues, in a process Global Generation calls 'I, We and the Planet'. Back in London, they put their new knowledge and skills into practice by creating and caring for growing spaces, inspiring businesses to adopt carbon saving practices and building relationships within the community.

Working with businesses

Global Generation has formed partnerships with local businesses including The Guardian, The Office Group, Wolff Olins, Kings Cross site developers Argent and music rights company MC-PRS. The London Borough of Camden housing department and the School Improvement Service are also involved in Living Buildings - Local Links. Food grown is sold by young people to a local organic restaurant and the Guardian canteen.

"Each partner is attracted to the project for different reasons. It could be to engage with sustainability, improve their building or support staff development," says Jane Riddiford, Executive Director of Global Generation. "We tailor our approach to the needs of each partner, giving them a personal experience - but we always involve young people right from the start."

Catalysing change

The project empowers young people with a sense of responsibility for something bigger then themselves, helping them to develop as individuals and catalyse change in others. "In our experience the biggest change takes place when you show young people the contribution they can make to the future," explains Jane. "We create practical opportunities for our volunteers make a difference and help them to reflect on their experiences."

Each year, Global Generation recruits 10 'youth generators' who work with businesses to identify ways of cutting their carbon emissions, from turning off lights and computers to switching to renewable energy sources. A further 40 young volunteers have been recruited from two local secondary schools, a local housing estate, a homeless hostel and a construction skills training centre.

Community pride

Everyone involved in Living Buildings - Local Links develops a sense of ownership and pride in the new resources they create. "Our projects provide a focal point for businesses to introduce wider carbon-reduction initiatives and engage with the community on sustainability issues," comments Jane. "The Kings Cross projects demonstrate how the Living Buildings - Local Links model works and the impact it could have if introduced in other areas."

An update on the project and how it’s developed since launching can be read here.