Green and circular economy.

We want to see a greener, healthier Hackney, where our response to the climate emergency brings opportunities for residents and businesses. This includes lowering bills, improving our health, and creating new green jobs.

On this page

“Borough-wide emissions need to reach net zero by 2040 at the latest, ten years earlier than the target set by the UK government”
— Climate Action Plan 2023-2030

What is a circular economy?

At its core, the circular economy aims to capture and prolong the value of products for as long as possible. Through reuse, refurbishment, or recycling of resources, we can get more out of what we use for longer. Waste, therefore, is seen as a resource, and non-toxic materials (such as renewable energy) are prioritised. A circular economy helps to reduce waste production and resource consumption and ultimately carbon emissions.

  • The Climate Action Plan (CAP) sets out an integrated approach to tackling the climate and ecological crisis. It provides a framework for everyone to take action to reduce emissions and adapt to the climate change that is already occurring, driven by an ambitious vision for a greener Hackney.

    Read the summary here.

    Read the full Draft Climate Action Plan Here.

  • The Circular Hackney Knowledge Base toolkit aims to help businesses in Hackney to transition and thrive in the circular economy. The toolkit sets out the potential financial and environmental benefits of becoming more circular, dispels common myths and acts as a starting point to help your business become more sustainable.

    Read the Circular Hackney Knowledge Base here.

  • The draft Hackney Council Three Year Implementation Plan provides a detailed set of proposed actions for the Council to carry out that contribute to delivering the goals under each of the five Climate Action Plan themes. Read the Draft Implementation Plan here.

Refill Therapy - Hackney Business Network

What makes a business green?

A green business is one that has a minimal or positive impact on the environment. It requires committing to sustainable goals and tacking real action in implementing those changes within a business. Whether it is using sustainable products, choosing eco-friendly supply chain strategies, or limiting the daily carbon footprint of your delivery services, there are actions that every business can take to prioritise sustainability.

Reduce single-use plastics

From 1 October 2023 businesses will no longer be able to supply, sell or offer certain single-use plastic items. Find out more on how to prepare your business.

Adopt zero emission deliveries

Save money, reduce emissions and improve local air quality by joining the Zero Emissions Network. Benefit from advice, free trials and cash-saving services.

Circular economy - Hackney Business Network

Apply for green business funding

Find support and funding opportunities to green your business and contribute to the circular economy.

Better futures

The Mayor of London is working with partners to give over 150 small businesses the boost they need to be successful in London and create a hub for low-carbon and circular industries in our city. New companies for the programme are accepted every six weeks.

Better futures+

Better Futures+ is a £900K programme funded by the GLA’s Green New Deal and delivered in conjunction with our world leading expert delivery partners at Imperial College London, Sustainable Ventures, ICON, West London Business and OPDC

GLA Heavy Vehicles Scrappage Schemes

New heavy vehicle scrappage scheme gives small businesses and charities with heavy vehicles £15,000 to replace or retrofit their vehicle.

Guidance and support on how to green your business

  • Allia Future Business Centre

    Are you interested in reducing your carbon footprint, improving energy efficiency, cutting utility costs, and showing your customers how you are moving towards net zero? Small and medium-sized enterprises can join this Green Business Programme to learn how to embed sustainability into business operations and integrate climate change into decision-making.

  • British Heart Foundation

    British Heart Foundation (BHF) allows you to donate your unwanted furniture, homeware and electrical items using their free collection service.

  • Carbon Trust UK

    Specialist advice and support for businesses looking for assistance in reducing their carbon footprint. Find out more and apply.

  • Ferris - Zero waste app

    Ferris is the zero waste app for giving and getting once-loved items for free. You can declutter your home, save great stuff from disposal and pick up items from your neighbour for free. Ferris is available via the App Store and Google Play Store.

  • Freecycle or Freegle

    Freecycle or Freegle are reuse swapping sites that allows you to give away items and also seek unwanted goods in your local area.

  • FSB Sustainability Hub

    For Federation of Small Business members, the sustainability hub offers sustainability planning and offers guides and resources.

  • Government funding opportunities

    Government portal where funding opportunities are regularly made available to businesses investing in green technologies to increase energy efficiency or reduce carbon emissions.

  • LoveJunk

    LoveJunk is a waste removal marketplace that helps you find the cheapest collector for bulky waste. You can also get preloved items like furniture, appliances, mattresses and building materials for free.

  • Mindful Shopper

    Mindful Shopper is your guide to living with less waste. This guide will help you make planet-friendly decisions about what to buy, who to buy from, and whether you actually need to buy it at all.

  • Ofgem guidance

    Ofgem provides a summary of some of the main funding and learning opportunities for businesses that are interested in improving the sustainability of their operations.

  • OLIO

    OLIO is an app which allows you to give away food and other household items to your neighbours, all for free. Olio is also available on the App Store and Google Play Store.

  • ReLondon

    ReLondon works with government, business, citizens and communities to help London waste less and reuse, repair and recycle more. If you’re a circular business interested in selling your products or services via their Circular Matchmaker, or are simply interested in finding out about practical ways you can reduce the amount of waste your business creates, ReLondon provides an excellent starting point for your circular journey.

  • SME Climate Hub

    The SME Climate Hub is an initiative that empowers companies to take climate action and build resilient businesses for the future.

  • TipTapp

    TipTapp is a company that helps you move items in and out of your home, get rid of things and get giveaways delivered to your doorstep. Tiptapp is also available on the App Store and Google Play Store.

  • Waste and recycling for businesses

    Hackney Council offers the most comprehensive waste and recycling service in Hackney, with competitive fees and charges starting at just £1.19. Learn more about what services are available.

Get in touch.

We are committed to supporting businesses in becoming more circular. If you have any questions about transitioning your business towards net-zero or if you want to find out more about which Hackney-based suppliers or partners can help you with your journey, please use the contact form to submit your query.

We’re keen to support circular businesses operating in the borough, for example through procurement opportunities, connecting businesses, or grant funding. Get in touch if you’re interested.

Building a fairer economy in Hackney.