Most infrastructure developers consult communities because the law requires them to do so. We engage communities because the projects we are involved in only work if local people genuinely benefit from them for example, in their energy bills, job prospects, high streets, and homes.
Before a planning application is submitted, you will find us knocking on doors, sitting in village halls, and answering hard questions face-to-face. And after the diggers leave, you will see the difference in funded local projects, skilled local jobs, and heat reuse in local buildings. We don’t ask communities to tolerate the data centres; we ensure they are part of them.
Our consultation with communities is genuine – we ensure they are fairly represented in consultation processes, and their best interests are considered and implemented (subject to approval by all parties).
Our Founder’s previous experience was running a climate and social justice charity in London (Think & Do), which focused on building resilience in underserved communities through grassroots engagement.
Large infrastructure projects need community buy-in to move forward. Data centres are facing an increasingly large backlash, which will make community engagement harder. The data centre industry is struggling with how to deal with this problem. This is where we come in. We can help companies better connect with communities through measures such as:
- Door knocking
- Community consultation drop-in clinics
- Leafleting and posters
- Emails
And then options for financial involvement in the project through, for example, Community Interest Company or similar SPVs.