Celebrating Coventry's Sustainability Heroes: A greener future for the city

Celebrating the green heroes of Coventry

Coventry has been E.ON’s home for over three decades, and we're passionate about ensuring its success and driving a new green economy in the city. We’re deeply committed to ensuring Coventry thrives and paves the way for future generations and our mission is to make the city a cleaner and greener place to live.

One of the ways we’ve demonstrated our commitment to the city and its people is through our Coventry Sustainability Heroes campaign, in partnership with Coventry Live and the Coventry Telegraph. The people of Coventry are at the heart of our work in the community, and this project celebrates the remarkable work of local green heroes who are making a positive impact on the city and the planet. Their dedication and efforts are truly making a difference, and we are proud to shine a spotlight on their incredible work.

From eco-friendly cafes to community farm initiatives, we were overwhelmed and truly inspired by those stories of people and businesses leading the way in making our city a greener place. Take a closer look at our final Coventry Sustainability Heroes of 2024! 

1. Cogs of Coventry

Founded by former teacher Rachel Ward, Cogs of Coventry is a shining example of how small changes can lead to a greener, cleaner future. The zero-waste business, located in Coventry Market, sells non-packaged, plastic-free goods, encouraging customers to bring their own containers and reducing the use of single-use plastic.

By cutting her own carbon footprint and promoting a waste-free lifestyle, Rachel’s shop is inspiring others to live more sustainably - as well as helping the city’s fight against plastic use. 

2. Tree Amigos

Meet Tree Amigos - three inspiring teenagers who selflessly devote their time outside of college to rescue and replant damaged trees across the city. Tom, Adam, and Owen, all 17, founded Tree Amigos to save vandalised, damaged, or at-risk trees around Coventry, helping improve the local environment and creating cleaner air in the city.

Through their partnership with Coventry City Council, Tree Amigos are also committed to helping save damaged trees in public spaces at risk of being chipped and replaced – not only giving existing trees a new lease of life, but also helping reduce the cost of buying, and replanting, new trees.

3. Purple Planet Packaging

Mark and Joanna Farr, the husband-and-wife team behind Purple Planet Packaging, are making a significant impact on Coventry's green credentials through their environmentally responsible packaging solutions.

Their business offers a wide range of eco-friendly food and drink containers derived from plant-based, compostable sources. Mark and Joanna also actively engage with the community, supplying packaging to charities, and collaborating with schools to educate young people around sustainability. 

4. Five Acre Community Farm

Helping the community reconnect with their food, Five Acre Community Farm has been growing affordable, organic, and seasonal produce for over a decade. The farm not only provides fresh vegetables but also fosters a sense of community and camaraderie among its volunteers. Local community members from in and around Coventry enjoy weekly deliveries of fresh produce, empowering them to take control of their food supply.

The farm's success is attributed to the supportive community and shared vision of producing local, affordable, and organic food.

5. Middlemarch

Middlemarch, the nature-loving consultancy of Coventry, are on a mission to protect and enrich biodiversity. With over 30 years of experience, they offer innovative solutions to businesses across the UK, helping them protect the environment, restore biodiversity, and combat the climate emergency.

Middlemarch has also played a significant role in transforming the former sand and gravel quarry, Brandon Marsh, into a captivating nature reserve. With a team of biodiversity advisors and environmental specialists, Middlemarch continues to lead the way in championing environmental stewardship.

Driving sustainable growth in Coventry - and beyond

As part of our wider commitment to the city, we’ve partnered with Coventry City Council in a 15-year strategic energy partnership, aiming to drive sustainable growth and create a greener, more affordable energy future. Together, we aim to transform Coventry for the next generation by bringing jobs and skills to the area and driving a new, green economy.

Coventry serves as an inspiring example of how cities can work together to create a greener and more prosperous local economy. Through our Coventry Sustainability Heroes campaign, strategic partnerships, and commitment to leading the energy transition, we’re dedicated to making Coventry, and cities across the UK, a cleaner and greener place to live.

Together, we can shape a brighter future for our city, inspiring others to follow suit and contribute to a sustainable and thriving community. Find out more about our work in Coventry.