Zero Carbon Harrogate
Welcome to Zero Carbon Harrogate
We are a registered charity dedicated to making Harrogate District a net zero carbon community by 2030.
Supported by strong partnerships, we are an agent of change, offering a trusted independent voice and advocating for rapid decarbonisation.
Following a film viewing of Naomi Klein’s “This Changes Everything – Capitalism vs the Climate” held at the time of the 2015 Paris Climate Change Talks, we felt strongly that we must do something locally. In January 2016, we formed a climate action group and Zero Carbon Harrogate was born! We became a Charitable Unincorporated Organisation and a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in 2020.
Under the patronage of Professor Piers Forster (Interim Chair for UK Climate Change Committee and Director of Priestley Centre for Climate Futures), ZCH brings together residents from different backgrounds and with different experiences to support the development of a thriving, low carbon, sustainable economy, and improve the quality of life for residents across the Harrogate area.
Together, we aim to:
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EDUCATE our community on the need for urgent climate action and decarbonisation.
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ENGAGE collaboratively with organisations and political decision-makers around climate action.
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SUPPORT individuals, groups and organisations in taking effective climate action.
Our 2021 Strategic Plan brings to life what the future might look like in a carbon neutral district and how this can be achieved in the short timeframe available.
End of year social
11th December 2025
Join us for a festive drink and mark a year of climate action with friends, supporters and our wider community. ZCH’s end of year social is a relaxed, welcoming chance to unwind, connect, and toast the climate action progress we’ve made together – while looking ahead to what’s next.
We’d love to see you there!
Setting the Climate for Peace
16th September 2025
Climate change and peace are deeply connected – from conflict over resources to displacement caused by extreme weather.
Join Clive Wilson, Chair of UNA Harrogate and author of Leading Beyond Sustainability, for an inspiring, interactive evening exploring practical steps we can take in Harrogate to build a fairer, more sustainable and peaceful future. Hosted as part of Harrogate’s Week of Peace, taking place from 15th – 21st September.
9th July 2025
Join us for a powerful double screening of No One is an Island and 2040—two inspiring films exploring climate solutions, hopeful futures, and how we can all be part of the change.
Featuring stunning visuals and visionary storytelling, these films will leave you energised and optimistic. After the screenings, meet the filmmakers for a live Q&A and discover how local action can shape a better tomorrow. Part of Net Zero Week, this is an evening you won’t want to miss. Book your ticket here.
Hosted in partnership with Harrogate Film Society at the Odeon Cinema, on Wednesday 9th July.
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8th July 2025
Have your say on Harrogate’s future!
Join our Local Plan Workshop on Tuesday 8th July at Wesley Chapel in Harrogate to learn how planning works and how you can influence it with the North Yorkshire Local Plan. Discover what’s missing on climate, hear from experts, and take part in small group discussions. Open to all who care about our community, climate, and future. Doors open 5.30pm, event starts at 6pm.
Passivhaus Home Tour
28th June 2025
Join Zero Carbon Harrogate’s Tim Larner and his wife Marilyn for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of their certified Passivhaus – the first in the Harrogate area. A decades-long dream, their ultra-efficient, beautifully designed home was created as a “forever home” and shows what’s possible when comfort, climate and clever design come together.
You’ll hear their inspiring story of self-building, discover what makes a Passivhaus so radically different, and learn why this gold-standard approach could change the future of how we live and build. This is an exclusive ZCH members-only so spaces are limited – book now to ensure a spot and step Inside this Passivhaus. (Exact location shared nearer to the time and upon booking).
Carbon Literacy Training
11th June 2025
Dive into a full day of immersive, in-person Carbon Literacy Training on Wednesday 11th June at Starling Cafe in Harrogate. Gain the knowledge and tools to become a certified ‘Carbon Literate Citizen’ with an accredited course and drive real change.
By the end, you should feel enabled and empowered you to take climate action and provide the knowledge, skills, and confidence to act and talk to others about how we can effectively support the UK’s Net Zero target.
Zero Carbon Harrogate