Balsall Heath Is Our Planet

Balsall Heath Is Our Planet is a community initiative that aims to cut the carbon emissions of our inner city neighbourhood. BHIOP is now a Company limited by guarantee (no. 6987218) and a registered charity (no. 1137720).

BHIOPs Mission is to empower people and organisations in Balsall Heath to benefit from opportunities to reduce the environmental impact of their activities.




The objectives for Balsall Heath:
1. Think global, act local – spread understanding of the limitations of the natural environment, and of relevant ways to reshape our neighbourhood, to adults and young people including schools and colleges.
2. Reduce the emission of carbon dioxide from our burning of fossil fuels, as a contribution to a low carbon Birmingham, Britain and world.
3. Identify opportunities and embody them in an action plan for an ‘eco-neighbourhood’
4. Efficiency in the use of resources – develop ways to reduce waste and use local resources within the neighbourhood
5. Help those who suffer from cold, hard-to-heat homes and fuel poverty to gain control and become comfortable at an affordable cost
6. Demonstrate the use of renewable energy sources in the area, e.g. solar power.
7. Assist community organisations to make their buildings and operations more energy efficient
8. Combat flooding and drought, e.g. by storing water
9. Help to keep the neighbourhood cool in hot weather by shading
10. Encourage low impact means of transport; walking, cycling, public transport and responsible car use
11. Reduce the problem of waste by re-use, composting or recycling, and by using wastes to make fuel/ generate energy.
12. Grow more food in gardens

Balsall Heath Is Our Planet is supported by a number of voluntary organisations active in the neighbourhood:


*Balsall Heath Church Centre – Anglican and United Reform churches
*Balsall Heath Forum for all residents of Balsall Heath neighbourhood
*CASA project provides beneifts and grants advice for people on low incomes
*CSV Environment volunteering activities in the environmental sector
*Faith & Climate Change project helps faith organisations to react positively to climate change challlenge in Birmingham and West Midlands
*Family Housing Association
*Friendship Care and Housing
*Green in Brum website networks green action in the city
*IFEES – Islamic Foundation for Ecology & Environment Sciences
*Jericho Foundation trains unemployed people and helps them into work
*Moseley & District Churches Housing Association
*Muslim Education Coordinating Committee
*St Paul’s Community Development Trust provides education, childcare, youth and training services in Balsall Heath

Contact:
John Newson is the Development Officer for BHIOP and is based at Jericho Foundation. His working hours are 9.30 – 5.30 Mon – Weds.
Tel: 0121 440 7919 ext 204
Email: BHIOP@jericho.org.uk
Post: BHIOP C/o Jericho Building, 196-197 Edward Rd, Balsall Heath, Birmingham B12 9LX

Visit the Balsall Heath Is Our Planet Blog for further details.