What are EcoTeams?

Global Action Plan's EcoTeams programme helps households to reduce their impact on the environment and to save money. EcoTeams are groups of 6-8 people who meet once a month for approximately 5 months. At each meeting, EcoTeam participants decide together on the environmental actions that they are able and willing to do at home, and share experiences of the actions they have already taken.

MPs on the Environment Audit Committee took the unusual step of visiting an EcoTeam household and taking evidence from participants. The Committee report said:
"We were impressed by the EcoTeams programme which is successfully promoting behavioural change at household level. We recommend the expansion of this programme."

What is involved?
EcoTeam participants meet to discuss choices for shopping, energy, transport and water – and you can try the ideas that appeal to you.  You also monitor how much rubbish and recycling you generate and your domestic use of energy. This shows how small changes can make a big difference to living more sustainably and reducing your bills!

How much time will it take?
About 2 hours a month, including the meetings and measurements.

Does it work?
Yes! Past teams have achieved great environmental savings. Through EcoTeams households have:

• reduced their waste by an average of 20.0%
• increased their recycling as a proportion of total waste by an average of 5.1%
• reduced their electricity consumption by an average of 7.0%
• reduced their gas/ heating energy consumption by an average of 20.8% (seasonally adjusted figures)
• reduced their direct CO₂ emissions by an average of 16.6%
• reduced their water use by an average of 14.9%

Why does it work?
By working in a group, members support each other and share ideas and experiences.  Participants gradually introduce small changes which become good habits.

Downloads

Download the Introduction to EcoTeams Guide

A full evaluation of the programme is available which gives an overview to EcoTeams including the history, evaluation and methodology and results.

Download the EcoTeams Evaluation Report

The report has 5 Appendices which are available below:

Appendix A -Example measurement sheets
Appendix B -Example EcoTeams feedback report
Appendix C -Impact mapping exercise
Appendix D -EcoTeams survey with summary results
Appendix E -DEFRA SID5 summary report

In addition, researchers from University of East Anglia (UEA) have conducted a two-year research project focussing on the EcoTeams programme as an example of a team-based action project. Their research sought to better understand the mechanisms which foster long-term behaviour change with regards to waste and recycling activities.
Download the EcoTeams Research Report

Jacqui Burgess, who led the research at UEA, presented their findings at an EcoTeams event for local authorities at Westminster Central Hall on 23rd June 2008. The event was attended by representatives of local authorities from around the country who see EcoTeams as a key tool to assist them in achieving the challenging environmental targets that are a part of their National Performance Indicators.
Download the presentation

Click here to view a short film showing interviews with local authority councillors and former EcoTeams leaders and participants discussing the benefits of EcoTeams.