In 2008, the financial crisis meant that green issues were slipping down the political agenda and there was a widespread perception that going ‘green’ is for the good times and that it is difficult to maintain efforts to protect the environment whilst simultaneously growing the economy. Yet a healthy society is one in which economic, social and environmental sustainability are considered equally important. Experts assert that the ‘green economy’ has the potential to improve wellbeing and social equity whilst reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities.

We worked collaboratively to fund ten organisations under the ‘Greening the Economy’ banner to push boundaries and test new ideas. Our aim has been to create connections across disciplines and sectors, to link local projects with national think tanks and practitioners with policy-makers.