Charnwood Eco Hub
Charnwood Eco Hub is a vibrant not-for-profit community interest company based in Loughborough, Leicestershire. It provides a welcoming space for residents to meet, make, fix, create, and share sustainable ideas and resources.
The hub features three core initiatives:
- Scrapstore: A creative reuse centre offering surplus materials and offcuts from local
businesses – ideal for art, crafting, and upcycling – available at budget-friendly rates and open to
both members and day visitors. - Library of Things: A lending resource where members can borrow items—such as power tools,
gardening equipment, kitchen appliances, and party gear—helping reduce waste, save money, and
avoid unnecessary purchases - Makerspace: A community workshop environment designed to foster DIY activities, crafting, and skill
development (currently in the works)
Loughborough University and Charnwood Eco Hub have been building a strong and collaborative relationship, centred around shared values of sustainability, innovation, and community engagement. The university has already provided tangible support through a £450 community grant, which enabled the hub to purchase a smoothie bike for events and outreach activities.
In addition, the donation of a dust extractor for the makerspace has significantly improved the safety and functionality of the workshop, and will allow community members to create and learn in a better-equipped environment. These contributions highlight the university’s commitment to supporting local initiatives that encourage greener living and practical skill development.
Beyond resources, the collaboration has also been enriched through people and opportunities. A series of student volunteers have brought energy, fresh ideas, and valuable support to the hub’s activities, while staff members are now able to connect with the Eco Hub via the university’s new staff volunteering hub.
The Eco Hub is also receiving guidance to apply for a collaborative PhD project, strengthening its links with academic research and innovation. In addition, being invited to take part in sustainability-focused events on campus has given the hub greater visibility and opportunities to connect with wider networks. Finally, being included on the donor list for end-of-term clear-outs will help to reduce waste and promote reuse within the community. Together, these efforts demonstrate a growing partnership that benefits both the university and the wider Charnwood community.