About Us - Low Carbon West Oxford
Our Vision
Low Carbon West Oxford (LCWO) is a volunteer-led community organisation that empowers local residents to take practical action on climate change.
We were founded in response to the 2007 floods, when people in West Oxford came together to tackle the root causes — including climate breakdown. Today, we’re an award-winning initiative with over 400 members, supported by a dedicated Board of Trustees, project coordinators, and passionate volunteers.
Our History at a Glance
2007
Merged with West Oxford Waste Watchers and Osney Island Sustainable Group
2009
Joined with West Oxford Wildlife Group
May 2009
Became a limited company (No. 06907815)
Mar 2010
Registered as a charity (No. 1135225)
Today
Active member of the Oxfordshire CAG network
Celebrating 10 years of LCWO – river of life infographic by Transition by Design & Lisa Made It
To download and print a cope of the poster, simply click on the image and then save it.
Our Mission
We’re here to support a fair, inclusive transition to net zero — ensuring everyone in West Oxford can be part of building a greener, healthier future.
Our work focuses on:
- Helping households save energy and money
- Reducing waste and cutting traffic pollution
- Supporting sustainable food choices
- Encouraging collective climate action at the neighbourhood level
Everyone who lives or works in West Oxford is welcome to get involved — and benefit from what we do.
Our Aims
- Support a fair and inclusive transition to net zero
- Help households make energy and cost savings
- Promote sustainable food and reduce waste
- Reduce car traffic and air pollution
- Encourage residents to take action, share ideas, and inspire one another
- Collaborate with local and national organisations
- Influence policy at local, national, and global levels
- Share best practices in community-led climate action
- Urge governments and councils to act boldly on climate
What is “net zero”?
True zero means completely eliminating all CO₂e emissions, reducing them to absolute zero over time. In contrast, net zero recognises that fully eliminating emissions is often impossible, as some are unavoidable in producing goods or services. Instead, organisations reduce emissions as much as possible and then offset the remaining unavoidable portion—the gap between their reduced emissions and true zero—typically a small fraction (often under 10%) of their original levels.
How We Work
LCWO is run by local people, for local people. Our work is guided by a Board of Trustees and a Coordinating Committee, which reviews and agrees project proposals, and is supported by a Communications and Project Coordinator.
We also collaborate with other organisations through the Oxfordshire Community Action Group (CAG) network — working together to build stronger, climate-resilient communities across the county.