Earth Day shines a spotlight on Leaside Trust

By Tina Shamuyarira, Community Development Project Manager, ELBA

This Earth Day we’re highlighting Leaside Trust, an ELBA community partner putting the 2026 theme Our Power, Our Planet into practice through tangible local action. The theme focuses on the role communities, organisations and businesses can play in creating a more sustainable future, and Leaside is a great example of what that looks like in east London.

Based on the River Lea in Hackney, Leaside has sustainability built into both its site and its programmes. Their environmental strategy focuses on energy, pollution, travel, water, nature and education. As an example, Leaside is home to 96 solar panels, generating over 19,000 kWh of renewable energy annually, and their buildings are recognised for leading progress towards net zero in a community space. In 2024, Leaside opened a net zero classroom, now used by schools, youth groups and the wider community for environmental learning and activity programmes. Leaside’s work demonstrates how community organisations can lead by example when it comes to environmental responsibility.

Leaside delivers a variety of programmes with young people and the wider community, helping people build skills, connect with green spaces and take part in practical sustainability activity. They also run specialist programmes designed to engage different groups across society, ensuring access to these opportunities is inclusive and far-reaching.

As part of Earth Day, we have several teams out on Team Challenges across east London supporting community partners on environmental and community projects, including at Leaside. These days give businesses a practical way to contribute locally while supporting organisations delivering long-term impact. The challenge work at Leaside on the River Lea is a clear example of this year’s Earth Day theme – Our Power, Our Planet – in action. And the impact to the ecosystem is immediately visible.

At Leaside, Team Challenges can include grounds and garden improvements, transformation projects across the site, and hybrid action days combining site work with water-based environmental activity. They show the direct impact volunteers can make in a single day, supporting greener spaces, healthier waterways and stronger partner organisations across east London.

To find out more about Team Challenges, please contact [email protected].

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