Written by Stuart Dawks, Chief Executive Officer at PECT
Each year, PECT takes a moment to pause and reflect, not just on what we’ve achieved, but to ask bigger questions. What kind of impact do we want to have next? What’s working well? And where do we need to do more, or do things differently?
With our new three-year strategy now underway, we’re drawing on everything we’ve learnt over the past 30 years while staying firmly focused on the future. It’s ambitious, grounded in our values, and shaped by the people we work with every day, our communities, partners, and brilliant team.
Here’s what we’re planning for the year ahead.
Tackling fuel poverty
The energy crisis continues to hit households hard. That’s why we’re expanding our support. Through CHESS 3 and the launch of HEART, we’re offering advice, home visits, referrals, and practical help to keep homes warm and bills manageable.
It doesn’t stop at the short-term support, it’s about long-term change. We want to trial new technologies to engage residents, including virtual reality experiences that bring low-carbon living to life. Imagine stepping inside a solar-powered home, or feeling what a heat pump does for your comfort and bills.
By helping people to see the benefits, we hope to inspire more informed, sustainable decisions.
Nature and biodiversity
Nature has always been central to PECT’s work, but in 2025, we’re going further. We’ll be moving beyond tree counts and focusing more on biodiversity, pollinator support, and ensuring daily access to quality green spaces.
Our involvement in the John Clare Countryside will continue, bringing people together to protect and enhance local habitats. From school visits and outdoor activities to citizen science and green volunteering, we’ll continue connecting people with nature in meaningful ways.
A key focus will be green social prescribing. By working with health partners and community organisations, we’ll support people to improve their wellbeing through nature, whether it’s a walk in the woods, community gardening, or simply spending more time outdoors. We believe nature should be part of everyday health.
And yes, we’ll keep planting trees—just with more emphasis on the right trees, in the right places, for the greatest environmental and community benefit.
Investing in Peterborough’s Green Wheel
One of the most exciting developments for this year is our investment in the Green Wheel. We’re using PECT’s own funds to improve signage and access, with a much bigger vision in mind. The Green Wheel is a vital asset for active travel, nature connection, and city-wide wellbeing. Our improvements are just the start.
Supporting Businesses and Schools to Lead Change
Our business areas are thriving, and each plays a role in creating more sustainable communities:
- Investors in the Environment (iiE) is helping more businesses reduce their impact. We’re continuing to develop the platform to make it easier and more effective.
- Climate Education is expanding across the region, with new tools and membership options for schools.
- ASPECT, our sustainability consultancy, is supporting organisations to go deeper in their environmental journey.
- Green Energy Switch (GES) is expanding its offer. This year, they’ll explore how they can provide broader support to residents around sustainable living, that includes advice on energy-saving technology.
Building Local Leadership and Strengthening Our Team and Governance
We’re launching a new network of community champions, local leaders who want to spark change in their neighbourhoods. (We’re still working on a name, so suggestions are welcome!) These champions will be supported with training, peer networks, and the tools to engage others.
Our people are at the heart of what we do. In 2025, we’re building a stronger, more diverse Board of Trustees, bringing in fresh ideas, lived experiences, and broader representation. If you’ve ever thought about shaping the future of environmental action, get in touch.
We’ve achieved a lot, but there’s more to do. This year is about deepening our impact, listening even more closely, and being honest about both our wins and the work still ahead.
Find out more about the work we do: