Spark Change Project
In the Autumn of 2017 The Wheel, Ireland’s association of community and voluntary organisations was part of an open call to the Environmental Protection Agency ‘EPA Research – 2017 UN Sustainable Development Goals Call’.
The Wheel, in partnership with Trinity College Dublin, were successful in applying for a project titled “Piloting innovative approaches in sustainable communities towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals in Ireland”. It was one of 3 projects funded during the open call and the only one that focussed specifically on communities.
The research fellow from TCD working with The Wheel on this project is Dr Vincent Carragher. The project hopes to build on Dr Carragher’s previous work in this space, EPA report 238, “Factors that Drive the Sustainable Behaviour and Transition of Communities, Groups and Individuals”[1]
In January 2019, programme coordinators issued a call to community and voluntary organisations across Ireland to take up the Spark Change Challenge. Those who took part linked their work to relevant SDGs and tracked their progress through a series of surveys. In return, they were offered mentorship, information and access to The Wheel’s Sustainable Communities Toolkit. Throughout the challenge, 55 success stories were documented on www.sparkchange.ie
Among those who completed the challenge, impacts were recorded in the SDGs related to global human welfare, rights, solidarity and environment. The biggest impact was recorded in SDGs 3 (Good Health and
Well-being), 4 (Quality Education), 11(Sustainable Cities and Communities), 14 (Life below Water) and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Eighteen of the 39 projects that completed the challenge were nominated for the Spark Change Awards, which took place a Dublin Castle on 18 October 2019. A panel of independent judges chose a winner in each of the six categories.
In 2021, EPA published a research report based on the project, Piloting Innovative Approaches in Sustainable Communities Towards Achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in Ireland (PDF) by Dr Vincent Carragher and Hugh O’Reilly
The Wheel also published a guide for community and voluntary organisations, Lessons in Sustainable Development for Community and Voluntary Organisations (PDF)
The Spark Change website remained live until 2023. It has since been integrated into Wheel.ie as an archive, and will serve as a library of success stories that can be replicated in Irish communities in the future.
Explore Our Archive of Spark Change Success Stories...
Economic Success Stories
January 30, 2019
In your own words, tell us about your project.
I have just completed a third children's book where all net proceeds will again go to charity.
In the last 2 1/2 years more than €45,000 has been raised from sales of the first two books - The Boy who wanted a Dragon and The Return of the Dragon - almost €15,000 shared between the Blackrock Hospice and Cottage Home Child and Family Services and more than €32,500 for Temple Street Children's Hospital.
Why did you do this work?
My wife and I contribute to 10 different charities. I have written children's and adults' poems for many years and always had notions of publishing something. So why not for charity? When I hooked up with an art teacher and very talented illustrator I knew the project had legs. Then my grandson was hit with multiple respiratory viruses the Christmas before last and spent 5 days in intensive care in Temple Street. He received a fantastic level of care at a very scary time and I really wanted to say thank you in a tangible way and to give something back - thus the second book. Book number three will also be raising funds for the Temple Street Foundation.
What was the impact or outcome of your project?
Apart from raising fairly significant funds it has raised awareness of the work of the charities through school and library visits, newspaper and radio coverage and a TV appearance on Ireland A.M. Many Irish organisations are perhaps uniquely dependant to a large degree on fundraising and Irish people are generous with their support. The projects have also been very effective in explaining to young people the importance of giving and caring about others who are less fortunate.
Do you have any tips or advice for similar projects?
Creative projects where all (not just a tiny amount) goes to charity grab the attention and interest of the public. This is true particularly where an attractively presented, quality item is well priced and the buyer has the double satisfaction of purchasing a nice gift and helping a worthy cause at the same time.
Which Sustainable Development Goals does your work link to?
Goal 3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Location of Project
Dublin
June 6, 2021
In your own words, tell us about your project.
Galway Energy Co-operative aims to be an advocate to provide clean, renewable energy and services for Galway City and the surrounding area. We engage stakeholders and foster sustainable energy projects with them.
Why did you do this work?
Develop renewable energy to support climate change mitigation efforts
Democratise energy production
Develop local employment opportunities
Engage the knowledge, energy and expertise of the local community
Establish energy efficient lighthouse projects that are an exemplar to others
Drive our pilot community Westside's decarbonisation.
What was the impact or outcome of your project?
Outcomes across the city. Currently we are developing an Energy Master Plan for the city.
This is helping to guide the city councils actions.
We have engaged the Westside community and are co-designing a number of sustainable energy projects there.
Galway City Council have adopted Westside as their decarbonisation zone based on our work there.
A number of solar installations for example: https://www.facebook.com/RethinkIreland/videos/751074208884109
Working on an Interreg storage project in Galway at present called STEPS, testing and developing storage technologies so that we can support the role out of more widespread renewables: https://www.nweurope.eu/projects/project-search/steps-storage-of-energy…
Do you have any tips or advice for similar projects?
Keep in touch with lighthouse projects, they have done it before and they are an inspiration.
Which Sustainable Development Goals does your work link to?
Goal 1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere
Goal 2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
Goal 3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Goal 4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
Goal 5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
Goal 6. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
Goal 7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
Goal 8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
Goal 9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
Goal 10. Reduce inequality within and among countries
Goal 11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Goal 12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Goal 13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts*
Goal 14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable developmentve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
Goal 15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
Goal 17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development
Location of Project
Galway
Website
December 17, 2018
In your own words, tell us about your project.
The Green Kitchen Cafe and Garden Centre is a social enterprise whose primary aim is to support people with intellectual disabilities and autism into training and employment. We also operate two polytunnels in Dublin 12. These provide training opportunites for Youth Reach and produce vegetables for use in our cafe. In 2018 12% of the produce used in the cafe came from our polytunnels. With the help of GIY we plan to increse this to 20% in 2019. This will reduce the use of single use plastics and transport miles from the purchase of goods from abroad thus reducing our carbon footprint.
Our cafe has introduced composable cups for the take away trade and offers reuse cups to our regular customers free of charge.
We also provide space for eighteen local community groups who use our building every week. In addition to this we provide a premises to Dublin 12 Mens Shed and Dublin 12 Community Radio free of charge.
Why did you do this work?
We believe that we have a responsibility to build social capital in our community and to do it in a sustainable way.
Statistics show that 70% of people with intellectual disabilities will never have a paid job. We want to demonstrate that people with intellectual disabilities can make a positive contribution to their communities when given an opportunity to do so. We believe that as equal citizens, people with disabilities have the same right to work as everyone else in the community
What was the impact or outcome of your project?
Since we opened in 2014 we have supported seventy two adults with intelelctual disabilities into paid employment.
We have also supported the opening of a Mens Shed who have 45 members.
38 young adults from Crumlin Youth Reach have obtained a QQI Level 5 qualification in Bee Keeping and Horticulture.
Do you have any tips or advice for similar projects?
As a social enterprise we have to make sure that the business is profitable. In the early years the focus needs to be on creating a sustainable enterprise.
Which Sustainable Development Goals does your work link to?
Goal 3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Goal 4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
Goal 8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
Goal 9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
Goal 11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Goal 12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Location of Project
Dublin 12
https://www.facebook.com/greenkitchencafedublin/
January 3, 2019
In your own words, tell us about your project.
Using the SEAI Grant Funds KN SEC commissioned a GIS Specialist to prepare a Baseline Energy Demand Analysis for the Knocklyon Area. This was achieved by combining data from the Codema Energy Demand Analysis carried out for South Dublin County Council together with data from the 2016 National Census and provided us with a baseline from where we could start to make improvements. The main headline (estimated) outputs of this analysis were as follows:
Population - approx 15,000
Housing Stock Nos - 5,200
Housing Stock Age - 50 years to new
Estimated Annual Energy Demand (excl Transport) -104,056,000 kWh/yr
Estimated Annual Energy Cost (excl Transport) - €9.4 mill / yr
It was apparent from the Energy Demand Analysis that much of the housing stock in Knocklyon was energy inefficient and that a retrofit programme of energy-saving measures was needed. Furthermore it was felt, from attendance at various SEAI Seminars, etc that the best way to promote an Energy Retrofit or Energy Upgrade Programme was to start with a Pilot Community Project which could develop into larger projects as more Residents / Property Owners became aware of the benefits of joining in the programme.
The SEAI Grant Funds were then utilised to appoint an Energy Specialist (IHER Energy Consultants) to carry out energy assessments on 15 different house-types in the Knocklyon District whilst simultaneously identifying a suite of energy-saving retrofit measures specific to each house-type that would provide an informed basis for discussion with potential participants in a Pilot Community Retrofit Project. A sample Energy Assessment Spreadsheet with recommended energy-saving measures is attached.
In order to encourage participants and to generate a greater awareness in our Community of the need for energy-saving measures we then staged a local Energy Show in April 2018. This took place in our large St Colmcille's Primary School and consisted of part AV Presentations and part pop-up stands of relevant Companies and Agencies in the Energy Business including the SEAI. Pop-up stands included External / Internal Insulation, Thermal Windows, Solar pv Panels, Condensing Boilers, Heat Pumps, Electric Cars, etc. The Event was attended by approx 170 people and approx 70 completed Expressions of Interest (EoI) as per attachment in a Pilot Community Project of actual energy upgrades.
In terms of implementation KN SEC had the option to project-manage and deliver the Pilot Community Project itself but decided instead to enter into partnership with an established Project Management Company (REIL) and associated Energy Company (Enprova) to draw on the carbon credits, as this was our first physical works project. KN SEC then liaised with Residents in terms of supporting them during the physical works and in the case of the Community School jointly completing a lighting schedule of existing lighting fixtures.
Why did you do this work?
Knocklyon Network (KN) is a fully voluntary Not-for-Profit Agency which was set up in the largely residential Knockylon District of Templeogue, Dublin 16, during the economic downturn to facilitate "people networking" for people seeking re-employment.
More recently in 2016, KN broadened it's activities and in particular it set about responding to the widespread public concern about the huge damage to our environment being caused by the continuous use of harmful carbon-producing fossil fuels by establishing a Sustainable Energy Community (SEC) in partnership with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
An SEC is essentially a Community based vehicle envisaged and supported by the SEAI for the purpose of enabling Local Communities to embark on Energy Projects with SEAI Community Grant Assistance. Such Projects are designed to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels through implementing energy-efficiency upgrades which reduce the production of harmful carbon gases in our environment, reduce energy bills and also most importantly to promote the generation / use of sustainable clean energy (i.e. following the REDUCE / PRODUCE maxim).
In 2016 KN, formed an Energy Sub-committee (KN SEC) and having submitted it's Charter to the SEAI setting out it's aspirations in terms of promoting energy efficiency and sustainability it then applied for, and succeeded, in it's application to the SEAI for a Grant of €15k to set about the development of Energy-efficiency and Renewable Energy Generation Projects in the Knocklyon District.
What was the impact or outcome of your project?
Based on these EoIs KN SEC in consultation with the SEAI then proceeded to embark on the Pilot Community Project of physical works to deliver energy grades to a number of different house-types (for which EoI's had been received) as examplars to other potential stakeholders and combined this with a further project component for replacement of all existing lighting in our second-level St Colmcille's Community School with full LED Lighting (approx 800 lights & fittings).
Over the course of the next six months 5 houses had substantial energy upgrade works carried out such as full external wall insulation (known as External Wraps), heat pumps and complete replacement of doors and windows with more thermally efficient versions (approx value €100,000). The swap-out of Lighting in the Community School with full LED Lighting (approx value €80,000) was also completed in this period.
Do you have any tips or advice for similar projects?
In parallel with the above activities we also engaged an Energy Consultant (using the SEAI Grant) to investigate the potential for the installation of Roof Mounted PV Panels for sustainable power generation at St Colmcille's Community School. We also asked the Consultant to develop an appropriate Technical Specification tailored to the School's Energy Demands (the School is intensively used in summer months by Language Schools and is also intensively used in Evening Hours for Adult Courses). A Feasibility Study for the Roof-mounted PV Panels was completed in August 2018 and a recommendation provided regarding the most appropriate system to install.
In November KN SEC appointed a further Specialist Consultant (Energy Solutions), using the remaining SEAI Grant funds, to undertake the development of it's Energy Master Plan (EMP) which will consolidate all of our data / reports gathered to date and identify appropriate energy projects for future years as well as 2019.
Which Sustainable Development Goals does your work link to?
Goal 7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
Goal 13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts*
Location of Project
Knocklyon, Dublin 16
Website
https://www.facebook.com/KnocklyonNetwork/
June 6, 2021
In your own words, tell us about your project.
We have a number of Directors across stakeholders in Galway City. These include GMIT and NUIG.
We want the public to rethink how they consume, as waste is a resource we want to prevent (refuse) waste of valuable resource streams.
We demonstrate reuse of waste and inspire others to action.
We have a number of research projects based in NUIG.
We would like to support the less fortunate and are part of the social economy.
Rethink is a Social Enterprise (Public Benefit Entity - PBE) working in Galway on waste which in short aims to inspire sustainability action and practice in others through demonstration and provision of services.
Rethink is member of CRNI (https://crni.ie/our-members/rethink-ireland/ ). Rethink collaborates with Belgium colleagues who have developed their own unique solutions to their local waste and social issues, namely Kringwinkelhageland (click here). The 6 units of Rethink focus on rethinking consumption through: (i) a library of things, and reuse/repurposing of (ii) building materials (initially paint and sheep wool), (iii) fashion, (iv) furniture, (v) plastic, and (vi) electrical equipment.
Rethink demonstrates an innovative interdisciplinary collaboration between a range of specialist local stakeholders. Our collaborative approach seeks local, regional and national input from research organisations, enterprises and activities across the sector. This creates a mutually reinforcing environment driving resource efficiency and stimulating the circular economy. We develop a transferable model and influence and inform policy. We demonstrate and develop individual practical case study ideas and solutions which are scalable and transferable.
Why did you do this work?
Through demonstration and education (at all levels), inspiring others to action supporting their resilience and sustainability.
To enable and foster prevention of waste.
Reuse as much as possible, fix and fix again.
To enable and foster repurposing for a new life.
To operate an exemplar product store and online presence.
To develop employment and training opportunities to support those less fortunate, relieving hardship and poverty.
To collaborate with research institutions.
Safe and clean practice at our core. To prevent contact with, and recirculation of hazardous materials.
What was the impact or outcome of your project?
So some of our video links are:
1) furniture: https://fb.watch/3RZB9ZSHOs/
2) paper bowl: https://fb.watch/3RZzmiq73J/
3) fashion: https://fb.watch/3RZy2GAskZ/
4) covid buster video: https://fb.watch/3VcBWUUBBC/
5) birdfeeder video: https://fb.watch/3VcFvfrD7h/
An IRC research project with Insight in NUIG is looking at reuse of white appliances and attempting to link householders with broken appliances through a phone app with: (I) spare parts availability and costs, and (2) a local fixer to call, take, fix and return the machine.
We will soon publish a reuse directory for Galway City and County.
In the inspirational picture we provide the Artist: Isaac Cordal reflections on society’s decline and global warming as he depicts politicians meeting a little too late. Sound familiar?
Do you have any tips or advice for similar projects?
Prevent waste at all times.
Reuse what you cannot prevent.
Zero waste to landfill.
Encourage others to do likewise and check in with them to see how they are doing.
Which Sustainable Development Goals does your work link to?
Goal 1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere
Goal 2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
Goal 3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Goal 4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
Goal 5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
Goal 7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
Goal 8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
Goal 9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
Goal 10. Reduce inequality within and among countries
Goal 11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Goal 12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Goal 13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts*
Goal 14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable developmentve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
Goal 15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
Goal 17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development
Location of Project
Galway
Website
February 27, 2019
In your own words, tell us about your project.
We are a nonprofit social enterprise that trains those affected by homelessness to become walking tour guides of their neighbourhoods, empowering them with skills and a platform to tell their story.
In doing so, we offer the public an accessible and human channel to engage with the issue of homelessness, whilst giving a voice to a community that is so often talked about, rather than listened to.
Our training focuses on developing the confidence of our guides through workshops on public speaking and customer service.
Each of our tours is unique and is developed in partnership with our guides to reflect their passions and experiences.
We hope to welcome you on a Secret Street Tour soon.
Why did you do this work?
Our founder, Tom Austin, first came across the concept of homeless walking tours in Vienna. There, he heard first hand the incredible impact the tour had in building confidence and providing a sense of purpose and enjoyment for the guide.
We were inspired to bring the idea to Dublin and determined to empower our guides on their journey to independent living. Partnering with them to develop the skills they need to pursue the jobs they want.
We are equally determined to promote awareness of the issue of homelessness and provide an accessible channel for the public to become more engaged with this critical social issue.
What was the impact or outcome of your project?
Our guides develop into excellent public speakers who control their own narrative. Our first guide and co-founder, Derek McGuire, recently shared his story on stage, to a room of over 100 people. Something he couldn't have imagined doing before.
Our guides develop the skills they need for the careers they want. As a startup, we're uniquely placed to provide real-world experience in the running of a business. From sales to marketing, from service to technology, we partner with our guides to build relevant skills and experience.
As well as providing an income, our revenue model all0ws our guides to save towards long term goals that they decide on (examples include rental deposits and educational courses).
We change perceptions. We've welcome over 250 people on our tours so far and we ask them all two simple questions:
Do you feel more aware and engaged on the issue of homelessness? - 92% said yes*
Have your perceptions of homelessness changed? - 84% said yes*
*As of 26/02/19
Do you have any tips or advice for similar projects?
Start with the why. As a social enterprise, you are bound to face numerous setbacks and challenges. At those times it's important to focus on your mission and keep moving forward, however small the steps may be.
Which Sustainable Development Goals does your work link to?
Goal 4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
Goal 8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
Goal 11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Location of Project
Dublin
Website
https://www.secretstreettours.org/
Environmental Success Stories
November 20, 2018
In your own words, tell us about your project.
Some of our members from Shannon Active Retirement are involved in our local tidy towns group.
We encourage all members to be conscious of their area in relation to tidiness and to be environmentally friendly everywhere.
We get advisors to speak to our group on recycling correctly and the need to be vigilant at all times in our town. To keep it beautiful. We encourage everyone to pick up rubbish on their walks and in conjunction with our local tidy towns we join in the numerous deep clean days throughthrough the year.
Why did you do this work?
We got involved primarily for pride in our town.
What was the impact or outcome of your project?
Full co-operation between groups with the same idea.
Do you have any tips or advice for similar projects?
Community spirit is needed to drive this on and the wish to live in a clean and environmentally sound town.
Which Sustainable Development Goals does your work link to?
Goal 3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Location of Project
Shannon
December 17, 2018
In your own words, tell us about your project.
The Afforestation Project is a highly ambitious long-term project, aimed at mitigating climate change via carbon sequestration by the planting of trees on a large-scale.
Our first target is to plant 14,000,000 trees in Ireland. In order to achieve this we have created an online tree plantation platform called the 'Forest Network'. The network is composed of smaller plantation day organisational cells, individually called 'Forest HUB'. We manage our own plantations through the Forest HUB and we license this technology to other Irish forestry organisations that have the same objectives in mind, for free!
We are currently working with Easy-Treesy, a forestry organisation that we collaborated on a plantation with in December 2018. We are developing a partnership with DLR County Council for the last two years. They offered to give us land for our first large-scale tree plantation. Our operational model revolves around working closely with council employees via our dedicated plantation coordinator team. Each plantation will have it's own coordinator team to manage it. We will be working closely with community groups from Irish society which include: college societies, company workforce, schools etc. to give them the opportunity to come and plant on our plantations on a regular basis.
We are planning to launch our Forest Network to the public by the end of 2018. We aim to plant again with Easy-Treesy in January and hopefully start on our own plantation during the remainder of this planting season.
Why did you do this work?
We are doing this work because we believe that humans are capable of solving every problem, no matter how impossible it may seem before work on it begins.
We deeply care about the future of the human species which is why there is no more important cause that we could devote ourselves to.
What was the impact or outcome of your project?
Our project is still in early stages, but we have already contributed to Irish forestry in Ireland with the planting of trees in Malahide with Easy-Treesy.
When the project is over in Ireland we will significantly reduce the carbon dioxide output of the Republic of Ireland, helping the country reach it's environmental EU goals.
Most importantly, we will show how a group of regular people, without millions in funding can have a significant impact on a problem that to most appears as insolvable.
Do you have any tips or advice for similar projects?
Yes, especially when it comes to planting trees in Ireland, the most reliable way to obtain access to land and tree whips is via county councils. County councils act quite slowly and require a lot of patience and persistence, so it is important not to give up chasing after them as they are completely on board with projects such as this, just that they are very busy on a day-to-day basis.
If there is any other afforestation project ongoing in Ireland, we would love to license to you to the Forest Network, helping to make the operation run more smoothly.
Which Sustainable Development Goals does your work link to?
Goal 13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts*
Goal 15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.
Location of Project
Dublin
Website
August 13, 2019
In your own words, tell us about your project.
In May 2018 I engaged with Athboy Tidy Towns to consider developing some ideas I had in relation to plastic reduction initiatives for the town. One of these ideas was based on an Australian model called ‘Boomerang Bags.’ Using this model we established ‘Athbags.’
Our favourite aspect of this initiative is its simplicity. That is: we use preloved donated fabrics destined for recycling or landfill and turn it into beautiful functional shopping and produce bags. These bags are then distributed amongst the local community through the support of the business community and voluntary groups. The bags are displayed with an honesty box and all donations received are reinvested into the initiative.
From our launch in November 2018 we had four group members directly involved in ‘Athbags.’ Since then we have doubled our group members. We meet on the first Saturday of each month supporting our local community centre. During these meets we get busy cutting, measuring and matching fabric. We then take this prepared fabric and create our beautiful bags. This group consists of community members who all bring their own skill-sets together in an inclusive manner whilst enjoying the process over a cup of tea.
Due to community interest Athbag’s is now a conversation starter on plastic and waste awareness issues within the community. Developing from this Athbag’s has since hosted a recycling workshop in conjunction with Voice Ireland, attended by 50 residents and also hosted Athboy’s first community ‘Earth Hour’ event attended by over 40 local residents and musicians.
Why did you do this work?
Having been raised on a small farm I was acutely aware of nature in my surroundings and the impact that human activity had on that environment. My knowledge of environmental issues and impacts matured with experience over the years. More recently I found the marked increase and indiscriminate use of single use plastics horrifying.
In general consumers did not seem to be aware of this trend and its devastating effects on our planet. The BBC documentary, Blue Planet, was instrumental in increasing public awareness of the impacts of this. Therefore on a local basis our group decided to take action in a meaningful and engaging way. We wanted to be able to raise awareness and inform the public on waste issues and show how each person can actually make a difference by introducing small changes in their everyday lives.
What was the impact or outcome of your project?
Positive community engagement and changed mind-sets. 130 shopping and produce Athbag’s were made and distributed in the first few months of the initiative.
The initial investment was cost neutral primarily based on voluntary contributions from bag distribution. The Athbag’s initiative is growing in popularity with national awareness through various engagements and partnerships. This resulted in our founder joining the committee of the Meath Environmental Network. Additionally our group engages with local community groups and activities.
These include advising on projects with a local Youth Advocacy Programme (YAP), sponsoring a project in partnership with the local Foróige youth group, presenting the ICA and the local Women’s Group. We have distributed our Athbags in the local community centre and various local businesses. We have engaged and consulted with a local committee for the major Leinster Fleadh festival which will bring over 20,000 visitors to Athboy over the week-long series of events. Our focus during this festival is to advise the committee on bringing a zero waste food court to the festival.
Further afield we have engaged with Plastic Free Kinsale and Zero Waste Maynooth to share ideas and learn from each other’s strategies.
We also engaged with the Spark Change initiative. Measurable impacts include:
Reduction of use of single use plastic shopping bags with support from local businesses profiling our initiative
Local Butchers now encourage customers to bring Tupperware or containers to bring meat products home. In addition one Butcher has introduced paper wrapping in place of most plastic bags.
Refill Ireland initiative supported in local businesses encouraging town folk to use refillable water containers rather than buying disposable water bottles.
Local sustainability workshops planned to establish sustainability baselines for Athboy
Terracycle programme launch over Summer 2019.
Do you have any tips or advice for similar projects?
- Keep it simple
- Stick to your goals and objectives
- Be open to help and advice
- Get to know your group members – you never know what skillsets they have that may add to your project/
- Have fun and enjoy the journey
Which Sustainable Development Goals does your work link to?
Goal 4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
Goal 11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
Goal 12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Goal 13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts*
Goal 14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
Location of Project
Athboy, Co. Meath
Website
June 5, 2019
In your own words, tell us about your project.
Baby Market events are held nationwide with the purpose of providing a market type space for parents/carers of older children to sell on their no longer used baby, maternity and young child related items to new and expectant parents.
The circular economy in full swing. We also try to have as many not for profit information stalls at the markets with an emphasis on waste preventative products and services pertaining to babies and new parents eg Cloth Nappy Library Ireland.
Why did you do this work?
The Baby Market was founded when a gap in the market was stumbled upon by new mother Angie Nagle. Angie discovered there was no one stop shop for second hand baby goods and so set about changing this. Sustainability was the key factor at play. Angie wished to prevent endless amounts of perfectly usable baby goods going to landfill, lengthen the life span of these goods and provide a means for parents of older children to make a bit of money back while saving significant funds for new parents.
Recently charity shops have clamped down on what baby items are accepted which makes the markets all the more relevant in the sustainability stakes today.
What was the impact or outcome of your project?
Baby Market events play a role in the minimising of waste produced by babies and making the most of the equipment that has already left the shop shelves. Each event prevents waste from going to landfill.
The stigma of buying second hand is reduced as people who attend see the quality of items on offer and spread the word to their friends and family.
When possible, people attending the events can learn about the modern cloth nappy system, baby-wearing, local parenting groups, services and other baby related topics. New parents can save money by getting all the essentials for a fraction of the new cost while shopping in a much more sustainable way. The markets are a hive of social activity with parents of older children passing on invaluable advice.
Do you have any tips or advice for similar projects?
To set up similar projects successfully there are a few simple requirements.
Finding a large and accessible space with adequate parking. Knowledge of how to reach people to let them know of the event, and a desire to prevent waste!
Which Sustainable Development Goals does your work link to?
Goal 11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Goal 12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Goal 13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts*
Location of Project
Nationwide events-Cork, Dublin, Galway and more.
Website
November 21, 2018
In your own words, tell us about your project.
It has been just over a year since the Ballaghaderreen Community Garden was started. The garden is situated in the heart of the town, right next to the Duffy’s Supervalu Carpark.
Last autumn we started by clearing the land, levelling it and removing weeds. There was a small ceremony in September when we planted the first tree. We got several members of the Syrian community involved early on and it has been an honour and joy to welcome them into the community in this way. We hope the garden has been a safe and enjoyable place for them, practicing English and socialising.
Last spring we erected our poly tunnel and lay woodchip paths. We also planted a number of fruit trees and shrubs. We are increasing wildlife and promoting an interest in growing your own food and herbs.
A highlight was our opening day in early June when the Mayor of Roscommon, Orla Leyden cut the ribbon and officially opened the garden. We were also visited by Craig Benton from stopfoodwaste.ie, who gave an inspirational talk on composting and brought our worm bins to life.
The garden employs a couple of Tús workers three days a week and we are grateful as they have managed to get a lot of jobs done since their start in February.
Each Sunday afternoon members of the committee meet up with anyone who wishes to join in. This is probably the most enjoyable aspect of the project. The garden strengthens the community spirit, brings people together and teaches us all the benefits of a closer bond with nature. In the coming year the committee are hoping that more member of the community will find their way to the garden and enjoy the fun, friendship, fresh air and exercise that it brings.
Why did you do this work?
Ballaghaderreen is set in a very rural area of County Roscommon and there are issues present like high unemployment, poverty, loneliness and mental health problems. Many young people are leaving the area. We wished to combat all of the above and setting up the garden was an obvious choice.
The garden is a place where all members of society are welcome to socialize, interact and realize their potential in close contact with nature and the elements. Growing food, herbs, fruit and flowers in a kind and caring environment is proven to have a great impact on people’s health and wellbeing.
What was the impact or outcome of your project?
The project is ongoing and so far we are working with and welcoming the local early learners Playschool, Refugees from the local EROC, Secondary school TY students, the Community Service, The Brothers of Charity outreach Services, the Tús employment Scheme and many members of the local community.
In future we are planning to have poetry readings, music and dance events, courses and talks on subjects relating to gardening, sustainable food production and wildlife preservation. We are also planning to reach many more groups in the community.
Do you have any tips or advice for similar projects?
Just get started! If you have an idea for a similar project in your area, get a number of likeminded people, set up a committee and start working.
In the beginning you will have a lot of work to do with securing a suitable plot, accessing funding, getting insurance, making a plan and design and so forth, but quite soon the administration and planning side of things gets easier and you can concentrate on getting stuck in.
You will find that it is all worth it when you see the impact the garden will have on members of your local community. We meet up each Sunday afternoon and it is always a fun and rewarding experience, with lots of laughter and many cups of tea.
Which Sustainable Development Goals does your work link to?
Goal 2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
Goal 3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Goal 4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
Goal 5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
Goal 8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
Goal 10. Reduce inequality within and among countries
Goal 11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Goal 12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Goal 13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts*
Goal 15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
Goal 16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.
Location of Project
Next to Supervalu carpark, Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon
February 18, 2019
In your own words, tell us about your project.
Our project is called Biophilia - The Biophilia hypothesis suggests that there is an instinctive bond between human beings and other living systems. By encouraging our connection with nature, we aim to create the conditions by which our Community cares for the environment, while also reaping the positive effects of wellbeing by connecting with nature.
Our first step was to create a green environment around our office. For this, the CSR team came in on sunny Saturday morning and re-potted over 50 plants into new colourful new pots and placed them around the office space. Our next step was to improve our waste management policy by offering a compost bin, along with glass, recycling, and general waste bins.
Single-use plastic is an issue of concern to our project. To address this, everyone in the office received a reusable cup. We also replaced the plastic cups in the water coolers for compostable cups.
Why did you do this work?
We’re doing this work as part of our commitment to our CSR Programme. The Environment is one of the pillars in our CSR Programme, along with our Employees and Community pillars. Our Biophilia project allows us to connect our three pillars as it creates a community that cares for the environment, while also placing strong emphasis on our wellbeing. Waste and in particular single-use plastics are at the top of our agenda since data was released last year showing Ireland as Europe’s biggest polluter, producing 61kg of plastic waste per person each year (well above the average of 31kg for the rest of Europe).
What was the impact or outcome of your project?
One of the impacts of our project was to get everyone at work to notice the greenery around their desks and the positive effects this can on our working space. A number of them took ownership of the plant next to them and have been watering and caring for it since the summer of 2018.
Our waste management policy had also a positive effect on our community, in particular the introduction of our compost bin. We noticed that our people not only were using the compost bin correctly, but also told us how easy it was to compost and thus do more for the environment.
Introducing measures to reduce single-use plastics in our office is encouraging many of us to use reusable cups (e.g. keep-cups).
Do you have any tips or advice for similar projects?
Our project is still in its infancy so we’re learning along the way. However, some important advice that we could impart is to always furnish people with as much information as you can for any sort of action you’d like to implement.
Always provide reasons for doing so because at the end of the day, we all have free will and people will act according to what resonates with them.
Which Sustainable Development Goals does your work link to?
Goal 3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Goal 12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Goal 17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.
Location of Project
Cantor Fitzgerald Ireland, 75 St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2
November 19, 2018
In your own words, tell us about your project.
Birdhill Energy Team is one of the founding members of Energy Communities Tipperary Co-operative (ECTC). As a group, we access grants annually to carry out retrofitting works on homes & community buildings. These works to date have included attic, cavity & external insulation, wood burning stoves, condensing boilers, heat pumps, chimney draught limiters, heat pumps, wood log gasification boiler & solar panels.
Each year our team holds a Road Show where we involve contractors from previous years, BER assessors, householders who have availed of the grants previously, Credit Union staff & demonstrations of new technology.
From the initial work in Birdhill in the first year, the feedback was very positive. The local Community Hall completed works involving attic insulation, zoned heating, boiler flushing, new windows & doors and LED lighting. The comfort that ensued from those works has increased the use of the Hall for activities & has thus increased revenue generation - a win-win. The chat amongst locals about the changes resulted in conversations about energy efficiency in homes & the benefits to both pocket & person.
Why did you do this work?
We heard about a pilot project in North Tipperary under the SEAI Better Energy Community Scheme and with the assistance of North Tipperary Leader Partnership we started a local project.
Many of us were involved in sustainability through the Tidy Towns Committee & also in our personal lives & knew we could assist householders interested in making their homes energy efficient.
We knew we had the capabilities to support householders interested in partaking by:
- Our availability within the community
- Passing on knowledge on how to reduce energy costs
- Outlining the smaller cost actions householders can take e.g. letterbox draught excluders, radiator reflectors, LED lighting, reducing thermostats etc.
- Discretion exercised when householders are availing of grants
- Offering advice & answers to questions in private
- Preparing the documentation for grants
- Liaising with assigned local contractors
- Problem solving any hurdles
What was the impact or outcome of your project?
In the past 5 years, the co-operative has retrofitted over 600 homes & community buildings with the spend in excess of €6 million & saved almost 4 million kilowatts.
Householders involved at the beginning have been our greatest advocates. They have made their homes available for viewing especially those where newer technology was used e.g. one community member installed a wood log gasification boiler while others had external insulation fitted. It is much easier to convince people of the merits of an energy saving measure when they can see it in action.
Our involvement in the co-operative has allowed us to do the following:
- Install solar lights in the Community Park, Information Kiosk & Children’s Playhouse
- Purchase 10 Energy Monitors for free hire in the Community
- Replacement of dilapidated street furniture with recycled plastic seating
- Do you have any tips or advice for similar projects?
- Start with small ideas & build slowly
- Try to engage the local schools
- Partner with other groups who have similar goals e.g. Tidy Towns, Men's Sheds, Housing Co-operatives/Charities, GIY, Green Businesses etc
- Talk to other groups who have done similar schemes as this will save making some mistakes
Be sure to remember Word of Mouth is critical!
Which Sustainable Development Goals does your work link to?
Goal 7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
Location of Project
Birdhill, Co. Tipperary
Website
June 14, 2019
In your own words, tell us about your project.
PLASTIC – THE SNAKE OF OUR TIME!
We have constructed a snake made from single-use plastic by children from the local area of Dublin 8.
On 4 April at 18.45 guests came to witness the arrival of the snake, carried aloft by the creators.
More than 8 million tonnes of plastic are dumped in our oceans every year....we are literally drowning in plastic!
Young people in Dublin 8 collected lunch wrappers and snacks in the evening from ONE DAY in their classrooms and projects.
They created the Plastic Snake – more than 30ft long!
Not only did the young people look at the problem – they looked at solutions.
THIS WAS A CALL TO ACTION FOR YOU
‘Use glass cups, or bamboo, WE can cut out plastic, so can YOU!’
Extract from ‘PLASTIC’, a musical composition by Eoghan Desmond, commissioned especially for the project.
For your copy of the sheet music and more information on the project, please email community@stpatrickscathedral.ie
Why did you do this work?
Single-Use Plastic - Massive Volumes!
In response to the enormous volumes of single use plastic being generated in our communities we felt duty-bound to act. We engaged the local schools and youth projects, and the initiative even made the Six One RTE news! The news2day crew came to view the creation in Francis Street CBS school and interviewed the young people who were involved.
What was the impact or outcome of your project?
Further action
Young people who participated are making better choices and influencing their families
DEIS school lunch packaging choices are being reviewed
Local Scouting groups have initiated an eco-project
Internally in the Cathedral we are exploring our own policies on consumption and looking for alternatives
We held a community electrical recycling day in partnership with DCC, RecycleIT, The Iveagh Trust
We organised a substantial Community Clean-Up Day and had more than 100 people take part
We celebrated with an energetic Street Feast with a sustainable focus.
Do you have any tips or advice for similar projects?
Lots of energy!
Which Sustainable Development Goals does your work link to?
Goal 12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Location of Project
The Cabbage Quarter, Dublin 8
Website
October 3, 2018
In your own words, tell us about your project.
Claremorris and Western District Energy Co-Operative was founded in 2015 by a number of Claremorris people. Located on the Ballyhaunis Road, the Co-Op was founded to develop community owned renewable energy, supporting communities and addressing climate change in the West of Ireland. With over 50 members, the Co-op are currently engaged on a voluntary basis to support the Claremorris community and other communities in the transition to the low carbon economy, while contributing to national policy.
In 2016, the Co-Op won the Innovation award with Gas Networks. The project which is still on-going, promotes and accommodate an environment of innovation in the renewable industry. Working with Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) and the Renewable Gas Forum (RGFI), the Co-Op promoted renewable gas generation and the benefits to the agricultural, domestic and commercial sectors while illustrating the positive contribution to climate change.
The Co-Op to visited over 45 groups ranging from schools, public and private organisations over the last 2 years, including demonstrating the benefits of community owned renewable energy at the ploughing championships highlighting the impact of climate change. The co-op are actively involved in three Interreg projects, GENCOMM (development of sites using different resources (wind, solar PV, biogas) incorporating hydrogen storage, and transformation to different end products (fuel for fuel cell vehicles, electricity, biomethane). GREBE (develop renewable energy (RE) business opportunities provided by extreme conditions) and Community-based Virtual Power Plant (cVPP)’. A model of radical decarbonisation based on empowerment of low-carbon community driven energy initiatives.
In 2018, the Co-Op developed a cost-effective solution allowing the Co-Operative to update on a daily basis the community energy usage through 3D technology. It presents a visual impact on the communities carbon footprint, supporting potential for community initiatives. The co-op have openly agreed to offer.
Why did you do this work?
The Co-Op believe we can become self-sufficient through the use of renewable energy technologies including energy crops, solar, wind energy etc. We believe communities should be empowered and take responsibility. The key barrier to entry for any voluntary group is access to information and funding. Empowering knowledge, opens the mind to new and exciting opportunities which in turn pushes the door open to confidently raising funding. Immediately socio-economic benefits to be seen by the communities who then push on to achieve their goals.
By the fact we are now involved in European led programmes developing technologies for the future, national based initiatives, building capabilities to develop self-sustainable capabilities and local development, we can confidently engage with communities from local schools to societies etc . In the face of adversity, the co-operative has succeeded to help communities question the future use of fossil fuels and the possible transition to a cleaner, greener and renewable future. But what stands out further, is the willingness of the co-operative to work and support other communities through its "learning by doing" philosophy.
The Co-Operative have excelled in building a credible and innovative group in the West of Ireland to promote the transition to renewable energy. The individuals involved not only invested their time but also initially gave their own funds to get the entity up and running. Our ability to work with groups such as the SEAI, GNI, Clan Credo, GMIT, NUIG, Mayo County Council, LEO, Tipperary Energy, and beyond highlights the long term commitment to our community. It amazing to see the group grow.
What was the impact or outcome of your project?
On one of our school visits, we were honoured to have Friends of the Earth and Duncan Steward join us. The impact of seeing young children proceed to inform Duncan on the potential uses of organic waste was invigorating. Their willingness to engage and learn was wonderful.
On one of our voluntary community visits, actively promoting Sustainable Energy Communities. A one hour planned visit turned into a four hour, seven cups of tea, discussion on the possibilities of doing something positive for generations to come.
Presenting the impact of communities taking ownership and responsibility for our own energy usage to the Renewable Gas Forum Ireland, who represent over 200 commercial and industrial companies from Glanbia to Diageo, we were asked to return and join the board of directors. Our role is to help educate and involve communities in the development of renewable gas for communities. We are now working with the larger industries supporting groups such as the RGFI but also expanding our abilities to support groups like the farming community.
When we started the co-operative, the general perception of the co-op was a group doing nothing for the sake of nothing. However as time moved on and with projects such as our 3D projects, our involvement in European based research, our goals to reduce our carbon footprint for the good of generations to come, we are now considered as a Energy Co-Operative doing something for the good of our home town Claremorris. We still have a long way to go and many climate change doubters to convince but baby steps have progressed to toddler steps.
“Don’t fear failure, fear being in the exact same place next year as you are today”.
Do you have any tips or advice for similar projects?
Believe in what you represent, believe in your team, believe you can make a difference, lean on other groups for support and most importantly make a difference.
The vision and sheer determination to build any progressive community group in Ireland, can never be underestimated.
Location of Project
Claremorris, Co. Mayo
Website
October 9, 2018
In your own words, tell us about your project.
We are a community owned energy cooperative representing the 3 Aran Islands. Life membership is open to all residents for €100. The cooperative is non-profit with all of the benefits going back into the community.
Our aim is to make the 3 islands fossil-fuel-free using green energy generated on the islands and owned by the cooperative.
Our project involves upgrading and retrofitting homes and buildings; introducing electric cars and buses; encouraging households to instal heat pumps, photovoltaic and battery storage; generating electricity locally; being partners on numerous EU funded research projects; making the Aran Islands an Energy Research Hub; creating new employment opportunities in the energy field; running Energy Tours on the islands.
Why did you do this work?
The Aran Islands are famous for being self-sufficient. In the past, people sourced all of their food locally from land and sea, the built their houses of local materials, built their own boats, made their own clothes. Their energy source was turf brought in from the mainland in return for salted fish.
The Energy Cooperative developed out of the Development Cooperative Comharchumann Forbartha Árann. A sub committee called the ‘Energy Committee’ worked for many years on this project before establishing the energy cooperative.
We islanders believe in our ability to be self-sufficient again in a sustainable way, see it as a necessity given the reality of climate change, and take pride in working towards those aims.
What was the impact or outcome of your project?
50% of the houses have had some energy related retrofitting done since 2012.
A number of buildings now operating fossil-fuel-free.
10 electric cars on Inis Mor.
Up to 100 buildings now have heat pumps and photovoltaic panels.
Involved at present in 4 EU funded projects (H2020 and InterReg).
Now employing 1 person (not on a government scheme).
Produced an Energy Master Plan
Conduct Energy Tours on Inis Mor
Do you have any tips or advice for similar projects?
A committee will only work well if the aims and objectives are clear and unanimously agreed from the beginning.
A committee works best if it has one or more people who are champions and who will do whatever it takes.
Networking with outside agencies, businesses, third level colleges, and other SECs is essential for gaining support.
Location of Project
Aran Islands, Galway
Website
November 9, 2018
In your own words, tell us about your project.
The rural parish of Drombane Upperchurch has a population of 1300 approx. and has been in the forefront of Community-led self-help programmes and projects since the early 1990’s when a parish Development Council was formed.
In 2009/2010 a desire to stimulate economic activity in the parish came to the forefront and through the LEADER project and support from Garoid Fitzgibbon a community development officer with North Tipperary LEADER Partnership and with the assistance of Tipperary Energy Agency (TEA) the Drombane Upperchurch Energy Team (DUET) was formed.
DUET struggling to decide whether to develop and generate electricity or take on other energy-saving projects in the community. Through a survey conducted throughout the parish, it was found that significant cost savings could be made by securing grants from SEAI and retrofitting homes throughout the parish.
The DUET team engaged in an initial project and retrofitted 22 homes 2011. Since then we have been instrumental in securing funding from SEAI and retrofitted a significant number of homes.
The DUET project has been innovative in its approach and has been recognized for its social, environmental and community benefits throughout Ireland and Europe.
DUET has evolved from one community project into 12 communities across Co. Tipperary, known as Energy Communities Tipperary Co-operative (ECTC). ECTC has completed a number of projects, one of which was in the region of €3.8 million, €3.2 million was a grant from SEAI, across Co Tipperary.
DUET has seen significant social and economic benefits to householders who have retrofitted their homes. We have seen increased employment within the area as a direct result of the project.
DUET had won a number of awards since 2104 and has been nominated for a European sustainable/environment award in 2015.
DUET has hosted information seminars for communities across Ireland and European.
Why did you do this work?
DUET is aiming to reduce the amount of money leaving our local economy in the form of energy and fuel bills every year. The steps to do this are basic enough in the form of better insulation in our homes. The less energy we use to heat our homes, the less we have to spent heating them.
The Energy Survey conducted in 2009/2010 found:
- €1,000,000 per year spent on energy within the parish.
- €1000 per person on average.
- €2,500 per household per year on average.
- A 25% reduction in energy usage could save the parish €250,000
- 60% (200 out of 349) cited financial savings as their most important reason for investing in energy efficiency.
This has prompted the efforts of our volunteer group to become a sustainable community.
The social impact within the community has seen householders receive huge reductions in their heating bills. This cost saving has seen a huge social and physical benefit to those who availed in the scheme.
DUET is undertaking a visibility study on a hydro generation of electricity within the community. The objective is to move forward to a energy efficiency and sustainability community.
DUET seeks to empower householders to benefit for grants provided to reduce the communities carbon footprint, to avail of opportunities from developing community-based organizations such as CRESS and Community Power to become more sustainable and eco-friendly.
DUET endeavors to benefits our community and country by moving toward an energy efficient community.
We have a belief that we can make a difference “One person can make a difference, and everyone should try.” John F. Kennedy. We will continue to inspire others to try.
What was the impact or outcome of your project?
DEUT has seen over well over 100 home retrofitted since 2012.
Drombane Upperchurch is more energy efficient than ever and boasts significantly reduced imports of oil and fossil fuels for its energy needs.
Some 80% of those initial surveyed in 2011 would not have completed any energy upgrades except for the community project.
A significant number within the community have gone on to complete energy-saving upgrades independently, an outcome of the increased awareness of energy efficiency at a local level.
The sale of Energy Savings is a great boost to community groups where fundraising is difficult. These funds have been reinvested in other community energy initiatives in the future.
The DUET scheme found added benefits in the selection of local contractors to carry out the work. DUET has seen a minimum of 68 people employed directly in 2014 across 4 community projects. With the addition of 6 other communities and another contractor, that figure has significantly increased.
Cost saving was only a start, with increased insolation and the deeper retrofit in recent years has seen a higher economic and social impact within the community. DUET has seen significant carbon reduction across the communities involved in the projects.
In an interview with one of the householders, they commented 'we can't believe the difference the work has made to our house. It is warmer and easy to heat. It took us a while to get use to not burning as much fuel. We had to leave all the doors open it got that hot' report 2013.
Do you have any tips or advice for similar projects?
Harness the talents of the people in your community.
Allow people to use the talents to benefit the community.
Nurture the skills of the people in your community.
Encourage people with certain technical skills to join the committee advising on technical issues.
Allow diversity within the committee. Encourage discussion and consensus within the group.
Which Sustainable Development Goals does your work link to?
Goal 3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Goal 7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
Goal 8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
Goal 13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts*
Location of Project
Drumbane Upperchurch Thurles Co Tipperary
https://www.facebook.com/DUEnergy/?notif_id=1539900677358386¬if_t=pa…
November 12, 2020
In your own words, tell us about your project.
We are planting 1 million trees with Ireland's 1m school children on public lands by twenty twenty TREE as a Climate Action. We are part of the Plant-for-the-Planet international UNIPEDE-backed trillion-tree project. We are funded through local authorities and donations as well as through business and individual sponsorship.
Why did you do this work?
It is necessary due to the climate and biodiversity crisis. It is Volun-TREE lead by a teacher registered at primary and second level with a background in educational administration on the Education and Training Board (formerly VEC) and a long career specialising in primary environmental education.
What was the impact or outcome of your project?
Trees, glorious trees, so far 15,564 - Halloween 2019 - with 30,000 more to be planted during national Science Week.
Do you have any tips or advice for similar projects?
Stop talking start planting.
Which Sustainable Development Goals does your work link to?
Goal 1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere
Goal 2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
Goal 3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Goal 4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
Goal 5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
Goal 6. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
Goal 7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
Goal 8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
Goal 9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
Goal 10. Reduce inequality within and among countries
Goal 11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Goal 12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Goal 13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts*
Goal 14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable developmentve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
Goal 15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
Goal 16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
Goal 17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.
Location of Project
All-Ireland
Website
December 14, 2018
In your own words, tell us about your project.
The Edible Landscape Project (ELP) is an education and training initiative based in Westport, Co. Mayo. We provide the tools and resources to strengthen community resilience to the effects of climate change by teaching local groups how to grow and consume food in an environmentally sustainable way, using sustainable land management practices. These practices include improving local food security. better biodiversity management, as well as sustainable soil and water management techniques.
ELP has 4 key approaches:
- Communication - Facebook, Twitter, Website
- Education & Training - (*)Workshops, Seminars, Talks, Walks
- Research - Validating ELP's work at University Level (under development)
- Partnerships - Under development.
Through these 4 approaches we encourage both large scale landowners - local authorities, schools, universities and farmers - to small scale domestic gardeners, to practice Edible Landscape sustainable land management techniques.
Why did you do this work?
To improve climate resilience at a community level by the following means:
Increased local levels of PLANTING for climate change resilience. Throughout ELP workshops the Agroforestry/ Sustainable Horticulture ethos is adhered to which means:
Increased planting of edible trees, shrubs and perennials locally helps organic matter build-up and soil sequestration promoting food soil bacteria/ fungi/ other soil micro-organisms
Sustainable use of natural resources – dramatically reduce volumes of pesticides, herbicides, fertilisers so less harm to birds/ bees/ all wildlife
The use of local and heritage plants. Teaching people to value local species of plants. These protect local biodiversity as they support much higher levels of native species of wildlife than non-native plants. This in turn helps in the fight against climate change.
Increased numbers of local PEOPLE understanding how to manage climate resilience locally by :
Equipping participants with the necessary skills and confidence to easily and simply grow their own long-term sources of food using plants which support local biodiversity, without the need for any form of chemical pesticide, herbicide, fungicide or chemical fertiliser.
Planting for climate change resilience and keeping PROFITS local:
Teaching participants the importance of buying locally - both food and plants - to alleviate air miles in the fight against climate change. Buying local also supports the local economy and local jobs.
What was the impact or outcome of your project?
Influencing behavioural change to more environmentally sustainable practices
Improved local biodiversity levels/ encouraging less food miles among the local community
Improved local food security- equipping participants with skills needed to grow long term sources of food
Mental and physical health improvements for participants as they team up designing and planting an edible garden
Embedding the idea of the sustainable use of local resources - demonstrating that chemicals are not necessary to grow food
Teaching planting techniques which can be replicated in participants gardens improving the soil locally
Do you have any tips or advice for similar projects?
There's no time to think or talk about climate change anymore.
It's time to ACT. Get a group together and start planting...
Which Sustainable Development Goals does your work link to?
Goal 2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
Goal 3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Goal 5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
Goal 9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
Goal 10. Reduce inequality within and among countries
Goal 11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Goal 12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Goal 13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts*
Goal 15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
Goal 17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.
Location of Project
Westport, Co. Mayo
Website
October 3, 2018
In your own words, tell us about your project.
The Gab is a community committed to the practice and preservation of the oral tradition of storytelling as well as the development of storytelling as a contemporary art. We have a regular monthly event called The Gab Mixtape.
The Gab Mixtape is an entertaining evening of storytelling where tellers perfect their skills in an informal, positive environment through story, song and poem where the spotlight is very much on the art of storytelling.
As well as the Mixtape we hold special events throughout the year including competitions, workshops and custom events for festivals like Cork Midsummer, Heritage week, Culture night etc.
Why did you do this work?
I started The Gab because I love storytelling and event management. At the time there was no regular storytelling event in Cork that I knew of. There was plenty comedy, music, theatre, poetry etc but nothing that highlighted storytelling.
What was the impact or outcome of your project?
The inaugural gathering of The Gab Mixtape took place in Coughlan's on the 30th June 2016. One attendee described it as " ... much more than storytelling. It is entertaining, philosophical, mystical, musical and memorable."
The crowd demanded more and The Gab has had a storytelling related event on a voluntary basis every month since then. The monthly Mixtape is the staple but there have also been workshops, special events, competitions and much more in the pipeline.
Another storytelling group, Cork Yarnspinners, which had ceased meeting in 2015 is now relaunched and meets once a month. Between Cork Yarnspinners and The Gab there is a storytelling event every 2 weeks in Cork.
Do you have any tips or advice for similar projects?
If you have a good idea, get it out to the public/your audience as quickly as possible in prototype format, get feedback, improve the quality based on the feedback and begin the process again improving each time. Don’t wait for perfection, it doesn’t exist.
Location of Project
Cork
June 6, 2021
In your own words, tell us about your project.
Galway Energy Co-operative aims to be an advocate to provide clean, renewable energy and services for Galway City and the surrounding area. We engage stakeholders and foster sustainable energy projects with them.
Why did you do this work?
Develop renewable energy to support climate change mitigation efforts
Democratise energy production
Develop local employment opportunities
Engage the knowledge, energy and expertise of the local community
Establish energy efficient lighthouse projects that are an exemplar to others
Drive our pilot community Westside's decarbonisation.
What was the impact or outcome of your project?
Outcomes across the city. Currently we are developing an Energy Master Plan for the city.
This is helping to guide the city councils actions.
We have engaged the Westside community and are co-designing a number of sustainable energy projects there.
Galway City Council have adopted Westside as their decarbonisation zone based on our work there.
A number of solar installations for example: https://www.facebook.com/RethinkIreland/videos/751074208884109
Working on an Interreg storage project in Galway at present called STEPS, testing and developing storage technologies so that we can support the role out of more widespread renewables: https://www.nweurope.eu/projects/project-search/steps-storage-of-energy…
Do you have any tips or advice for similar projects?
Keep in touch with lighthouse projects, they have done it before and they are an inspiration.
Which Sustainable Development Goals does your work link to?
Goal 1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere
Goal 2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
Goal 3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Goal 4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
Goal 5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
Goal 6. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
Goal 7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
Goal 8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
Goal 9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
Goal 10. Reduce inequality within and among countries
Goal 11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Goal 12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Goal 13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts*
Goal 14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable developmentve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
Goal 15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
Goal 17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.
Location of Project
Galway
Website
January 16, 2019
In your own words, tell us about your project.
We are a community project led by 6th Class students from Greystones Educate Together National School. Our aim is to make our town plastic-straw-free by encouraging business owners to think about the impact of plastic straws on the environment, especially as we live in a beautiful seaside town. We are advocating for businesses to consider alternatives to plastic straws and encouraging our fellow students and community members to #stopsucking.
Why did you do this work?
A group of us were sitting in a well-known coffee shop on town one day last year and saw a big fat tub stuffed with plastic straws on the counter for anyone to take. It seemed like madness! We wanted to make a change once we began to notice that so many cafes and pubs and restaurants were serving single use plastic straws.
What was the impact or outcome of your project?
Our project is on-going. We have had some successes with businesses changing over to compostable or paper straws and removing straws from counter tops. We have lots to do still and aim to make our town plastic straw free by summer 2019!
Do you have any tips or advice for similar projects?
We would encourage other schools and youth groups to consider running similar projects around the country. Get together, come up with some ideas, look around your community for support and be the change!!
Which Sustainable Development Goals does your work link to?
Goal 14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable developmentve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
Location of Project
Greystones, Co. Wicklow
July 22, 2019
In your own words, tell us about your project.
Kilanerin Ballyfad Community Development Association joined the Sustainable Energy Community (SEC) element of SEAI Sept, 2018. After establishing a leadership team, one of the next steps was to start raising awareness across the community about the SEC specifically and sustainability more broadly.
The idea of hosting a Sustainability Fair took shape as one way to bring information in a format that would also be a fun, family day out.
We started out with a simple vision—let’s bring together the people we know who know something about this topic of sustainability.
Let’s see how we can best organize an event that will encourage whole families, multiple generations, to come out.
Let’s see if we can offer a wide variety of topics and information; so wide that everyone who comes will be able to find JUST ONE THING that they might do differently, add to their ‘kit bag’ of what’s possible for 'me' to help the environment.
Let’s not LECTURE OR TELL PEOPLE what they must do; let’s suggest --- take away JUST ONE THING that you are willing to do within your life / your home / your family / JUST ONE THING, start there.
The impact in the community is building, we are now in the midst of creating our Energy Master Plan. We have over 300 households who have completed and returned an energy survey for their home. This is 25% of the households in our catchment area. I'm told this a very strong result (and we are not quite finished!) for a survey.
We high hopes for continuing this work with strong participation and we see a bright future of energy savings and possible renewables coming into place across our rural, farming community.
Why did you do this work?
When I came to Kilanerin, March 2018 I had recently left fulltime employment and wanted to engage in the area where I live. So, through the jigs and the reels, I came to join Tidy Towns and take up the mantle for Sustainable Waste & Resource Management. In researching for that, I found the SEAI - SEC. Took the concept to the development group in the village and with a 'yes' from them, I became chair of the leadership group.
I participated in the very first Earth Day in the US when I was in secondary school and from that day to this, the environment, the world we have to live in and how we care for it has been a thread sown deeply in my core. Do I have a solid 30+ year record in this area? No. My career led me to accumulate a carbon footprint that I am not likely to overcome. However, I now have the time to attend to the thread sown deeply in my core. This work, all the many elements of it surely will be something I do for many years to come.
Why did I do this work? Because I am fortunate to be able to spend time this way; because I have sufficient commercial background to be able to work within the grant and consultant and community sphere; because it is work that needs to be attended to by as many able people as possible. I am one - taking one step at a time, learning as I go, considering success as the ability to impact positively as many people in this community as possible. Through awareness, bringing tangible change options forward for households to consider, being in the queue, at the front, for grants to make the work needed possible.
What was the impact or outcome of your project?
The impact in the community is building, we are now in the midst of creating our Energy Master Plan. We have over 300 households who have completed and returned an energy survey for their home. This is 25% of the households in our catchment area. I'm told this a very strong result (and we are not quite finished!) for a survey.
We high hopes for continuing this work with strong participation and we see a bright future of energy savings and possible renewables coming into place across our rural, farming community.
On a day to day basis, people are talking about PLASTIC and how to reduce its use in their home; SINGLE USE items and how they work to avoid them; light bulbs, heating controls, heat pumps, solar electric -- these are part of the conversation.
Not that the Sustainability Fair brought them to everyone, we have homes and farms taking good advantage of what's on offer to reduce the use of fossil fuels. The Sustainability Fair brought the community together to see, hear and learn more about what's happening, what's possible and more -- all in a neighbourhood space, with family and neighbours attending.
The Sustainability Fair is billed as 'First in Wexford'. The pride that comes with being in a leading position with something like climate change, sustainability, renewables, and all that is encompassed in this, that is a pride we take to heart in this community. The numbers who attended were massive for a small rural area of North Wexford, the generations who came together was great to see and the openness to what's possible, what changes can make a difference in a home brought hope to the hearts of those of us who brought the fair to reality.
Do you have any tips or advice for similar projects?
Awareness raising is not a one off project. We view the fair as the cornerstone and from its start, we are continuing with a Seminar Series, pushing our SEC to keep moving forward. There are a few items we think worked well and would recommend other groups to be sure to consider.
We used a wide array of ways to reach our community:
- First we created a logo for the SEC:
- We used the logo consistently. We also kept our message simple and consistent throughout the lead-up to the event:
- Meet locals in wide ranging elements of sustainability in business. From energy efficiency and re-newables to food and farming; test drive an electric vehicle; calculate your carbon footprint. Hear from experts in their fields – Learn about grants for home energy work. Demonstrations and games for the younger set. Events for all ages. Come along for a bit of fun & see what’s possible
- Broad distribution of our message – social media, print, radio, word of mouth
- Facebook Pages of the Community Centre, GAA
- Instagram for Development Group
- Websites for the Community, the Tidy Towns
- Twitter – we set up an account and linked up with as many of the local accounts as possible to broaden our reach
- We had several articles in the Gorey Guardian about what was coming and after the event, how it went off, etc
- We had a slot on SE Radio on an interview show to talk about value of attending the day
- We sent flyers out at the schools and throughout the neighbourhoods
- We had large posters out on the key roads to remind and direct people to the event
- Schools and churches supported and sent message out
- Awareness raising requires Awareness building!
Which Sustainable Development Goals does your work link to?
Goal 7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
Goal 8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
Goal 12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Goal 13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts*
Goal 15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.
Location of Project
Kilanerin-Ballyfad area - North Wexford
Website
http://kilanerin.com/kilanerin-sustainable-energy-community/
January 30, 2019
In your own words, tell us about your project.
In 1875 the Presentation Sisters of the South West Province of Ireland were invited into the Parish of Lixnaw, North Co. Kerry by a local wealthy land owner. Lixnaw or "Leic Snámha" in Irish means floating flag (as in flag stones). It is one of these 20 flags that is home to the 'Sisters Bog'. Having accepted the invitation to educate the children of the tenant farmers who worked the surrounding land the Sisters were offered just over 20 acres of “bog”.
In this way it was explained that the neither the Sisters in the convent nor the children in the school would be cold. The Sisters are still a part of the fabric of Lixnaw but have decided in 2012 to gift the bog back to Mother Earth by allowing it to go fallow. This involved explanations and negotiations with local farmers who for generations had harvested turf from this parcel of bog. At one stage machine cutters were used on this raised bog. The Sisters in understanding their responsibilities to all in respect of Climate Change began the task of conserving and preserving this bog. Being outside the areas of "designated conservation status" meant that all costs were and are borne by the Presentation Sisters of the South West Province. The first steps were to engage those who had some expertise in the management and conservation of bogs. This meant identifying the weaknesses of the bog and once fenced off it was rested from all human ingress allowing only the small animals in to nest and this offered the chance to long absent species of bog plants and animals to take hold in what would become a wetter bog and therefore a healthier bog.
Why did you do this work?
The need to confer "Preservation Status" on this parcel of bog in Lixnaw arose in 2012 when the Presentation Sisters moved take a stand on their Climate Change responsibilities. The Sisters explained that their restored bog would be their contribution to a better Lixnaw, a better Ireland and indeed a better planet once rested and managed sustainably.
It is only in more recent times, encouraged by the publication of Laudato Si by Pope Francis, that others can see and understand the delicate and true thread of connection of all of creation. There was concern about why the Sisters were moving in this new direction of not just allowing the bog go fallow but working to ensure that the bog would recover as quickly as possible. This recovery could be measured in the increased biodiversity that has followed in the “managed” recovery. The rested bog gives pause to all to consider their connectedness with nature, to examine our link to our environment more closely and with a greater understanding than might have been the case previously.
The rejuvenation of the bog enhanced our understanding of our connection and place in our environment. It also gives us an insight into our ability to make a difference, to improve a situation, to create an example. The restored Lixnaw Bog helps us to understand that we have a duty to take action. This work is an example of mission and ministry of the Presentation Sisters.
What was the impact or outcome of your project?
The restored bog is now, not just a home to the plants of a healthy bog but also to the wildlife and insect life that now thrives undisturbed on this fenced off 20 acres of bog. The Sisters have had a guiding hand in all matters educational in Lixnaw since their arrival in 1875 and they would encourage the primary school children not just to learn of their locality but to experience the natural habitats of the raised bog that defines their very home.
“What we do now is for future generations and is but a simple act, an example”, explains Sr. Mary Kelliher. “It behoves us all to leave the planet in as good a shape as possible for the children and the most appropriate way is to begin by showing them how a small difference can be made on their doorstep.” In this way the Sisters continue their commitment to the children of the Parish of Lixnaw.
This is the very living of the Sustainable Development Goals in that a local act can and does have a global impact. It is in more recent times that this saved bog can be held up as a proud local example of how a small community can offer something back. The conservation work on the bog is ongoing and even still the Presentation Sisters are eager to engage students of all ages (up to university age) and indeed visitors when they come now are treated to a thriving wet bog full of the expected flora and fauna of an untouched bog. The return of so many different species of animals and nesting birds is testament to the success of this project. The most important advice received and taken came from Fr. Seán McDonagh when he said “protect your bog from humans”.
Do you have any tips or advice for similar projects?
Listen first.... as the most important part of talking is listening and listen deeply.
Do not rush.
Take expert advice,
Take stock regularly.
Negotiate, Meet often, talk, engage all stakeholders.
Be prepared to change your tack.
Be sure of what you want to achieve.
Be prepared for the unanticipated achievements.
Don't be afraid to tell others what you are doing.
Your efforts are always more than your own.
Which Sustainable Development Goals does your work link to?
Goal 4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
Goal 7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
Goal 13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts*
Goal 15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.
Location of Project
Lixnaw North Kerry
Website
January 3, 2019
In your own words, tell us about your project.
In May the International Dark-sky Association recognised Ballycroy/Wild Nephin National Park as an International Dark Sky Park a Gold Tier classification, the highest possible international award in recognition of the outstanding natural nightscapes.
This award followed a two year period of research and measurement of artificial light in the area, addition to verifying the absence of light pollution, the application required evidence of outstanding natural night phenomenon visible from the site (such as The Milky Way, Zodiacal Light, Aurora Borealis, Meteor showers etc).
In Ireland over 50% of the population now lives under light polluted skies and are unable to see the milky way. However, this growing statistic is not only of visual concern. Light pollution impacts our daily lives, interfering with ecosystems, wasting energy and affecting our well being and health.
We plan to preserve and protect our night sky and nocturnal heritage for the value of future generations. With an annual programme of outreach and educational events designed to highlight the value of our night sky heritage as well as inviting all members of the community to actively engage with astronomy, art, culture or story of the night sky.
We have created a programme called “Dark Sky Ambassadors”. This programme aims to encourage the community to represent the dark sky attraction to visitors, thus encouraging local engagement with the Dark Sky Park and generating an off season tourist initiative that showcases the rural environment in a sustainable way with local involvement.
Why did you do this work?
There are several myths surrounding light and darkness; such as brighter lights provide safety and that LEDs are the replacement of choice to save energy. However, many LEDs have high blue rich content which scatters widely into the atmosphere, causing light pollution and also affecting eco systems and our own well being. The need to save energy can be achieved by installing lower level lighting, trimming time periods for light and selecting warmer toned eco-friendly light tones. We hope to raise awareness of how well the human species has adapted to low levels of light (many of us already use 24 hour colour tone vision as we have no exposure to darkness).
By putting a value on the night, we can contribute to climate actions and energy saving, yet still preserve a natural cycle of day and night to which we have all evolved over millennia.
What was the impact or outcome of your project?
We have developed a growing interest group in dark skies and have provided advice and submissions to assist local authorities in use of responsible lighting on our streets. We are hoping that Mayo can become a model county for its use of light in a positive, responsible manner. Our project extends through schools, communities, policy makers and visitors to the country - all with a common value on preserving the night sky for future generations.
Do you have any tips or advice for similar projects?
In raising awareness, try to identify what is positive, rather than the negative aspect. Rather than suggesting what people should do to change their habits, we are encouraging communities to get involved in learning and caring for our project and then they can make informed decisions on what to do next. In our case, we have some of the best and most beautiful natural skies in the northern hemisphere. So much learning can take place in rural areas of Mayo and we can use turn something that could be perceived as a negative, into a positive benefit to the region.
Which Sustainable Development Goals does your work link to?
Goal 3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Goal 5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
Goal 8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
Goal 13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts*
Goal 14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable developmentve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
Goal 15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.
Location of Project
Mayo (Newport, Mulranny & Ballycroy)
Website
March 19, 2019
In your own words, tell us about your project.
North Kerry Environmental Forum is a local community forum /association who are passionate about all matters relating to our environment, in particular sustainable development, biodiversity, climate change and our natural habitats, sustainable villages and towns, renewable energy resources, coastal zone management, sustainable eco travel /tourism and marine life.
Founded in 2009 with the addition of a social media platform in 2012 to enable greater awareness and broader reach on the issues of climate change, impacts of coastal erosion, the increasing pollution of our oceans and detrimental impact on marine life-it was of fundamental importance to our founder to increase awareness locally but also to affect a positive change in human behaviour.
A number of advocacy campaigns also have been established which secured a number of awards.
''Thinking Global-Acting Local'' 2009 ©
''Leave only Footprints'' 2012 ©
''Think Global-Think Green'' ©
''Save our Stars'' Programme - NKEF founder is a designated provider of this IDA education programme since 2015
Our Founder is a Expert on Environmental Education who has lectured nationally & internationally on Environmental & Planning Law, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Tourism, Eco-Innovation, Eco-systems & Biodiversity & the interconnectedness of Human Rights and Environmental Health.
Why did you do this work?
North Kerry Environmental Forum are passionate about the Environment -the impacts of human behaviour on these essential eco-system resources and the limited carrying capacity of our planet . We provide education on a voluntary basis for Sustainable Development to create shared value and build capacity of communities to enable environmental stewardship.
Our Oceans are under particular threat and consequently increasing vulnerability of our marine life with the scourge of disposed plastic in our seas.
Climate change and global warming has created impacts on :-
a) the rise in sea-level due to thermal expansionof ocean water;
b) melting glaciers and polar ice;
c)the changing frequency,intensity and spatial pattern of precipitation, coastal storms and other extreme weather events;
d) increasing stress on terrestrial and marine ecosystems and species (EEIA,2005 Beasley 2005)
Changes in ecosystems and the climate increase the liklihood nof unpredictable environmental disruptions, for example the collapse of previously reliable food sources, catastrophic floods or the disappearance of economical valuable species. This is likely to lead to sudden climate change and therefore to lead to a significant loss of biodiversity and socio-economic assets.
High rates of Coastal development and inappropriate tourism developments can risk the coastal areas becoming anonymous peri-urban landscapes devoid of any character-as a result these developments can have a huge impact on the common natural resources and the local socio-cultural fabric in the long-term. Coastal development and tourism intensification are leading to the over frequentation of natural sites both on land and at sea.
This is a particular concern in areas of high-value eco-systems where increasing volume of peoples activities impacts on fragile coastal systems. We developed a coastal education campaign ''Leave Only Footprints;'' to help mitigate this impact and also deliver awareness advocacy on ICZM.
What was the impact or outcome of your project?
Creating awareness-Shared value-Built capacity for Sustainable Communities through Education, Awareness campaigns and Advocacy for Environmental stewardship.
Enabling positive change in Peoples Behaviour to protect our planet-'Our Common Future''
Our social media project was established in 2012 and we continue to facilitate education on light pollution & our 'Save Our Stars' programme.
Do you have any tips or advice for similar projects?
Sharing information on the Environment and SDG's ensures that each person can choose what aspect they feel passionate about and can help make a meaningful impact in their community.
Collaborate & Communicate for Collective Change.
Which Sustainable Development Goals does your work link to?
Goal 4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
Goal 7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
Goal 9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
Goal 11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Goal 12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Goal 13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts*
Goal 14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable developmentve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
Goal 15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
Goal 16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
Goal 17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.
Location of Project
Local & National with #GlobalReach
October 23, 2018
In your own words, tell us about your project.
The small rural community of Mulranny, Co. Mayo has undertaken the mammoth task of attempting to bring the Old Irish Goat back from the brink of extinction. A feral herd of goats has lived in the hills above the village for as long as the oldest members of the community can remember. The story started with an article in Heritage Outlook magazine written by Ray Werner, one of the foremost experts on European Goats.
Ray outlined his search for Ireland’s original native breed of goat and asked readers in Ireland to contact him if they knew of any herds of goats that could contain goats of the Old Irish type. Ray‘s only reply came from Mulranny! He visited Mulranny and recognised that many of the Mulranny goats were of the Old Irish type.
Mulranny Goats DNA had to be compared against primitive goats from the early 1900’s, predating the importation of modern breeds, to prove that the Mulranny Goats were the rare Old Irish Goats. A pioneering DNA study was carried out by the Smurfit Genetics Institute of Trinity College, Dublin. This study used DNA from the Mulranny Goats, old taxidermy goat heads from Moran’s farm Mulranny, from Westport House, taxidermy goats found in the Natural History Museums of Ireland, England, Scotland and DNA samples from goats in England and Europe. The DNA study highlighted the endangered herd living in Mulranny as a unique population in need of protection. “Overall, these findings identify Mulranny goats as some of the last modern representatives of the ‘Old Irish’ type of goat, once ubiquitous throughout the island, and highlight them for much needed conservation efforts.(Cassidy, et al 2017). All of this work was led by a small volunteer group, in a small community in the west of Ireland, the Old Irish Goat Society.
Why did you do this work?
The Old Irish Goat had been the subject of a chronic spiral of decline driven by changes in agricultural practices, cross breeding with modern improved goats, casual hunting and indiscriminate culls of feral herds. All made worse by a lack of recognition, leading to a relentless mongrelisation of the old type towards more nondescript individuals and a declining population on its way to extinction.
The Mulranny goat herd has some of the finest Old Irish Goats left in Ireland – “The Mulranny goat affectionately known as ‘Elvis’ (the King) on account of his youthful looks and flamboyant hairstyle ‘is without doubt the finest Irish primitive goat that I have ever seen” Werner 2014
Uncontrolled cross breeding is considered one of the greatest threats to landrace breeds worldwide. Of the 19 goat breeds extinctions worldwide, 15 have occurred in Europe
That process has reached the final stages for the Old Irish Goat and to lose a distinct native Irish breed to a generalised mixture of goat, would be very sad to behold.
What was the impact or outcome of your project?
The Old Irish Goat Society Mulranny has honoured the Precautionary Principle of the Convention of Biological Diversity; “if there is threat of significant loss of biological diversity, lack of scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing measures to avoid or minimise such a threat”. Doing so helped Ireland progress UN Sustainable Development Goal 15, which under biodiversity states: “Of the 8,300 animal breeds known, 8 per cent are extinct and 22 per cent at risk of extinction”
It supports progress on the Convention on Biological Diversity, Aichi Target 13: “By 2020, genetic diversity is maintained”.
It supports Agenda 21, Chapter 14, Section H, objective; establish and implement development programmes for indigenous breeds in order to guarantee their survival.
UN FAO 2009 - Lest we forget: “Animal genetic resources are among the most valuable and strategically important assets a country possesses”
On the 22nd of May a public meeting of the Mulranny community unanimously agreed to conserve the Old Irish Goat.
To save the Old Irish Goat, the society has established a pioneering captive breeding program, or the “National Herd of Old Irish Goats”, by capturing specimens from the herd and breeding them in a leased Walled Garden. To help communicate the important conservation message, the Society published the Old Irish Goat flyer, produced the Old Irish Goat interpretive exhibit and opened the Old Irish Goat Centre in 2017.
In order to tackle some of the structural issues that side-line Irish native breeds, the society co-hosted the inaugural Irish Rare Breed national conference in 2017 and a 2nd national conference in 2018.
The Old Irish Goat has been recognised as an historic and cultural icon of Mulranny and an emblem of our pastoral history.
Do you have any tips or advice for similar projects?
Don't lose sight of your goal / vision.
You have to keep knocking on doors - eventually they will open.
Be mindful of volunteer burnout - committee/team social events are very important.
Ask people who are interested in your project to help or join your group.
Which Sustainable Development Goals does your work link to?
Goal 15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.
Location of Project.
Mulranny, Co. Mayo.
Website
June 6, 2021
In your own words, tell us about your project.
We have a number of Directors across stakeholders in Galway City. These include GMIT and NUIG.
We want the public to rethink how they consume, as waste is a resource we want to prevent (refuse) waste of valuable resource streams.
We demonstrate reuse of waste and inspire others to action.
We have a number of research projects based in NUIG.
We would like to support the less fortunate and are part of the social economy.
Rethink is a Social Enterprise (Public Benefit Entity - PBE) working in Galway on waste which in short aims to inspire sustainability action and practice in others through demonstration and provision of services. Rethink is member of CRNI (https://crni.ie/our-members/rethink-ireland/ ).
Rethink collaborates with Belgium colleagues who have developed their own unique solutions to their local waste and social issues, namely Kringwinkelhageland (click here).
The 6 units of Rethink focus on rethinking consumption through: (i) a library of things, and reuse/repurposing of (ii) building materials (initially paint and sheep wool), (iii) fashion, (iv) furniture, (v) plastic, and (vi) electrical equipment.
Rethink demonstrates an innovative interdisciplinary collaboration between a range of specialist local stakeholders. Our collaborative approach seeks local, regional and national input from research organisations, enterprises and activities across the sector. This creates a mutually reinforcing environment driving resource efficiency and stimulating the circular economy.
We develop a transferable model and influence and inform policy. We demonstrate and develop individual practical case study ideas and solutions which are scalable and transferable.
Why did you do this work?
- Through demonstration and education (at all levels), inspiring others to action supporting their resilience and sustainability.
- To enable and foster prevention of waste.
- Reuse as much as possible, fix and fix again.
- To enable and foster repurposing for a new life.
- To operate an exemplar product store and online presence.
- To develop employment and training opportunities to support those less fortunate, relieving hardship and poverty.
- To collaborate with research institutions.
- Safe and clean practice at our core. To prevent contact with, and recirculation of hazardous materials.
What was the impact or outcome of your project?
So some of our video links are:
1) furniture: https://fb.watch/3RZB9ZSHOs/
2) paper bowl: https://fb.watch/3RZzmiq73J/
3) fashion: https://fb.watch/3RZy2GAskZ/
4) covid buster video: https://fb.watch/3VcBWUUBBC/
5) birdfeeder video: https://fb.watch/3VcFvfrD7h/
An IRC research project with Insight in NUIG is looking at reuse of white appliances and attempting to link householders with broken appliances through a phone app with: (I) spare parts availability and costs, and (2) a local fixer to call, take, fix and return the machine.
We will soon publish a reuse directory for Galway City and County.
In the inspirational picture we provide the Artist: Isaac Cordal reflections on society’s decline and global warming as he depicts politicians meeting a little too late. Sound familiar?
Do you have any tips or advice for similar projects?
Prevent waste at all times.
Reuse what you cannot prevent.
Zero waste to landfill.
Encourage others to do likewise and check in with them to see how they are doing.
Which Sustainable Development Goals does your work link to?
Goal 1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere
Goal 2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
Goal 3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Goal 4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
Goal 5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
Goal 7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
Goal 8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
Goal 9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
Goal 10. Reduce inequality within and among countries
Goal 11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Goal 12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Goal 13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts*
Goal 14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable developmentve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
Goal 15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
Goal 17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.
Location of Project
Galway
October 11, 2018
In your own words, tell us about your project.
I am an administrator by profession but wildlife and conservation is my passion. Whilst working as an administrator at GMIT in Castlebar I became aware that the number of Swifts visiting the college campus, an old psychiatric hospital dating back to the 1800s, was declining year on year. I was involved in setting up the college's 'Green Campus' project and when we embarked on Biodiversity themed projects in 2011 it was my opportunity to help the Swift by setting up the first nest box project in County Mayo.
By installing Swift specific nest boxes in the right location, playing attraction calls to help the birds find the nest boxes, we can provide secure nest sites for this amazing bird. This first project has been hugely successful and in 2018 we had 10 pairs in residence. To help raise awareness, cameras have been installed in all the nest boxes and images are live-streamed 24 hours a day during the breeding season. With the success of that first project I realised it was important and possible to help Swifts throughout the county by providing a nest box project in every town.
This plan has now been realised and there are now over 20 nest box projects throughout the county. Most of these projects are of nest boxes installed on the outside of existing buildings especially schools. The most exciting projects have been realised by working with Mayo County Council to build nest boxes into the fabric of two new buildings, the Westport Town Hall and the Castlebar Swimming Pool. Building nest boxes into the fabric of a building is the best way to secure the long-term future of Swifts.
Why did you do this work?
The Swift's full name is the 'Common Swift' but it is far from 'common' and is in fact a bird of conservation concern. In Ireland alone the Swift population has declined by over 40% in the past 30 years. Swifts are urban birds with their nest sites being mostly located in our towns and villages.
The main reason for their population decline is loss of nest sites when old buildings in our towns are renovated or demolished. When I learned about the plight of this amazing bird I wanted to do something to halt the decline and to help recover the population. For the past 7 years I have been setting up nest box projects in towns throughout County Mayo to help recover the population of Swifts. In addition to setting up nest box projects I have surveyed every town in the County to identify and record all the buildings where Swifts have nest sites to try to protect these sites.
When a Swift finds a nest site it will nest there for the rest of its life, which can be up to 10 years, so it is extremely important to try to protect existing nest sites and to provide additional nest sites through nest box projects. In recent years my conservation work for Swifts has expanded and I now give advice and support to people throughout the Republic of Ireland.
What was the impact or outcome of your project?
Swifts are faithful to their partner and nest site. They breed in the exact same place every year for life. If their nest site is lost to them, for example blocked-up during building renovation work, then the birds will be homeless and are in danger of never being able to find a replacement nest site.
Between 2012 and 2016 every town in County Mayo was surveyed by me and several volunteers. We recorded the buildings where Swifts are nesting ‘naturally’ and identified each individual nest site entrance. This survey showed that the number of occupied nest sites in the county is just over 290. The detailed surveys are now being used to monitor and protect the nest sites and have already been put to practical use to protect the Swift colonies in three protected structures when they were being renovated. In essence, if nest site entrances are identified and recorded in detail, it is possible to protect them during building renovation by working with architects and builders.
This Swift survey of County Mayo’s towns was the first time a detailed county survey had been carried out in Ireland. It helped establish a specific surveying model and methodology that is now being shared and promoted across the country.
In parallel with the surveying work, nest box projects have been set up in every town in Mayo. In 2018, the occupancy of nest boxes at several projects has shown that have already increased the Swift breeding population by 12%. The new buildings where we have been able to build nest boxes into the fabric of walls have proved the most successful. In fact, at the Castlebar Swimming Pool build-in nest boxes we saw Swifts entering 7 of the 24 boxes within 6 weeks.
Do you have any tips or advice for similar projects?
If we want to ensure the long-term future of Swift colonies in Irish towns we need to provide secure breeding locations. I believe that the best way to do this is to build nest boxes into the fabric of new public buildings. An ideal public building for such a project is a school because it has great awareness raising potential as well as providing the much needed nest sites.
Community groups can contact their local schools and suggest such a project.
This type of project is also a great asset to Green Schools and Tidy Towns under the Biodiversity theme.
I have provided a platform, Swift Conservation Ireland, where volunteers, working on swift conservation projects across the country, to share their efforts and obtain information, advice and support. With voluntary technical support a website was created www.swiftconservation.ie.
The website has useful documents on all aspects of Swift conservation including how to build swift nest boxes into a wall and how to carry out nest site surveys.
We can all help Swifts by simply providing nest boxes in the right location. Having amassed a wide range of experience on all aspects conservation, I am happy to provide help and advice to any person or group wishing to help their local Swift population.
Which Sustainable Development Goals does your work link to?
Goal 15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.
Location of Project
County Mayo