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Follow Up Report

International Collaborations to Create Financial Viable Environmentally Aware Community Workshop

Dr Shirley Gallagher, Communication Specialist Ms Carmen Castellis, Engineer Mr Roberto Colucci, Engineer Mr Luigi Lena, Architect Ms Janet West, Environmental Strategist November 2014


Introduction The workshop was organised as part of the Innovation Festival 2014. As members of the Climate KIC community, an international collaboration was likely to happen. Pioneers in Practice journeyed across Europe to work on projects and plans within host organisations in the RICs. The facilitators came from 4 countries, Ireland, Spain, Italy and the UK and 3 RICs which were Valencia, Emilio Romagna and West Midlands, showing the ability of Climate KIC to create international collaborations. Dr Gallagher set the scene by stating there was a domino effect. She had 3 problems, one problem created the other. She posed 3 tasks and asked the audience to contribute by using their knowledge and skills in 3 areas. The 3 areas were chosen as a result of a Transition City model on Building, Energy and Mobility. Success of all 3 tasks could provide a clear message for us, others & countries in time for COP21, Paris 2015, the Earth Summit. As the latest IPCC report asks if not now, when? The presentation will be posted on YouTube in the next week. Vision Building Janet West gave the group writing materials and requested that everyone consider What sort of planet do you want to live in? after 1 minutes silence and record their answer. These were collated and reported before the end of the session, later they were analysed and divided into 4 sections (Figure 2). The responses were interesting and many came from the heart. Transition Areas The task to create a clear message for change in the areas was the next focus. Everyone gave their opinions and then there was a system to provide a democratic vote to choose the best solution and clear message to take forward. There was a lot of discussion. Some solutions crossed all areas such as tax benefits for low or no fossil fuel and the need for a community engagement platform; however Shirley highlighted the beauty of living in Europe is that we have a right to be informed about environmental issues, to participate in decision making and with 1 million digital signatures we can bring a legislative change forward to the European Parliament. So we Europeans have a platform to engage community. With social media in many ways it has never been easier; however it can lead to isolation in ways never considered before. I have frequently heard Facebook being called Fakebook as those with low self esteem make up perfect lives to match others and feel further depressed as they know it is all lies. The reality is we are human, an animal species and we need to connect, to engage, and to collaborate. Interestingly, someone wrote Sustain = comfortable, accurate, cheap, these are all needed values. Exploring this further as I was collating, I felt it a good analogy, in order to sustainably use something, it should be comfortable, accurate and cheap. Perhaps, more people could avail of products if they are cheap, however cheap pushes further consumerism. Vivienne Westwood, the fashion designer promotes that people were designer clothes as consumers should buy better quality goods that last longer and therefore are less of a burden on the planet.


Figure 2 Results from Janet West’s Request Workshop Area 1 Building The Eco Architect Luigi Lena, hosted the group focused on building. The results are as follows. The messages are in order and included 1. Use Natural and Local materials 2. Communal gardens, collectives & community engagement 3. Material & technology to be used as a service 4. Passive house with renewable energy usage. Workshop Area 2 Energy The Electrical Engineer Roberto Colucci, whose group project later won 1st prize in the PIP competition, hosted the group focused on energy. The results are as follows 1. Raise Energy Awareness 2. Reduce Energy Consumption 3. Use local micro production with a globally connected grid. 4. Need a community engagement platform 5. Green Energy 6. Egality between countries 7. Energy from Waste Workshop Area 3 Mobility The Energy Engineer Carmen Castellis, hosted the group focused on mobility. The results are as follows 1. Sustainable Mobility for Sustainable Life 2. Small Car or Car Free City Centres 3. Increase Public Transport 4. Need a community engagement platform 5. Fossil Fuel Free Transport for the Future

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Luigi Lena is an architect, partner founder of F+LR architettura, involved in sustainable and eco friendly buildings and city design, energy improvement and retrofitting of existing buildings, renewable energy use applied on cities and buildings. Luigi approaches design by taking into account two points of view: one technological and performance-based, and the second one concerning new relationship between people, architecture and landscape and generating identity with a greater creative empathy. The integrated use of up-to-date knowledge, advanced technology and responsible thinking is essential for a low impact, comfortable and affordable environment. Luigi was also involved in building project that is private at present. Contact details T +39 335 5925959 LinkedIn Luigi Lena Email [email protected] / [email protected]

Janet West’s career has turned a full circle from environment to broadcasting and aviation back to environment bringing an extensive international business career in marketing, management in the private and public sectors in the fields of television and film, communications and aviation and environmental consulting and research. Contact Details https://www.linkedin.com/pub/janet-anne-west/0/333/b29

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Dr Shirley Gallagher is trained as a scientist and an experienced event manager, diplomat and social media user. Cooperative thinking and working is part of her makeup. Shirley doesn’t have all the answers but her ability to bring people together and motivate them makes her a game changer. She works for the sustainable consultancy, SysPro;Systems for Progress Limited

E: [email protected] Skype:shirleyatsyspro Twitter: shirleyatsyspro

Linkedin shirleygallagher Facebook Group Sustainable Islands