Developing the potential of community energy action groups towards transition to a low carbon society

Project Description

Rural communities will play a significant role in transition towards low carbon societies and have been overlooked in research literature. 38% of the Irish population live in rural areas and represent a significant contribution to greenhouse gas/CO2 emissions. Community energy projects addressing greenhouse gas emissions are instrumental in bringing positive change in environmental and socio-economic sustainability. Many community groups, nationally and internationally, have successfully come together improving their immediate environment, and also can have a significant impact on sustainability and transition towards a low carbon society. A standardised accounting framework assessing rural energy consumption, generation and efficiency will address issues surrounding Ireland's transition to a low carbon society. This research will provide this framework through development and trialling of a detailed user friendly guidance manual, toolkit of best practice methods, and blueprint based on experience from other successful rural communities, both nationally and internationally. These deliverables will be rigorously tested against the literature and in practice within participating communities. These deliverables will have significant impact on progressing Government Policy in this area and in the new National Planning Framework. These resources will be available online and free to communities.