RURAL COMMUNITY TRANSITIONS
Supporting and measuring community sustainability
Low Carbon Rural Communities
Supporting Communities - Developing the Potential of Community Action Groups Towards Transition to a Low Carbon Society
A 24 month research project to identify sustainability and resource efficiency opportunities for rural communities and develop best practice methodsand practical guidance for communities in planning and implementing strategies for low carbon transitioning.
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Principal Investigator: Dr Bernadette O'Regan (University of Limerick)
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Postdoctoral Research Fellow: Dr Susan Byrne (University of Limerick)
Low Carbon Rural Communities
Developing the Potential of Community Action Groups Towards Transition to a Low Carbon Society
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Rural communities will play a significant role in transition towards low carbon societies and have been overlooked in research literature as this emphasizes urban sustainability. Almost 38% of the Irish population live in rural areas and represent a significant contribution to GHG/CO2 emissions and resource use. Community energy projects addressing emissions and resource use 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.