Project activities are linked by an ethos of “Inform, Incentivise, Assist”. This approach is designed to overcome identified obstacles that have hindered previous attempts to deliver reduced energy consumption. All aspects link together to provide a clear pathway towards a reduced-energy society. providing adequate information helps to reinforce confidence in prospective actions, and that any action taken is contributing to a wider goal.
“Dangerous climate change cannot be avoided solely through |
Inform
Partner regions have considerable experience of engaging their populations in the need to respond to the threats of climate change. There is growing awareness of the scientific background and some of the possible actions. This does not always generate a positive response, however, with uncertainty over the worth and cost-effectiveness of some green technologies, and of the role of an individual or small community in the global challenge.
The project aims to deliver partner regions that are aware not just of the wider issues of climate change, but of their contribution (as a business, community or individual), and of practical means to reduce this impact. Schools and communities within the project area will be fitted with real-time (or near real-time) displays of climate impact. Businesses will be assisted with advice especially targeted at their needs.
Incentivise
We all know how important it is that people across the planet come together to reduce our collective emissions of Greenhouse gases (GHG), and global action is only possible as the sum of many individual actions. Too often, this means that taking that first step seems less attractive, as ‘going green’ requires personal commitment, but the benefits are shared across the globe.
ANSWER aims to address this through a range of approaches tailored to suit different audiences. Businesses will be rewarded for their contribution to the common ground by scientifically validated charters and awards that can offer a crucial market advantage. Schools and communities will be shown how their small steps can have a big impact, take ownership of their reduction plans and invited to compete against others across the region in showing the way to the future.
Assist
Saving energy saves money. This simple fact will become even more significant if, as expected, peak oil and security issues mean fossil fuel prices are likely to rise further. However, it remains the case that for many people taking a significant step towards reduced GHG emissions requires a significant financial commitment.
ANSWER will investigate a number of ways around these issues of pricing structure, including interest-free loans for carbon reduction being made available to all and investigating ways that smaller businesses can share the initial investment and risk of moving to a lower-cost, lower-carbon future.
Taken together, all these project strands will provide a cohesive and comprehensive package that removes obstacles from the path to reduction at every step of the way, from first becoming aware of the issues, through tackling the easy behavioural wins, to investing in a greener future.