Project stage: Pilot Implementation
The problem: Limited access to accessible, practical climate education and real-time energy information can make it difficult for community members, local organisations and businesses to understand climate change, assess its local implications, and translate awareness into meaningful action. There is an opportunity to connect climate literacy with practical demonstrations of renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable living, enabling the community to participate more confidently in Ballymun’s transition to a low-carbon future.
Target Groups: Local community organisations, residents and households, young people, schools and educational groups, local businesses, community leaders, and public-sector agencies involved in climate action, energy efficiency and local regeneration.
Geographic Area: Ballymun, Dublin, with potential for replication across other communities.
Partners (joint):
Solution: A series of community-led consultation processes, using art and creativity to engage people, and resulting in multi-media expressions of community spirit and action.
Funders: Reach Fund 2026
Impact forecasted: Increased climate literacy, improved understanding of renewable energy and energy efficiency, and greater confidence among residents and local organisations to participate in climate action. The Lab aims to encourage practical changes in energy awareness and sustainable behaviour, strengthen collaboration between community stakeholders, and demonstrate how digital innovation and accessible learning can support an equitable transition to a low-carbon economy. In the longer term, the initiative could provide a replicable model for community-based climate education that connects environmental sustainability with social inclusion and local economic development.
Next step: Finalise the pilot implementation plan, confirm partner roles and contributions, identify priority participant groups, establish baseline and outcome indicators, and mobilise the approved-in-principle funding and available resources to deliver the initial programme.