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My Project

What's your sustainable community project?

5 Dec 2011 9:03

EcoIsland is about a community taking its destiny back into its own hands. For eons it seems we have delegated responsibility for our collective futures to one authority or another and now in times when the very nature of our lives seems threatened by forces greater than ourselves it seems only right that we should do what we can to secure our own future.

Ecoisland came from the community, a group of motivated people meeting in a local pub until enough momentum was gained and I founded the Ecoisland Partnership Community Interest Company in February 2011 - the vehicle to make our vision of an Ecoisland a reality.

The Island is a geographical location, surrounded by water and blessed with an abundance of natural resources although we have increasingly become dependent on the "big island" for fuel, energy, water, food, products and services. We feel the time has come to become more self-sufficient and part of this requires us to live more sustainably with a lighter footprint on the land. By harnessing more natural energy and re-structuring some of our services we believe we can become a beacon of sustainability to the world and be pioneers in a new way of living in harmony with the Earth.

We will try to achieve carbon neutrality by 2020 - all the indications are that it is possible but it will need a major change in behaviour and lifestyle to achieve this.

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Behind the scenes at the Olympic Park

1 Jul 2012 10:37

It was a great honour and a privilege to be able to represent the EDF Energy Team Green Britain Heroes at the Olympic Park on 15th June, where we recorded a short film about the vision of a truly sustainable Games. We were the last group to be allowed to film at the Park and I was amazed at the sustainability measures that have been incorporated into the buildings.

The thing that has inspired me the most is to see how we are really leading the world in sustainable design. The Olympic Park sends out a great message about leaving a lighter footprint on the land and living in a more sustainable way. It will no doubt provide a remarkable legacy for generations to come.

In the main arena, they have excavated 800,000 tons of soil from the track area, digging down rather than building up. This has saved 10,000 tons of steel - about the weight of the Eiffel tower. The superstructure is made out of recycled gas pipes that can be dismantled after the games making the main arena more sustainable and easier to run and manage.

The architectural award-winning Velodrome has been clad in sustainable timber and the roof is a clever construction, strung with wire like a tennis racquet, it has resulted in less materials being used in construction. It also collects 121,000 gallons of water a year - enough to provide for 70% of its water needs.

Inside, the track of Siberian Pine developed with Sir Chris Hoy, has a temperature signature that enables more records to be broken. And the use of natural light and air circulation has resulted in less energy being used in lighting and air conditioning.

See the bottom of the page for some pics of the Velodrome's wonderful sustainability features

Climate Week Award

7 Jun 2012 16:38

I am delighted that we recently won the Climate Week award for Best Community Initiative. The judging panel was formed of highly respected individuals so we were very pleased to hear that EcoIsland was the unanimous decision. More importantly it is recognition for the Isle of Wight community and everything that they have achieved.

MINI E Trial

1 Jun 2012 16:11

Recently I have been trialling BMW's prototype MINI E - a fully electric low carbon vehicle on loan from EDF Energy. I can only describe it as the most fun I have ever had in a car! Everyone is so surprised at how quiet and quick it is, and I have definitely convinced a few electric car sceptics!

 

 

We now have an Electric Vehicle charging point at the EcoHub but I try to charge it both at work and home with my Solar PV panels so that charging it costs me nothing. With a range of up to 80-110 miles under real driving conditions, and recharge time approximately four hours. I only live a few miles from work so I am getting to and from work all week on a single charge.

A busy year so far

31 May 2012 8:30

This year has already been busy at EcoIsland, we have moved into the EcoHub in the building that we are working on becoming a sustainable business park. We also have three new long awaited members of staff increasing our small team to seven people!

Ecoisland at Westminster

6 Dec 2011 12:29

The Ecoisland Global Launch at the House of Commons was an overwhelming success. It was a fantastic opportunity to take our big idea to Westminter and show the government our Big Society in action.

The opportunity to launch our new Global and National partners in such prestigious surroundings was of great media value, with over £130,000 worth of PR coverage surrounding the event, and it was a hugely enjoyable day for all involved. Most importantly, it was wonderful to be able to take members of the community along to share the occasion, as they are at the heart of this movement.
 
The weeks since the event have seen an influx of relevant organisations, businesses and individuals who have heard about what we are doing here on the Island and want to help, further consolidating the vision and making 2012 a very exciting year for us.

What's your sustainable community project?

5 Dec 2011 9:03

EcoIsland is about a community taking its destiny back into its own hands. For eons it seems we have delegated responsibility for our collective futures to one authority or another and now in times when the very nature of our lives seems threatened by forces greater than ourselves it seems only right that we should do what we can to secure our own future.

Ecoisland came from the community, a group of motivated people meeting in a local pub until enough momentum was gained and I founded the Ecoisland Partnership Community Interest Company in February 2011 - the vehicle to make our vision of an Ecoisland a reality.

The Island is a geographical location, surrounded by water and blessed with an abundance of natural resources although we have increasingly become dependent on the "big island" for fuel, energy, water, food, products and services. We feel the time has come to become more self-sufficient and part of this requires us to live more sustainably with a lighter footprint on the land. By harnessing more natural energy and re-structuring some of our services we believe we can become a beacon of sustainability to the world and be pioneers in a new way of living in harmony with the Earth.

We will try to achieve carbon neutrality by 2020 - all the indications are that it is possible but it will need a major change in behaviour and lifestyle to achieve this.

What's your Green Inspiration?

8 Nov 2011 18:30

Having spent most of my life as a yachtsman, I have always been inspired by the concept of sustainability. Spending weeks in the middle of the ocean means you have to be completely self sufficient, your boat has to provide you with clean water, food storage, heat and light, and you have to learn to live in harmony with the environment around you. As my sailing days have diminished I have taken this concept into my home, turning my house into a demonstrator for renewable energies and sustainable living. Founding the Ecoisland Partnership and leading a community into a more sustainable future is a challenge I couldn't refuse.

David G

About me

David has dedicated his life to promoting global sustainability. His ambition is to achieve self-sustainability for the Isle of Wight's energy, food, waste and water supplies, for the 142,000 residents. Eventually, he hopes to have the island off the national energy grid and 100% reliant on renewable energy. His Ecoisland Partnership, developing smart home and grid technology with the Government, will help to bring his vision to life.

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