{"id":2679,"date":"2019-06-30T10:46:29","date_gmt":"2019-06-30T10:46:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/transformativecities.org\/?page_id=2679"},"modified":"2020-09-03T05:08:02","modified_gmt":"2020-09-03T05:08:02","slug":"atlas-49","status":"publish","type":"avada_portfolio","link":"https:\/\/transformativecities.org\/fr\/atlas\/atlas-49\/","title":{"rendered":"Cloughjordan Ecovillage"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cloughjordan ecovillage models the transition to a low-carbon society and shares its learning through educational activities. With 55 low-carbon homes, Ireland’s lowest ecological footprint, a carbon-neutral district heating system, a community farm, green enterprise centre, and a planned reed bed treatment plant, the ecovillage demonstrates ecological, economic and social sustainability.<\/h3>\n

The project emerged 20 years ago when a group of people concerned at how unaware the public were about climate change and the need for sustainability, decided to develop Ireland\u2019s first ecovillage. The first steps were to establish a company, Sustainable Projects Ireland, to build and manage the ecovillage and to choose the site \u2013 67 acres of land in Cloughjordan, bought in 2002. Finances were raised from members, from an ethical investor and by borrowing, and the infrastructure installed in 2007-08. The first houses were built in 2009 and by 2013, 55 houses had been built. A carbon-neutral district heating system was installed and Cloughjordan Community Farm was established in 2008 as a community supported agriculture farm to establish a resilient food system.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

President Michael D. Higgins opens Cloughjordan Community Amphitheatre. Photo credit: Sustainable Projects Ireland CLG<\/em><\/p>\n

Today the ecovillage is a place where students and academics from Ireland and overseas come to undertake research on aspects of low-carbon living. It has generated a vibrant cluster of new businesses, including an eco-hostel with 34 beds and a national award-winning wood-fired bakery and bakery school within the ecovillage and, on the main street, a book and coffee shop, as well as a community caf\u00e9 using the produce of the farm and the bakery.A group of ecovillagers established VINE to provide internet and telephone services. A Green enterprise centre in the ecovillage contains Ireland\u2019s only community-based Fabrication Laboratory (FabLab). The increase in visitors to the village also has a positive impact on pre-existing local businesses such as shops and pubs.<\/p>\n

\n

“The project is conceptually well conceived and implemented in a practical down to earth manner. The presentation is modest and self-critical. It is being implemented with stamina and dedication by the collective members. It is a useful well-documented real-life experiment meriting further study.”
\n\u2013 Vivek Monteiro<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Would you like to learn more about this initiative? Please contact<\/a>\u00a0us.<\/p>\n

Or visit www.thevillage.ie<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t