Factors that contribute to communities establishing sustainable development initiatives in Ireland

Core question Many social scientists believe that over-consumption of the earth’s resources lies at the heart of the environmental crisis we are experiencing (Dobson, 1994). Indeed, many scientists... [ view full abstract ]

Core question

Many social scientists believe that over-consumption of the earth’s resources lies at the heart of the environmental crisis we are experiencing (Dobson, 1994). Indeed, many scientists forecast that if current levels of consumption, particularly in developed societies, are not significantly reduced, then the earth’s ecosystem will be irreversibly damaged.   In response to this situation, over the last thirty years, communities across Europe have formed particular legal entities, often co-operatives or social enterprises, to generate renewable energy and/or to produce food locally. This paper uses the term sustainable development initiatives to refer to such projects. 

Sustainable development initiatives tend to be driven by a small cadre of volunteers who generally give a lot of their time to the development of such initiatives (Seyfang, 2007).  However, their enthusiasm can often lead to them becoming ‘burnt out’, and isolated from other residents in the community who do not share their passion for sustainable development initiatives (Middlemiss and Parish, 2010). Therefore, an examination of the capacities critical to the implementation of successful sustainable development initiatives could assist communities and policy-makers alike.

What capacities are present and how do they contribute to some communities being more receptive than others to sustainable development initiatives in Ireland?

Theoretical methodological approach

There are four categories of capacity which constitute the theoretical framework.   

Pringle (2015) defines individual capacity as the level of skills, values, and finance that individuals within a community possess which can assist in the formation of sustainable development initiatives – focusing on renewable energy.  Middlemiss and Parrish (2009) assert that an individual’s social context shapes their capacity to initiate sustainable development initiatives.  Indeed, Robbins and Rowe (2002), hold that the capacity for individuals to act is linked to the resource availability within a community.

The structural capacity of a community is concerned with the culture and values pertaining to organisations within a community or that have an influence over communities' efforts to implement sustainable development initiatives (Middlemiss and Parish, 2009). 

Infrastructural capacities refer to the stock of infrastructural resources and infrastructure that are present in communities which are conducive to the drive to promote sustainability. 

Lastly, cultural capacity refers to the level of commitment and openness to sustainability that exists within a community.  The cultural capacity is influenced by the level of commitment to the values asssociated within the community and the historical context towards sustainability.  Middlemiss and Parrish (2009) assert that the above four capacities are interlinked and each can have an impact over another. 

This paper will critique the literature pertaining to the theoretical frameworks and theories which aim to identify the factors/capacities that lead to some communities being motivated to start sustainable development initiatives.  It will also explain why some communities are better placed to succeed than others to implement such initiatives. 

Drawing on the findings of a number of case studies in Ireland, the paper will detail the factors that lead to communities successfully implementing sustainable development initiatives.  The case studies selected are sustainable development initiatives engaged in local food production.  As there is a paucity of research on urban communities' attempts to implement sustainable development initiatives in Ireland, the case studies will be drawn from urban communities.  At least one case study details a socially and economically marginalised community's efforts to implement a sustainable development initiative.  Qualitative research methods are employed in undertaking the research.

Core argument

Communities in Ireland require different types of capacities for the successful implementation of sustainable development initiatives.

Relevance of research

The paper will provide a framework for communities and community organisations to develop sustainable development initiatives.  It will furnish policy-makers and state agencies with a framework to develop a range of policies and supports to assist in the formation and the successful implementation of sustainabie development initiatives. 

References

Dobson, A. (1994) Green Political Thought. London Routledge

Middlemiss, L., and Parrish B.D. (2009) ‘Building capacity for low-carbon communities: The role of grassroots initiatives’.  Energy Policy 38, 7559–7566

Middlemiss, L., and Parrish B.D. (2010). ‘Building capacity for low-carbon communities: The role of grassroots initiatives’.  Energy Policy 38, 7559–7566

Porritt, J. (2007) Capitalism as if the World Mattered. 2nd edn.  London: Earthscan

Pringle, R. (2015) Moving Towards Whole Settlement Energy Self- Sufficiency in Rural Communities. Unpublished PhD dissertation in Newcastle University

Robbins, C. and Rowe, J. (2002) ‘Unresolved responsibilities: exploring local democratisation and sustainable development through a community-based waste reduction initiative’, Local Government Studies, 28, (1): 37-58

Seyfang, G. (2007) ’Growing sustainable consumption communities. The case of local organic food networks’ International journal of sociology 27(3/4) 120-134