Description
The awareness of Estonian people about sustainable lifestyle and responsible use of natural resources is insufficient and examples of grass-roots initiated and community based sustainable lifestyle and renewable energy solutions are lacking. To reduce the dependence of Estonia on highly polluting oil shale and promote community based initiatives, a training and practice centre of the renewable energy solutions suitable for small communities is initiated with the project. The centre will provide knowhow and training about creating small scale and independent renewable energy solutions, at the same time it includes an operational renewable energy production service, based on the principles of social entrepreneurship. The direct target groups of the project are the members of the eco-community Small Footprint (ca 20 people), residents of the neighbouring villages and all grass-roots initiatives that wish to create local and independent sustainable lifestyle solutions.
Summary of project results
The activities of the project were aimed at promoting environmentally sustainable lifestyle and execution of practical solutions on the example of the eco-community Small Footprint (Mõisamaa village, Rapla county, Northwest Estonia). For reaching that aim, a suitable technological, economical and legal framework was worked out; training base was initiated, where community’s experience and knowledge would be shared with other communities and interested people. The analysis and solutions for renewable energy system were worked out with the mentors in the renewable energy cooperative mentor programme organized by Estonian Development Fund. A webpage was created with information about the renewable energy solution for the community and information about learning opportunities in the Eco-centre. The project reached it's aims in great extent. All the planned analysis and engagement of the community were executed. NGO Small Footprint is committed to be actively promoting sustainable lifestyle and energy solutions to a wider audience and invite other small communities to learn from the knowledge and practice in Mõisamaa. The outcome of the project supports these activities.
Summary of bilateral results