Technological and economic initiatives alone will not be enough to bring about the radical change needed to combat runaway global warming. Human relationships and social interactions are critical to initiating and driving innovation. “Lowcarbonworks” is a five year project that has been studying how industry and local authorities have managed low carbon initiatives. A conference; “Insider Voices: Human dimensions of low carbon technology” is being held on 14th July where 7 examples of successful and unsuccessful initiatives will be presented to highlight practical ways forward.
“Low carbon” is the current buzz word although hardly anybody knows what it means. It makes more sense than the phrase “zero carbon” but less than “low energy” or “low resource use”. Still that is where we are at the moment.
However, when people talk about “low carbon” or reducing carbon emissions, they usually talk about technologies or economics and that is not enough to bring about change. An understanding of wider systems, policies, social interactions and human relationships are all part of initiating and driving innovation.
A five year research project at the University of Bath called “Lowcarbonworks” has been studying these interactions and there findings are being presented at a conference called Insider Voices: Human dimensions of low carbon technology to be held in Bath on the 14th of July.
The day will be based around seven insider accounts of low carbon initiatives involving industry and local authorities. Its aim is to demonstrate how managers and policy makers from all sectors can make practical use of technological transition theories.
Researchers and insiders of successful and unsuccessful low carbon change initiatives will present and discuss their experiences. These include;
Ginsters tells how a food manufacturing company moved from compliance with waste regulations to investing in state of the art waste to power technology
Holsworthy anaerobic digestion is about a pioneering biogas initiative in a UK farming community
Compair Airworx explores the challenges facing a compressed air equipment manufacturer attempting to establish a compressed air service business
Air Cycle tracks the story of a ‘niche’ technology, as a small group try to exploit a low carbon heating & cooling technology for applications in the food industry
Thurulie eco-factory tells how a Sri Lankan apparel manufacturer commissioned and built an iconic low carbon factory to produce lingerie for Marks and Spencer
Southampton is the story of collaboration between diverse stakeholders to build and operate a district energy scheme drawing on geothermal energy.
TDG: Invisibly decarbonising cold food storage and distribution
The cuts in emissions of greenhouse gasses that are needed to prevent us from going over the calamitous climate tipping point are massive and the realisation of that fact is still along way from the political and business agenda. Even when that realisation dawns, and we should pray it happens soon, technological innovation alone will not be enough. How we live our lives and conduct our business will have to change.
Hopefully, this research and conference will give important pointers.
Insider Voices: Human dimensions of low carbon technology with Professor Peter Reason and the Lowcarbonworks research team and a special presentation of the acclaimed documentary Hard Rain
Bailbrook House Hotel, Bath, UK
Now on July 14 only
09.30 – 20.30 including presentation (18.30 -20.30)
The event itself is free of charge and overnight accommodation is available at a competitive rate so participants can enjoy the evening session. For further information and booking form please go to the link below.
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