Futures for Findhorn: Exploring challenges for achieving net zero in an ecological intentional community. (May 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Copeland, Claire; MacKerron, Gordon; Foxon, Timothy J.
• Is Part Of: Futures. Volume 149(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-05
• Subjects: Participatory -- Exploratory futures -- Ecological community -- Decarbonisation -- Net zero; Economic forecasting -- Periodicals; Technological forecasting -- Periodicals; Economic policy -- Periodicals; Prévision économique -- Périodiques; Prévision technologique -- Périodiques; Politique économique -- Périodiques; Economic forecasting; Economic policy; Technological forecasting; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 330.0112
• DOI: 10.1016/j.futures.2023.103155
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0016-3287

Abstract

Abstract: This research uses a participatory method to develop exploratory future energy scenarios for an ecological intentional community in the north of Scotland, Findhorn Ecovillage. These futures serve several purposes: They can be used as decision support by the community, provide insights about the challenges for further decarbonisation in places where the environmental impact from activities has already been reduced, and insights into the implications for meeting the net zero emissions target for the UK on a community spatial scale. The energy futures for Findhorn Ecovillage were based on discussions at a facilitated online stakeholder workshop. The participants were led through a series of steps to create a 2 × 2 matrix based on democratically selected drivers for change, and in developing a pathway through time for each of the resulting four scenarios. The exploratory futures method adopted also enabled participants to consider interactions with wider society including central and devolved government, the wider economy, and the environment. The findings highlight that while intentional communities are to some degree withdrawn from the mainstream, they are embedded within and depend upon the wider society and economy. This could inhibit or accelerate further decarbonisation and could present a risk of undermining the community's lifestyle principles. Highlights: A participatory method used to develop exploratory energy futures for an ecological intentional community. Such communities are more decarbonised than elsewhere and can provide insights for further decarbonisation challenges. Dependency on the wider socio-economic system can inhibit or accelerate further decarbonisation progress.