Organisation name: National Botanic Garden of Wales
Submitted: 13/03/2009 by klamb@gardenofwales.org.uk
- Organisation core business: Botanic Garden
- What will the project do?: The project will explore the variety of renewable energy methods currently available and clearly demonstrate these to the general public and educational audiences. The unique form of the Botanic Garden will all for the principal renewable energy methods (wind turbine, hydro, biomass & anaerobic digestion, ground source heating and solar) to be used in real life settings and on a scale that will be meaningful to individuals and at community level. The key aims of the project are: a) To create a platform for public engagement and dialogue regarding renewable energy amongst an audience that is not necessarily predisposed to show interest; b) utilise the project - together with the living plant collections and nature reserve at the Botanic Garden - to explore wider issues of climate change (e.g. changes to biodiversity); c) reduce the existing carbon footprint of the Garden and reduce its own energy costs.
- Regional area(s) to be covered by the project: South West Wales
- Who will be the end beneficiaries?: The NBGW, general public audience and educational groups.
- Who will be involved in delivering the project?: The NBGW will lead on the project but will look to collaborate with a range of institutions
- What might be the outputs (activity measures) of the project?: 1) Public Engagement & Dialogue, 2) Formal Learning Opportunities
- What might be the results of the project?: The successful delivery of the project would result in a broader awareness, interest and understanding in renewable energy and its link to climate change. There would be a drive towards inspiring individuals and community groups towards direct action. There would be ample opportunity for the showcasing of technologies to the public. There would be a significant reduction of the carbon footprint (and cost burden) on one of Wales' largest and most widely known tourist attractions.
- What would the project's impact be?: A better informed and aware public with a corresponding increase in the take up of renewable energy initiatives and other activities to address issues relatng to climate change.
- What is the project estimated cost?: £2,500,000