CONSENSUS: Consumption, Environment and Sustainability (EPA, 2009-2016)
This project is funded by the Environmental Protection Agency of Ireland’s Science, Technology, Research and Innovation for the Environment (STRIVE) Programme. Initially supported for five years 2009-2014, the project received additional funding between 2014-2016 to extend the analysis and to implement, test and evaluate innovative mechanisms for supporting more sustainable domestic consumption identified in the initial study. Professor Anna Davies is the PI of this project.
Phase I of CONSENSUS examined four key areas of household consumption that currently impact negatively on the environment and inhibit our ability, both in Northern Ireland and the Republic, to achieve sustainable development: transport, energy, water and food. A set of 7 integrated work packages addressed four key themes: how consumption can be measured and evaluated; how sustainable behaviours and incentives are being developed and implemented; identifying links between consumption, health and well-being; and finally how matters of household consumption are being governed through institutional practice and participation.
Phase II of CONSENSUS featured three complementary work packages that apply lifestyle segmentation profiling, living laboratory interventions and mobility biography mapping. This research was conducted in partnership with public, private and non-governmental actors to maximise impact and spin-off actions. CONSENSUS has generated a suite of tangible data and recommendations for public, private and civil society actors in Ireland and Europe to support low carbon development that combines efficiency gains with a socially just allocation of resources.