Shaping a circular industrial ecosystem and supporting life-cycle thinking
Girotondo
Girotondo Basecamp, Atelier and Impact Hub
How to respond to climate crisis? Our answer is: everything, everywhere, everyone, all at once. Girotondo Basecamp is an architectural award winning corporate hospitality hub, circular economy fablab and female entrepreneurship incubator with permaculture gardens. Inspired by the NEB movement we explore and scale promising solutions for social cohesion, resource reuse and equality. We’re using art, beauty and lifestyle as a media for our message which engages multiple societal levels.
Italy
Regional
Reggio Emilia, Tuscany, Milan, Venice, London. We also have strong connections with Paris and Basel.
It addresses urban-rural linkages
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
Yes
2024-12-20
Yes
ERDF
Gruppo di Azione Locale (GAL) - Local rural development
Invitalia BANDO BORGHI - Economic Activity and Repopulation of local area
ERASMUS+
Youth exchange, Less is More, in partnership with Ostello dei Balocchi
No
No
As a representative of an organisation
Girotondo is a multi-disciplinary social enterprise aimed at developing regenerative solutions in the field of corporate innovation, sustainable tourism, circular economy design and female entrepreneurship in rural mountain areas. We aim to host, inspire and create positive change to business practice and lifestyle, blending together traditional knowledge and cutting edge technology.
Translated extract from ENEA publication AAA Humanising Energy: “Girotondo Basecamp, promoted by A. Pisanò and J. Lydall is a former hostel located in Ventasso (RE), on the Reggio Emilia Apennines, the subject of a project to convert it into an off-grid co-living / co-working unit addressed to digital nomads for the valorisation of mountain life. In this case, the project strategies currently underway include zero-impact building regeneration and energy and food self-sufficiency, the fight against the depopulation of the territory, the construction of value starting from the resources (tangible and intangible) of the place and female empowerment."
Our target group includes big corporate companies and international level universities, local authorities and village communities.
Our objective is to make a climate positive lifestyle desirable. We host circular economy design workshops, corporate retreats, wellbeing retreats, artist residencies, permaculture and design internships, school courses, music and poetry festivals all with the aim to inspire regenerative paradigms and find desirable, scalable solutions to global challenges.
Our biggest achievement so far is the direct communication and inspiration of hundreds of students, youths, local politicians and community leaders. Our events encourage co-learning, co-creating, identifying, practicing and communicating consistent, incremental, sustainable improvements. We co-create circular economy furniture, public art installations, products made from waste and natural foraged ingredients.
Translated extract from ENEA publication AAA Humanising Energy: “Girotondo Basecamp, promoted by A. Pisanò and J. Lydall is a former hostel located in Ventasso (RE), on the Reggio Emilia Apennines, the subject of a project to convert it into an off-grid co-living / co-working unit addressed to digital nomads for the valorisation of mountain life. In this case, the project strategies currently underway include zero-impact building regeneration and energy and food self-sufficiency, the fight against the depopulation of the territory, the construction of value starting from the resources (tangible and intangible) of the place and female empowerment."
Our target group includes big corporate companies and international level universities, local authorities and village communities.
Our objective is to make a climate positive lifestyle desirable. We host circular economy design workshops, corporate retreats, wellbeing retreats, artist residencies, permaculture and design internships, school courses, music and poetry festivals all with the aim to inspire regenerative paradigms and find desirable, scalable solutions to global challenges.
Our biggest achievement so far is the direct communication and inspiration of hundreds of students, youths, local politicians and community leaders. Our events encourage co-learning, co-creating, identifying, practicing and communicating consistent, incremental, sustainable improvements. We co-create circular economy furniture, public art installations, products made from waste and natural foraged ingredients.
Innovative
Open
Wild
Circular
Inclusive
Sustainable refurbishment: We converted a poorly built 1950 hotel into a near zero co2 building with cork insulation and triple glazing. During 2025 we will install onsite renewables for our energy requirements. The property recently won the “From Worst to Best” award at Restructura Sustainable Construction Festival in Torino.
Waste as a resource: We have hosted three social impact and circular economy design&build workshops in partnership with Politecnico di Milano and IUAV Venice Universities. We have two more booked for this year focussed on furniture from timber waste and another to produce interior design pieces and soft furnishing from recycled textiles. Within the Invitalia grant we have funds secured to buy further equipment for our FabLab which will enable us to transport with zero emissions (onsite PV + electric van) waste materials such as plastic from building sites in the area to the property and to then shred, melt, spool and then create new products with two 3D printers.
Nature and biodiversity: We nurture nature based solutions to avoid packaging waste and grow as much of our own zero km, pesticide free food as possible with the aim of producing 70% of food on site. Girotondo gardens already host a permaculture food forest with water retentive landscaping, plant guilds, vegetable gardens with integrated composting systems and a host of small animals at its heart. We have plans for a geothermal, tropical biodome with aquaponics and integrated wellness centre, built from construction waste, using windows recovered from our own refurbishment works and other nearby building sites. Foraged ingredients make up an important component of our diet and are also used to create cosmetic products in our FabLab.
In partnership with National Park Appennino Tosco Emiliano we designed and built propagation tables engaging children in 10 different schools to each sow and care for a tree seedling in order to help the park combat climate change induced deforestation.
Waste as a resource: We have hosted three social impact and circular economy design&build workshops in partnership with Politecnico di Milano and IUAV Venice Universities. We have two more booked for this year focussed on furniture from timber waste and another to produce interior design pieces and soft furnishing from recycled textiles. Within the Invitalia grant we have funds secured to buy further equipment for our FabLab which will enable us to transport with zero emissions (onsite PV + electric van) waste materials such as plastic from building sites in the area to the property and to then shred, melt, spool and then create new products with two 3D printers.
Nature and biodiversity: We nurture nature based solutions to avoid packaging waste and grow as much of our own zero km, pesticide free food as possible with the aim of producing 70% of food on site. Girotondo gardens already host a permaculture food forest with water retentive landscaping, plant guilds, vegetable gardens with integrated composting systems and a host of small animals at its heart. We have plans for a geothermal, tropical biodome with aquaponics and integrated wellness centre, built from construction waste, using windows recovered from our own refurbishment works and other nearby building sites. Foraged ingredients make up an important component of our diet and are also used to create cosmetic products in our FabLab.
In partnership with National Park Appennino Tosco Emiliano we designed and built propagation tables engaging children in 10 different schools to each sow and care for a tree seedling in order to help the park combat climate change induced deforestation.
Culture is a pre-condition to behavioural change. We believe that art, music and play are the most emotive and effective media to communicate new or unfamiliar ideas to the widest possible audience.
Architecture and design: Now that the external envelope is at an architectural award winning level we turn our attention to the interiors and their impact on guests and visitors. We have created professional level interior design and furniture from construction waste and surplus and we will deliver female artist residencies and design workshops to turn the building into a living artwork, room by room.
Music and literacy: We have hosted several festivals and events using the beauty of music and poetry to approach and communicate sustainable concepts. We organised a Summer Solstice dawn music performance with Punk Rock legend Giovanni Lindo Ferretti and renowned percussionist Simone Beneventi. In collaboration with poetry festival “L’uomo che camina” we hosted “Poesia Naturalis” a poetry residency and round table discussion on overcoming the man/nature dualism with Poet and Literature Professor Alessandro di Francesco and Poet Mariangela Guatteri.
Performing arts: We have hosted a series of inclusive and culturally stimulating theatre workshops, performances and dance classes with our collaborators and dancers and choreographers Intelfade APS.
Art: We created a public art installation for the Municipality of Vetto which is used by local musicians and buskers to perform, it is set in the public space surrounding the municipal buildings. The installation was decorated by a team of local youths led by a popular female artist Jessica Incerti Telani @jit.f.
In the context of aesthetics our project is exemplary because we are supporting artistic expression in all its forms and creating popular events with a environmental focus. We understand that beauty transforms obligation into desire and we are utilising beauty in all its many forms to co-create a better future.
Architecture and design: Now that the external envelope is at an architectural award winning level we turn our attention to the interiors and their impact on guests and visitors. We have created professional level interior design and furniture from construction waste and surplus and we will deliver female artist residencies and design workshops to turn the building into a living artwork, room by room.
Music and literacy: We have hosted several festivals and events using the beauty of music and poetry to approach and communicate sustainable concepts. We organised a Summer Solstice dawn music performance with Punk Rock legend Giovanni Lindo Ferretti and renowned percussionist Simone Beneventi. In collaboration with poetry festival “L’uomo che camina” we hosted “Poesia Naturalis” a poetry residency and round table discussion on overcoming the man/nature dualism with Poet and Literature Professor Alessandro di Francesco and Poet Mariangela Guatteri.
Performing arts: We have hosted a series of inclusive and culturally stimulating theatre workshops, performances and dance classes with our collaborators and dancers and choreographers Intelfade APS.
Art: We created a public art installation for the Municipality of Vetto which is used by local musicians and buskers to perform, it is set in the public space surrounding the municipal buildings. The installation was decorated by a team of local youths led by a popular female artist Jessica Incerti Telani @jit.f.
In the context of aesthetics our project is exemplary because we are supporting artistic expression in all its forms and creating popular events with a environmental focus. We understand that beauty transforms obligation into desire and we are utilising beauty in all its many forms to co-create a better future.
Social inclusion: we work with and support migrants and female entrepreneurs in remote mountain areas. Our activities contrast demographic decline providing our economically fragile community with new jobs and opportunities for international cultural exchange.
International opportunities: we are rolling out English speaking language courses across all levels of local schools. The courses include practical up-cycling activities making sustainability personally relevant and engaging. The course (each 20 - 36 hours) has been rolled out to 2 infant, 7 primary and 5 secondary schools. We will soon open our English Pub, which will host full immersion, professional level English learning sessions for adults.
Gender equality: with RYU Judo Club we run weekly classes for local children and adults to address gender equality and inclusion through the self-discipline of an ancient martial art.
Socio-economic development: we will enrich the local community as the corporate clients of our business innovation hub - mainly fashion companies from Milan - North Sails, Save The Duck etc... will be spending time in the village and creating valuable business connections between rural and metropolitan areas.
Social Impact: we lectured at Politecnico di Milano on “Design for Social Impact” highlighting Girotondo Basecamp best practice. From chair design to startup incubators, inclusion and social impact represent the core of our design and delivery.
Translated extract from the academic publication AAA Humanising Energy published by ENEA on the subject of Girotondo Basecamp: “the experiences mapped here are considered exemplary because by sharing places, services, skills and daily habits they reduce costs and increase opportunities, distributing responsibilities and burdens within a broad network of users, for a social sustainability that supports and serves energy and environmental sustainability.”
International opportunities: we are rolling out English speaking language courses across all levels of local schools. The courses include practical up-cycling activities making sustainability personally relevant and engaging. The course (each 20 - 36 hours) has been rolled out to 2 infant, 7 primary and 5 secondary schools. We will soon open our English Pub, which will host full immersion, professional level English learning sessions for adults.
Gender equality: with RYU Judo Club we run weekly classes for local children and adults to address gender equality and inclusion through the self-discipline of an ancient martial art.
Socio-economic development: we will enrich the local community as the corporate clients of our business innovation hub - mainly fashion companies from Milan - North Sails, Save The Duck etc... will be spending time in the village and creating valuable business connections between rural and metropolitan areas.
Social Impact: we lectured at Politecnico di Milano on “Design for Social Impact” highlighting Girotondo Basecamp best practice. From chair design to startup incubators, inclusion and social impact represent the core of our design and delivery.
Translated extract from the academic publication AAA Humanising Energy published by ENEA on the subject of Girotondo Basecamp: “the experiences mapped here are considered exemplary because by sharing places, services, skills and daily habits they reduce costs and increase opportunities, distributing responsibilities and burdens within a broad network of users, for a social sustainability that supports and serves energy and environmental sustainability.”
Local businesses and international youths: in collaboration with Ostello dei Balocchi Girotondo created and lead a sustainability workshop as part of an Erasmus+ youth exchange. The workshop provided the youths with the opportunity to think about and discuss circular economy principles and how they relate to their lives and provided us with further market research for our hospitality services and design products.
Universities: we engaged with university alumni group INTRA on their consultation model Design for Community. Their gamification of the consultation process provided an intriguing vision of potential activities and interactions for Girotondo in the local context and Girotondo provided a real world test bed for the post-grads’ new concept.
Local artisans: our retreats, festivals and events incorporate workshops and creative performances via which we promote local craftspeople and artists. We have worked with musicians such as rock legend Giovanni Lindo Ferretti, percussionist Simone Beneventi, art curator Lucia Pesapane, poets Alessandro di Francesco and Mariangela Guatteri, artists Jessica Incerti Telani, Elisa Soncini and Airin Toscani, dance and performance artists Daria Menichetti and Francesco Manenti and Qi Kung master and mindfulness practitioner Susan Reed.
Female entrepreneurs: with Girotondo Impact we are currently supporting several entrepreneurs to grow their businesses, including migrant single mothers, social entrepreneurs, a local second hand trading hub, dancers, artists and our own intern.
Business development network: we are working with Impact Hub RE, Fondazione REI, Laboratory Aperti, Commune di Reggio nell’Emilia to roll out a programme of business development workshops providing our local community with business development opportunities and strengthening our link between rural and metropolitan communities.
Universities: we engaged with university alumni group INTRA on their consultation model Design for Community. Their gamification of the consultation process provided an intriguing vision of potential activities and interactions for Girotondo in the local context and Girotondo provided a real world test bed for the post-grads’ new concept.
Local artisans: our retreats, festivals and events incorporate workshops and creative performances via which we promote local craftspeople and artists. We have worked with musicians such as rock legend Giovanni Lindo Ferretti, percussionist Simone Beneventi, art curator Lucia Pesapane, poets Alessandro di Francesco and Mariangela Guatteri, artists Jessica Incerti Telani, Elisa Soncini and Airin Toscani, dance and performance artists Daria Menichetti and Francesco Manenti and Qi Kung master and mindfulness practitioner Susan Reed.
Female entrepreneurs: with Girotondo Impact we are currently supporting several entrepreneurs to grow their businesses, including migrant single mothers, social entrepreneurs, a local second hand trading hub, dancers, artists and our own intern.
Business development network: we are working with Impact Hub RE, Fondazione REI, Laboratory Aperti, Commune di Reggio nell’Emilia to roll out a programme of business development workshops providing our local community with business development opportunities and strengthening our link between rural and metropolitan communities.
At local level Girotondo Basecamp has engaged with local business owners (Camping Le Fonti, Cerwood Adventure Park, Cervarezza SPA) and the ProLoco group, with the local Municipality of Ventasso and the Unione Montana dei Comuni dell'Appennino Reggiano, the Plesso Scolastico of public school of Appennino Reggiano and the Parco Nazionale dell'Appennino Tosco Emiliano. At metropolitan level Girotondo is coordinating activities in partnership with Politecnico di Milano and IUAV Venezia. At Regional level we are coordinating our work with ARTER - Regione Emilia Romagna, GAL dell'Antico Frignano e Appennino Reggiano and AGREA. At an EU level we have had extensive and valuable feedback directly from the EU via a LIFE application process, we partnered with The Re-Discovery Centre in Dublin and working with Bruxelles based European Commission Journalist Margherita Sforza and her team. All the above mentioned partners are related to Girotondo through projects, events and public events. Each opportunity for public speaking, physical or digital gathering provides direct and impactful means to inform the partners of Girotondo's progress and inspire further action through collaboration and co-creation.
Girotondo co-founders Julia and Antonio Pisanò have professional backgrounds in architecture, construction management, design, sustainable holidays, co-living and entrepreneurship. Our Board of Advisors is made up of the following experts. We have Louise Hooper human rights lawyer, tech consultant and author of EU equality legislation. Ed Gillespie an internationally recognised expert on the challenge of sustainability and regenerative business, he is a Director of Greenpeace UK and a facilitator on responsible leadership with the Forward Institute. Adah Parris is a Futurist, Artist and Activist. She is also Chair of the Advisory Group Centre for Cultural Value and a Fellow of The Royal Society of the Arts. Giovanni Teneggi Director of Confcooperative RE with a key role in stimulating local economic and social development. Giampiero Lupatelli a economist and author with a focus on the social and economic redevelopment of the Apennines. Micheal Solomon is a responsible business expert and climate consultant (Responsible 100). Elena Petrov is a marketing and business development expert. Martha Dias is lawyer, circus performer and an events’ manager and female entrepreneur. Giuseppe Vignali Presidente of the Parco Nazionale Appenino Tosco Emiliano. Alessandro di Francesco author, literacy professor and poet. Politecnico di Milano Prof. Barbara di Prete and IUAV Venice Prof. Davide Crippa. Lucia Pesapane internationally acclaimed contemporary art curator.
We have developed our focus on utilising businesses, academic research and art to spearhead sustainable change due to the expert advice of our board, we are utilising the cutting edge innovation of London based consultants, lawyers and futurists and applying this knowledge and know-how to the local context via our network of economists, business experts and public entities here in the Apennines. Wherever possible we are using the creative and performing arts to give wings to our message.
We have developed our focus on utilising businesses, academic research and art to spearhead sustainable change due to the expert advice of our board, we are utilising the cutting edge innovation of London based consultants, lawyers and futurists and applying this knowledge and know-how to the local context via our network of economists, business experts and public entities here in the Apennines. Wherever possible we are using the creative and performing arts to give wings to our message.
We are incorporating many innovative technologies from manufacture and permaculture to artistic evolution but above all our most innovative aspect is our transdisciplinary approach. Alongside cutting edge technology and avant-garde artistic expression we are also researching traditional knowledge, which when incorporated into the whole provides a unique perspective on how we should go about delivering our project as well as showing our deep respect for elders and building strong connections within our community.
We understand that change of the scale and impact needed to resolve global issues such as the climate crisis needs to address every aspect of our lifestyles, we need to address everyone and we each need to do everything possible. All of this needs to be done in a realistic, positive and attractive way, with no judgement.
We use resources sourced from our community (construction waste, plastic waste, disused timber, discarded textiles etc) to produce products and economic income for the same community with a focus on involving those who are female, migrant and / or disadvantaged.
There are many innovative fore runners in lots of these fields with messages such as reduce waste, zero km food and re-wilding our environment. What makes us different is that we are putting all of this knowledge, know-how and tech together and experimenting with how it can work in everyone’s everyday life, we're making sustainability accessible and desirable.
We understand that change of the scale and impact needed to resolve global issues such as the climate crisis needs to address every aspect of our lifestyles, we need to address everyone and we each need to do everything possible. All of this needs to be done in a realistic, positive and attractive way, with no judgement.
We use resources sourced from our community (construction waste, plastic waste, disused timber, discarded textiles etc) to produce products and economic income for the same community with a focus on involving those who are female, migrant and / or disadvantaged.
There are many innovative fore runners in lots of these fields with messages such as reduce waste, zero km food and re-wilding our environment. What makes us different is that we are putting all of this knowledge, know-how and tech together and experimenting with how it can work in everyone’s everyday life, we're making sustainability accessible and desirable.
Generally our methodology is to experiment with ideas and then to communicate to others how they too can implement sustainable solutions. Specifically our methodology consists of creating spaces and opportunities to share ideas in the form of engaging content and practical workshops. We undertake a participatory event development approach, developing content and daily schedules alongside experts, artists and instructors. The resultant schedule of circular economy workshops, bespoke business support, art residencies, festivals, round table discussion and events provide participants and guests with first hand, practical experience of social equality, circular economy and nature based practices in the immersive sustainable environment of Girotondo Basecamp.
As a few more examples of our communication methodology:
- We hosted a workshop on lateral thinking, science and gaming in collaboration with Ludo Labo a games developer and founders of “Moderna Play”.
- We give public talks such as the YOUZ event on business opportunities for 200+ youths, promoting economic development of local communities and “Futuro in Quota: youth and business in dialogue”.
- Magazines, news articles and radio: Radionova.it, TuttoMontagna, Casa Naturale, Diari di Ripopolazione and Comunità Montagna.
- We hosted a book launch of “Green Community” by Giampiero Lupatelli. The book's subject and the discussion during the event provided an opportunity for citizens, governance and local business owners to talk about socio-economic development of the mountain area, what development is possible in decentralised territories and about the fragility and power of these communities.
As a few more examples of our communication methodology:
- We hosted a workshop on lateral thinking, science and gaming in collaboration with Ludo Labo a games developer and founders of “Moderna Play”.
- We give public talks such as the YOUZ event on business opportunities for 200+ youths, promoting economic development of local communities and “Futuro in Quota: youth and business in dialogue”.
- Magazines, news articles and radio: Radionova.it, TuttoMontagna, Casa Naturale, Diari di Ripopolazione and Comunità Montagna.
- We hosted a book launch of “Green Community” by Giampiero Lupatelli. The book's subject and the discussion during the event provided an opportunity for citizens, governance and local business owners to talk about socio-economic development of the mountain area, what development is possible in decentralised territories and about the fragility and power of these communities.
Our approach is to promote distributed hubs of creation, manufacture and production, thereby cutting transport costs and inefficiencies, retaining economic stimulation in the locality and promoting old style community ties and connections that are so lacking in today’s modern and often remote world.
We influence others to follow our example through physical presence workshops, retreats, events, festivals and discussion, video diary, journalist articles, radio interviews, public talks and events and face to face school lessons. Elements of our project that we hope will inspire participants, viewers and audiences to replicate their own interpretation of what can done are:
Zero km, organic food and zero packaging, which emerges from our permaculture gardens and self sufficiency objectives.
Waste as a resource; material for our FabLab is sourced from construction sites, timber yards, discarded plastic and textiles. We also provide learning opportunities in our school courses to learn how to reuse resources on a more accessible level, using only normal household equipment such as scissors, needle and thread, glue and pens.
Regenerative and responsible business practices via our business innovation hub events.
Sustainable environment and distributed generation and manufacture. We hope that the huge success of our property refurbishment and the energy generation systems we have put in place will inspire others to try similar solutions wherever they are based.
We influence others to follow our example through physical presence workshops, retreats, events, festivals and discussion, video diary, journalist articles, radio interviews, public talks and events and face to face school lessons. Elements of our project that we hope will inspire participants, viewers and audiences to replicate their own interpretation of what can done are:
Zero km, organic food and zero packaging, which emerges from our permaculture gardens and self sufficiency objectives.
Waste as a resource; material for our FabLab is sourced from construction sites, timber yards, discarded plastic and textiles. We also provide learning opportunities in our school courses to learn how to reuse resources on a more accessible level, using only normal household equipment such as scissors, needle and thread, glue and pens.
Regenerative and responsible business practices via our business innovation hub events.
Sustainable environment and distributed generation and manufacture. We hope that the huge success of our property refurbishment and the energy generation systems we have put in place will inspire others to try similar solutions wherever they are based.
Girotondo provides our local community with a link to international goals and targets, we promote life-cycle thinking and social equality as well as supporting the repopulation and economic development of rural areas via multiple schedules and programmes of onsite activities as well as school based courses and other community based activities such as martial arts classes, public talks and business support laboratories.
Our FabLab, reuse and up-cycling classes as well as design for longevity objectives are in line with the New Circular Economy Action Plan and reflect its focus on sustainable products at the same time as bringing down waste generation in line with the Waste Framework Directive 2019/1004 and SDG12 Responsible Consumption and Production and in line with NextGeneration EU.
We are incredibly lucky to be located on a mountain crest nestled in the heart of a UNESCO Park. The views from our location are breathtaking and create the perfect ambience to discuss and implement positive changes. Our approach as reflected in our achievements encourage people to enjoy being immersed in nature and to be aware of the need of conservation efforts, wilderness regeneration and biodiversity.
With our food forest and permaculture food gardens we aim to motivate more people to grow a portion of their own food - reducing the environmental impact of industrial agriculture which is responsible for the majority of wildlife habitats loss (and carbon storage) across the globe, as well as the majority of hazardous pesticides use. Locally produced organic food will also support the protection and the quality of EU soil, in line with the EU Soil Strategy and the Mission ‘A Soil Deal for Europe’ and reduce packaging waste and transportation costs.
With our low energy refurbishment, reduced waste objectives and regenerative lifestyle we hope to inspire many others to make similar improvements in order to achieve the EU’s climate neutrality objective by 2050.
Our FabLab, reuse and up-cycling classes as well as design for longevity objectives are in line with the New Circular Economy Action Plan and reflect its focus on sustainable products at the same time as bringing down waste generation in line with the Waste Framework Directive 2019/1004 and SDG12 Responsible Consumption and Production and in line with NextGeneration EU.
We are incredibly lucky to be located on a mountain crest nestled in the heart of a UNESCO Park. The views from our location are breathtaking and create the perfect ambience to discuss and implement positive changes. Our approach as reflected in our achievements encourage people to enjoy being immersed in nature and to be aware of the need of conservation efforts, wilderness regeneration and biodiversity.
With our food forest and permaculture food gardens we aim to motivate more people to grow a portion of their own food - reducing the environmental impact of industrial agriculture which is responsible for the majority of wildlife habitats loss (and carbon storage) across the globe, as well as the majority of hazardous pesticides use. Locally produced organic food will also support the protection and the quality of EU soil, in line with the EU Soil Strategy and the Mission ‘A Soil Deal for Europe’ and reduce packaging waste and transportation costs.
With our low energy refurbishment, reduced waste objectives and regenerative lifestyle we hope to inspire many others to make similar improvements in order to achieve the EU’s climate neutrality objective by 2050.
We have hosted three up-cycling, social impact, reuse, circular economy and life-cycle thinking workshops with university students from Politecnico di Milano and IUAV Venice. May 23 INTRA social impact workshop. Jul 23 Fo-Rest reused timber, sculpture in nature co-creation and in Nov 23 a further reused timber workshop to create a prototype rocking chair, side table, floor lamp and stool.
Direct beneficiaries so far are 35 students who attended and the 4 professors and 10 PhD students with whom we organised the workshops. They have gained valuable practical experience in the design and manufacture of products, furniture and public art installations and in the use of waste as a resource. The students have all gained an eye opening perspective on how the sometimes esoteric principles of climate remediation can be personally applied.
Indirect beneficiaries are the President of the park and local mayors who talked at the event and the companies who provided us with waste materials. By supporting our reuse workshops they have gained an appreciation of the value of reused materials and the attraction that these kind of events can provide to our community.
The 410 students of the English Up-cycling courses and the 25 Erasmus+ youths benefited from the same empowerment to personally contribute to climate crisis solutions.
Similarly the thousands of people who have viewed our public talks, video blogs, social posts, radio interviews and publications are beneficiaries. As exemplified by the publication Communità Montagna (UNCEM) which concludes (translated extract): “Girotondo Basecamp is much more than a hospitality facility: it is the symbol of an Apennines that wants to return to being a protagonist, demonstrating that a sustainable development model is possible. The mountain is not only a refuge for those seeking tranquility, but a territory of opportunities, where innovation and tradition meet to create a shared and prosperous future.”
Direct beneficiaries so far are 35 students who attended and the 4 professors and 10 PhD students with whom we organised the workshops. They have gained valuable practical experience in the design and manufacture of products, furniture and public art installations and in the use of waste as a resource. The students have all gained an eye opening perspective on how the sometimes esoteric principles of climate remediation can be personally applied.
Indirect beneficiaries are the President of the park and local mayors who talked at the event and the companies who provided us with waste materials. By supporting our reuse workshops they have gained an appreciation of the value of reused materials and the attraction that these kind of events can provide to our community.
The 410 students of the English Up-cycling courses and the 25 Erasmus+ youths benefited from the same empowerment to personally contribute to climate crisis solutions.
Similarly the thousands of people who have viewed our public talks, video blogs, social posts, radio interviews and publications are beneficiaries. As exemplified by the publication Communità Montagna (UNCEM) which concludes (translated extract): “Girotondo Basecamp is much more than a hospitality facility: it is the symbol of an Apennines that wants to return to being a protagonist, demonstrating that a sustainable development model is possible. The mountain is not only a refuge for those seeking tranquility, but a territory of opportunities, where innovation and tradition meet to create a shared and prosperous future.”
