Rediscovery Centre (WISER LIFE)
Basic information
Project Title
Rediscovery Centre (WISER LIFE)
Category
Shaping a circular industrial ecosystem and supporting life-cycle thinking
Project Description
The Rediscovery Centre project encapsulates the transformative nature of the circular transition. Pivoting on existing spaces and materials, the project works through five key thematic areas of circularity, education, demonstration, advocacy and collaboration. Through gratefully received funding from the EU LIFE Programme, the Rediscovery Centre is an extraordinary example of what can be done when waste is seen as an opportunity.
Geographical Scope
National
Project Region
Ireland
Urban or rural issues
It addresses urban-rural linkages
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
EU Programme or fund
Yes
Which funds
Other
Other Funds
Programme for the Environment and Climate Action (LIFE 2014–2020)<br />
Awarded funding 2014
Description of the project
Summary
Rediscovery Centre’s mission is to lead Ireland’s transition to a circular economy and a sustainable future. This mission is driven by a vision for a society that is fair, inclusive and thrives within the boundaries of our natural resources.
We believe:
In working together to create fair, lasting solutions to our social, environmental and economic challenges
In a world with no waste, where resources are valued and our planet is regenerated
That structural drivers of resource use must be addressed as urgent priorities to secure our future and to achieve long-term sustainable growth
That with knowledge and equality of opportunity comes the power for people to create positive change and to break free from taking, making and wasting.
Rediscovery Centre is based in the repurposed Boiler House – one of the last remaining features of the old Ballymun. The Boiler House was once the powerhouse behind the largest civic district heating scheme in Ireland and the UK, providing free heat and hot water to the thousands of people living in the high-rise tower blocks of Ballymun. As part of the regeneration of Ballymun, the flats were demolished and the Boiler House was also due to be knocked down. This changed in 2014 when Rediscovery Centre, the Government of Ireland and Dublin City Council joined forces to save and repurpose the landmark building as a centre of excellence in circularity. This was supported by the European Union’s LIFE+ programme as the WISER LIFE project, which was completed in 2018. As Europe’s first 3D textbook and demonstration centre of the circular economy, our inspiring centre showcases from foundation to chimney, extraordinary examples of what can be done when waste is seen as an opportunity.
Rediscovery Centre is an innovation hub, enabling education, research, policy, citizen engagement and collaboration to support community action. As part of the just transition, we use our skills and expertise to ensure that eve
We believe:
In working together to create fair, lasting solutions to our social, environmental and economic challenges
In a world with no waste, where resources are valued and our planet is regenerated
That structural drivers of resource use must be addressed as urgent priorities to secure our future and to achieve long-term sustainable growth
That with knowledge and equality of opportunity comes the power for people to create positive change and to break free from taking, making and wasting.
Rediscovery Centre is based in the repurposed Boiler House – one of the last remaining features of the old Ballymun. The Boiler House was once the powerhouse behind the largest civic district heating scheme in Ireland and the UK, providing free heat and hot water to the thousands of people living in the high-rise tower blocks of Ballymun. As part of the regeneration of Ballymun, the flats were demolished and the Boiler House was also due to be knocked down. This changed in 2014 when Rediscovery Centre, the Government of Ireland and Dublin City Council joined forces to save and repurpose the landmark building as a centre of excellence in circularity. This was supported by the European Union’s LIFE+ programme as the WISER LIFE project, which was completed in 2018. As Europe’s first 3D textbook and demonstration centre of the circular economy, our inspiring centre showcases from foundation to chimney, extraordinary examples of what can be done when waste is seen as an opportunity.
Rediscovery Centre is an innovation hub, enabling education, research, policy, citizen engagement and collaboration to support community action. As part of the just transition, we use our skills and expertise to ensure that eve
Key objectives for sustainability
The transition to a circular economy is a global movement that will deliver environmental, social and economic agendas. It is an essential component in delivering climate neutrality, with approximately 45% of global emissions associated with making and circulating food and products.
As the National Centre for the Circular Economy, the Rediscovery Centre is leading the change from waste to resource in Ireland. We are committed to educating, demonstrating, and inspiring action that will lead Ireland’s transition to a more sustainable way of living.
We understand our remit as follows:
We are a repository for information and guidance materials on the circular economy
We create and disseminate knowledge and good practice
We support innovation and pilot projects, bringing together the skills and expertise of artists, scientists, designers and craftspeople united in a common purpose of sustainability
We develop educational resources and deliver lifelong learning for schools and communities
We conduct research on policy and practice
We maintain a watching brief on new developments in the sector
We collaborate across sectors to deliver innovate, impactful solutions
We participate in high level advisory groups and in policy platforms in Ireland and in Europe to advance the circular economy
We develop and support best practice social enterprises demonstrating effective resource efficiency and delivering social outcomes through vocational training and skills building for the long-term unemployed.
In order to show what the circular economy looks like in action, we invite people to visit our Rediscovery Centre. It is an experience that’s unique in Europe: Our bespoke eco-demonstration centre showcases innovative solutions to help us live more circular and sustainable lives. An overview of how our centre showcases sustainability is outlined in the answers to further questions below.
As the National Centre for the Circular Economy, the Rediscovery Centre is leading the change from waste to resource in Ireland. We are committed to educating, demonstrating, and inspiring action that will lead Ireland’s transition to a more sustainable way of living.
We understand our remit as follows:
We are a repository for information and guidance materials on the circular economy
We create and disseminate knowledge and good practice
We support innovation and pilot projects, bringing together the skills and expertise of artists, scientists, designers and craftspeople united in a common purpose of sustainability
We develop educational resources and deliver lifelong learning for schools and communities
We conduct research on policy and practice
We maintain a watching brief on new developments in the sector
We collaborate across sectors to deliver innovate, impactful solutions
We participate in high level advisory groups and in policy platforms in Ireland and in Europe to advance the circular economy
We develop and support best practice social enterprises demonstrating effective resource efficiency and delivering social outcomes through vocational training and skills building for the long-term unemployed.
In order to show what the circular economy looks like in action, we invite people to visit our Rediscovery Centre. It is an experience that’s unique in Europe: Our bespoke eco-demonstration centre showcases innovative solutions to help us live more circular and sustainable lives. An overview of how our centre showcases sustainability is outlined in the answers to further questions below.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
The Rediscovery Centre was renovated through the WISER LIFE+ project with quality experience and aesthetics in mind. However, with tours, an ecostore, a cafe and a biodiversity garden, visiting the centre brings aesthetics and the circular economy together.
The WISER LIFE+ project developed a prototype ‘3D textbook’ for sustainable development education in the Boiler House in Ballymun. A new concept in experiential learning, the development brings together the educational value from the built, natural and cultural environment to create a centre of excellence in resource efficiency. In demonstrating circular economy principles, the textbook highlights nature’s ability to reuse via closed loop systems in composting, biodiversity, biological restoration, willow coppicing and nutrient recycling, among others.
The Rediscovery Centre curates and promotes the user experience through hosting tours of the 3D textbook. Visitors learn the unique background of the Rediscovery Centre, the history of the old Ballymun Boiler House, and the work of the Rediscovery Centre. Visitors are guaranteed to come away with a better understanding of environmental care, the circular economy and helpful tips for greener living.
We are lucky to have our own thriving biodiversity garden at Rediscovery Centre – right in the heart of Ballymun. Here, we demonstrate best practices in sustainable gardening. On the ground floor of the Rediscovery Centre, our café serves Fairtrade tea and coffee, homemade pastries and other tasty treats. Our Eco Store is a one-stop-shop for all sustainable living needs. One of the first in Ireland, we stock a variety of skillfully upcycled and repurposed items, many of which were created in Rediscovery Centre’s four reuse social enterprises, Visitors can even spot our craftspeople at work from the Ecostore through our viewing windows.
The WISER LIFE+ project developed a prototype ‘3D textbook’ for sustainable development education in the Boiler House in Ballymun. A new concept in experiential learning, the development brings together the educational value from the built, natural and cultural environment to create a centre of excellence in resource efficiency. In demonstrating circular economy principles, the textbook highlights nature’s ability to reuse via closed loop systems in composting, biodiversity, biological restoration, willow coppicing and nutrient recycling, among others.
The Rediscovery Centre curates and promotes the user experience through hosting tours of the 3D textbook. Visitors learn the unique background of the Rediscovery Centre, the history of the old Ballymun Boiler House, and the work of the Rediscovery Centre. Visitors are guaranteed to come away with a better understanding of environmental care, the circular economy and helpful tips for greener living.
We are lucky to have our own thriving biodiversity garden at Rediscovery Centre – right in the heart of Ballymun. Here, we demonstrate best practices in sustainable gardening. On the ground floor of the Rediscovery Centre, our café serves Fairtrade tea and coffee, homemade pastries and other tasty treats. Our Eco Store is a one-stop-shop for all sustainable living needs. One of the first in Ireland, we stock a variety of skillfully upcycled and repurposed items, many of which were created in Rediscovery Centre’s four reuse social enterprises, Visitors can even spot our craftspeople at work from the Ecostore through our viewing windows.
Key objectives for inclusion
While our mission is to lead Ireland’s transition to a circular economy and sustainable future, our vision is a society that is fair, inclusive and thrives within natural resource limits.
We promote an inclusive circular economy, leaving no one behind, and ensure that social equality is delivered through the solutions we provide. People are at the core of our efforts, inclusion is our practice, and our methods of change are rooted in equality and social justice.
We undertake this work by creating an accessible space for citizens to thrive, and through social entrepreneurship.
We believe that with knowledge, and equality of opportunity, comes the power for people to create positive changes in their lives and their community and to break free from taking, making and wasting. We demonstrate what is possible and create spaces and opportunities for everybody to participate and to gain the skills they need to support the transition to, and benefit from, the circular economy. We inspire action for a more sustainable future through the development and use of the Rediscovery Centre as a 3D Textbook comprising innovative construction methods, sustainable resource use and a design that prioritises the needs of the wider environment and society. We also achieve social mobilisation and citizen engagement to enable action through tours, events, exhibitions and practical demonstrations.
Furthermore, in line with Sustainable Development Goals principles we are committed to leaving no one behind. Our vocational training social enterprise programmes specifically target those long term unemployed and distanced from the workplace recognizing their challenges and value they bring. Over 90% of people that we work with and have been working with since 2006 go on to full-time education or straight into work.
We promote an inclusive circular economy, leaving no one behind, and ensure that social equality is delivered through the solutions we provide. People are at the core of our efforts, inclusion is our practice, and our methods of change are rooted in equality and social justice.
We undertake this work by creating an accessible space for citizens to thrive, and through social entrepreneurship.
We believe that with knowledge, and equality of opportunity, comes the power for people to create positive changes in their lives and their community and to break free from taking, making and wasting. We demonstrate what is possible and create spaces and opportunities for everybody to participate and to gain the skills they need to support the transition to, and benefit from, the circular economy. We inspire action for a more sustainable future through the development and use of the Rediscovery Centre as a 3D Textbook comprising innovative construction methods, sustainable resource use and a design that prioritises the needs of the wider environment and society. We also achieve social mobilisation and citizen engagement to enable action through tours, events, exhibitions and practical demonstrations.
Furthermore, in line with Sustainable Development Goals principles we are committed to leaving no one behind. Our vocational training social enterprise programmes specifically target those long term unemployed and distanced from the workplace recognizing their challenges and value they bring. Over 90% of people that we work with and have been working with since 2006 go on to full-time education or straight into work.
Results in relation to category
Since our launch in 2004, we’ve evolved and grown significantly. Between 2004 -2009, public education to build community awareness and develop Ballymun as an environmental sustainability example was core to the centre’s approach. Pilot projects demonstrating excellence in waste prevention, reuse and recycling began, and the centre became an accredited Discover Science Centre. Social enterprises in furniture, fashion and paint were established, contributing to the development of environmentally sustainable businesses and providing training and employment opportunities.
Between 2010 – 2015, Rediscovery Centre grew by focusing on demonstrating excellence in reuse and waste prevention through pioneering research, entrepreneurial initiatives, green skills development and environmental education. Citizen engagement soared with demand leading to their inaugural ‘Let’s Talk Science’ festival. Rediscover Cycling was established to repair and refurbish bikes, while providing training opportunities to those distanced from the workplace. Supported by Rediscovery Centre, trainees across all four social enterprises saw high rates of progression to education or full-time employment in addition to annual increases in waste diversion from landfill. Through investment in research, networking and policy-influencing capacity, Rediscovery Centre became known as a trusted and credible voice on the circular economy.
The opening of the repurposed Boiler House in 2017 was a turning point, enabling the centre to centralise operations in addition to establishing the National Centre for the Circular Economy. With additional support and strategic partnerships, the centre expanded and the team grew. The combination of the bigger team and the new centre significantly increased our impact and by 2021 in-person and online environmental education, training and events, reaching just under 23,000 individuals in 2020, and 75,000 people in 2021. We’ve been growing ever since.
Between 2010 – 2015, Rediscovery Centre grew by focusing on demonstrating excellence in reuse and waste prevention through pioneering research, entrepreneurial initiatives, green skills development and environmental education. Citizen engagement soared with demand leading to their inaugural ‘Let’s Talk Science’ festival. Rediscover Cycling was established to repair and refurbish bikes, while providing training opportunities to those distanced from the workplace. Supported by Rediscovery Centre, trainees across all four social enterprises saw high rates of progression to education or full-time employment in addition to annual increases in waste diversion from landfill. Through investment in research, networking and policy-influencing capacity, Rediscovery Centre became known as a trusted and credible voice on the circular economy.
The opening of the repurposed Boiler House in 2017 was a turning point, enabling the centre to centralise operations in addition to establishing the National Centre for the Circular Economy. With additional support and strategic partnerships, the centre expanded and the team grew. The combination of the bigger team and the new centre significantly increased our impact and by 2021 in-person and online environmental education, training and events, reaching just under 23,000 individuals in 2020, and 75,000 people in 2021. We’ve been growing ever since.
How Citizens benefit
Located in the heart of Ballymun, Rediscovery Centre is based in the repurposed Ballymun Boiler House, one of the last remaining features of the old Ballymun before the urban regeneration project. We are committed to making Ballymun a great place to live, work and visit. The local community in Ballymun have been involved in the work of the Rediscovery Centre since our very inception.
Built in the 1960s in response to Dublin’s housing crisis, Ballymun was created to house up to 20,000 people in state-of-the-art high-rise flats. A close-knit community developed which, although located on the edge of the city, did not have adequate services such as transport, health services, shops or social and recreational facilities and so the new town experienced serious social, economic and environmental issues. Rediscovery Centre was established in 2004 as a direct response to these challenges, supported by Ballymun Regeneration Ltd., which was one of the largest urban regeneration projects ever delivered in Europe.
During the regeneration, ongoing public consultation and community engagement identified an opportunity for people to manage their waste resources better, and to reimagine waste into something of value. The need to provide employment and training opportunities for local people was also highlighted, and so, Rediscovery Centre was born.
Recognising that for the new community to thrive, the physical transformation needed to be accompanied by social, economic and environmental development, and so Rediscovery Centre set to work. Public education to build community awareness and develop Ballymun as an environmental sustainability example was core to the centre’s approach. Social enterprises contribute to the development of environmentally sustainable businesses and provide training and employment opportunities.
Built in the 1960s in response to Dublin’s housing crisis, Ballymun was created to house up to 20,000 people in state-of-the-art high-rise flats. A close-knit community developed which, although located on the edge of the city, did not have adequate services such as transport, health services, shops or social and recreational facilities and so the new town experienced serious social, economic and environmental issues. Rediscovery Centre was established in 2004 as a direct response to these challenges, supported by Ballymun Regeneration Ltd., which was one of the largest urban regeneration projects ever delivered in Europe.
During the regeneration, ongoing public consultation and community engagement identified an opportunity for people to manage their waste resources better, and to reimagine waste into something of value. The need to provide employment and training opportunities for local people was also highlighted, and so, Rediscovery Centre was born.
Recognising that for the new community to thrive, the physical transformation needed to be accompanied by social, economic and environmental development, and so Rediscovery Centre set to work. Public education to build community awareness and develop Ballymun as an environmental sustainability example was core to the centre’s approach. Social enterprises contribute to the development of environmentally sustainable businesses and provide training and employment opportunities.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Innovative character
As Europe’s first circular economy demonstration centre and 3D textbook, innovation is a cross cutting theme in our work. We act as an innovation hub, cultivating curiosity, creativity, and taking a human-centred approach to problem solving. We take responsible risks and recognise that permission to fail is critical for a culture of innovation.
No stranger to innovation, the Boiler House was once the powerhouse behind the largest civic district heating scheme in Ireland and the UK. Today, our inspiring centre showcases, from foundation to chimney, extraordinary examples of what can be done when waste is seen as an opportunity rather than a problem.
The Centre was designed to ensure a minimum carbon footprint in construction and throughout its operational lifetime. Building features include:
Passive design: optimising orientation for solar gain
Heating & electricity from alternative, renewable & sustainable sources
Rain water harvesting & grey water recycling
The incorporation of green roofs & a green living wall
Building construction and landscaping to encourage biodiversity
Best practice waste & energy management
Materials selection having regard to their reuse, recycled, natural and sustainable properties
The Boiler House is the first public building in Ireland to use exposed hempcrete insulation, which is more thermally efficient than concrete and more permeable. Furthermore, all waste from toilets is treated onsite through a custom built biodigester and reed bed system, with a plant wall nourished from urine phosphorus donated to our urinals. A full list of interventions can be read on the Rediscovery Centre website.
The centre operates a number of innovative waste reuse social enterprises with our programs focused on training, reconditioning, and upcycling furniture, bicycles, paint and clothing. Furthermore, our research programmes carry out research that puts us at the forefront of European circular economy innovation.
No stranger to innovation, the Boiler House was once the powerhouse behind the largest civic district heating scheme in Ireland and the UK. Today, our inspiring centre showcases, from foundation to chimney, extraordinary examples of what can be done when waste is seen as an opportunity rather than a problem.
The Centre was designed to ensure a minimum carbon footprint in construction and throughout its operational lifetime. Building features include:
Passive design: optimising orientation for solar gain
Heating & electricity from alternative, renewable & sustainable sources
Rain water harvesting & grey water recycling
The incorporation of green roofs & a green living wall
Building construction and landscaping to encourage biodiversity
Best practice waste & energy management
Materials selection having regard to their reuse, recycled, natural and sustainable properties
The Boiler House is the first public building in Ireland to use exposed hempcrete insulation, which is more thermally efficient than concrete and more permeable. Furthermore, all waste from toilets is treated onsite through a custom built biodigester and reed bed system, with a plant wall nourished from urine phosphorus donated to our urinals. A full list of interventions can be read on the Rediscovery Centre website.
The centre operates a number of innovative waste reuse social enterprises with our programs focused on training, reconditioning, and upcycling furniture, bicycles, paint and clothing. Furthermore, our research programmes carry out research that puts us at the forefront of European circular economy innovation.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
The first main discipline / knowledge field relevant to our project is architecture and engineering. The main themes used in the renovation of the Boiler House Building include:
Natural, sustainable and recycled materials
Circularity, Recycling and waste minimization
Use of “green” suppliers or materials and sustainable materials.
Energy Management (renewable and efficient technologies)
Nature based waste-water treatment and conservation technologies
Biodiversity & improving natural habitats
Educational impact
A detailed sustainable construction performance specification was developed to support the project’s objective to demonstrate the importance, scale and challenge of living in a more connected way with the resources around us so that they are not wasted but protected and preserved and fully utilised.
In terms of the implementation of the work of the Rediscovery Centre, education, research, social enterprise and communication play key roles in achieving our strategic goals.
Our education team deliver targeted Circular Economy Education, within the formal education sector, through curriculum development, CPD for school leadership and staff, and content delivery for students
Our researchers ensure that evidence, insight, and practical experience informs policy development and implementation.
Our social enterprise programme leads improve pathways to the labour market for people distanced from the workplace through social enterprise based vocational education and skills training programmes.
Our comms team captures the attention of target audiences through quality content, compelling storytelling, and by facilitating conversations.
Representatives of these teams interact with each other on a daily basis, and through facilitated programme manager meetings wherein ongoing projects are presented, and synergy between projects and programmes is explored.
Natural, sustainable and recycled materials
Circularity, Recycling and waste minimization
Use of “green” suppliers or materials and sustainable materials.
Energy Management (renewable and efficient technologies)
Nature based waste-water treatment and conservation technologies
Biodiversity & improving natural habitats
Educational impact
A detailed sustainable construction performance specification was developed to support the project’s objective to demonstrate the importance, scale and challenge of living in a more connected way with the resources around us so that they are not wasted but protected and preserved and fully utilised.
In terms of the implementation of the work of the Rediscovery Centre, education, research, social enterprise and communication play key roles in achieving our strategic goals.
Our education team deliver targeted Circular Economy Education, within the formal education sector, through curriculum development, CPD for school leadership and staff, and content delivery for students
Our researchers ensure that evidence, insight, and practical experience informs policy development and implementation.
Our social enterprise programme leads improve pathways to the labour market for people distanced from the workplace through social enterprise based vocational education and skills training programmes.
Our comms team captures the attention of target audiences through quality content, compelling storytelling, and by facilitating conversations.
Representatives of these teams interact with each other on a daily basis, and through facilitated programme manager meetings wherein ongoing projects are presented, and synergy between projects and programmes is explored.
Methodology used
The WISER life+ project introduced a groundbreaking prototype in Ireland known as the '3D textbook.' The Boiler House, as a 3D textbook, represents a novel approach to experiential learning. This initiative brings educational elements from the built, natural, and cultural environments together to establish a centre of excellence dedicated to resource efficiency and waste prevention that fosters the principles of the Circular Economy. As such, the "3D textbook" serves as a tangible demonstration of Circular Economy principles, spotlighting nature's capacity for reuse through closed-loop systems. Examples include composting, biodiversity promotion, biological restoration, willow coppicing, and nutrient recycling.
From the built environment, the project emphasises best practice in natural building materials, construction reuse, and energy/water/waste-efficient processes. Illustrative examples highlight the integration of solar panels, rainwater harvesting, biomass boilers, composting toilets, smart metering, sensors, and an interactive Building Management System (BMS). Academic research on 3D textbooks helped us to guide our work, such as this article from the Asia Pacific Journal of Education.
All of our other work is rooted in our five year strategic plan, which builds upon strong foundations of community education and public engagement. It commits to further developing robust advocacy structures and to using research and partnership to advance evidenced based change for an equitable transition to the Circular Economy. The plan is the result of an in-depth strategic planning process and provides a high level roadmap of our agreed future direction and ambition. It commits to strengthening our research capacity and communications capability to amplify our collective voice and build on our ongoing digital transformation.
From the built environment, the project emphasises best practice in natural building materials, construction reuse, and energy/water/waste-efficient processes. Illustrative examples highlight the integration of solar panels, rainwater harvesting, biomass boilers, composting toilets, smart metering, sensors, and an interactive Building Management System (BMS). Academic research on 3D textbooks helped us to guide our work, such as this article from the Asia Pacific Journal of Education.
All of our other work is rooted in our five year strategic plan, which builds upon strong foundations of community education and public engagement. It commits to further developing robust advocacy structures and to using research and partnership to advance evidenced based change for an equitable transition to the Circular Economy. The plan is the result of an in-depth strategic planning process and provides a high level roadmap of our agreed future direction and ambition. It commits to strengthening our research capacity and communications capability to amplify our collective voice and build on our ongoing digital transformation.
How stakeholders are engaged
Collaboration is one of our strategic goals. Innovative impactful solutions for the circular economy should be delivered through effective cross-sectoral collaboration. As such, local, regional, national and European stakeholders are involved in the implementation of the Rediscovery Centre’s work. We are committed to joining with other organisations and networks in order to transition to a resilient, just and circular economy.
We cultivate key partnerships and initiatives to develop innovative solutions to further evolve the circular economy. Examples of this include our partnership with EMRWMPO, Dublin City Council and CIRCULÉIRE deliver Circular Economy Hotspot Dublin 2023 as a hub of knowledge exchange, capacity building and learning. We also lead and grow a national Circular Economy Academy, and a Paint Reuse Network to reduce paint waste in Ireland
We utilise existing and emerging networks to leverage shared policy objectives in line with national targets. Our strategic partnerships with civil society, public authorities, industry and academia, such as the EPA and Government Departments, lead to the development of best practice solutions such as collaborating to develop a proposal for a national circular economy “platform”.
We advance leading-edge circular economy research and disseminate findings so that insights are maximized and inform practice. For example, our partnerships with Circle Economy and the Clean Technology Centre currently investigates the Circularity Material Use Rate, while our work with the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform investigates behaviour change and citizen engagement.
Our key ambition is to be a positive and vibrant space at the heart of our local community, that supports our community by providing access to work experience and training. One that inspires sustainable life choices and promotes the centre as a leading eco-destination and showcases the community as environmental ambassadors and guardians.
We cultivate key partnerships and initiatives to develop innovative solutions to further evolve the circular economy. Examples of this include our partnership with EMRWMPO, Dublin City Council and CIRCULÉIRE deliver Circular Economy Hotspot Dublin 2023 as a hub of knowledge exchange, capacity building and learning. We also lead and grow a national Circular Economy Academy, and a Paint Reuse Network to reduce paint waste in Ireland
We utilise existing and emerging networks to leverage shared policy objectives in line with national targets. Our strategic partnerships with civil society, public authorities, industry and academia, such as the EPA and Government Departments, lead to the development of best practice solutions such as collaborating to develop a proposal for a national circular economy “platform”.
We advance leading-edge circular economy research and disseminate findings so that insights are maximized and inform practice. For example, our partnerships with Circle Economy and the Clean Technology Centre currently investigates the Circularity Material Use Rate, while our work with the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform investigates behaviour change and citizen engagement.
Our key ambition is to be a positive and vibrant space at the heart of our local community, that supports our community by providing access to work experience and training. One that inspires sustainable life choices and promotes the centre as a leading eco-destination and showcases the community as environmental ambassadors and guardians.
Global challenges
Our current economic system is not circular, it is linear. In a linear economy, we take resources from nature to create products. These products are used and then thrown away. However, an economy that is based on taking, making, and disposing of products causes significant environmental problems. The way we live in Ireland and in most European countries is unsustainable, depleting the world’s limited resources and creating ever more waste and pollution. Applying European consumption on a global level would require a support system equivalent to 2.6 planet Earths. Moreover, if everyone used as many resources as the Irish currently do, this increases to 3.1 Earths.
Realising the limits of our planet’s resources, the circular economy has emerged as an alternative economic model. The circular economy is inspired by nature, where the full value of resources is respected and optimised. Transitioning to a circular economy provides improvements for society and our environment. The transition to a circular economy however will require a transformative societal shift by government, businesses and citizens. A seismic shift of this nature will not be achieved easily; entirely restructuring how goods are produced and consumed and how services are delivered will require behavioural change on a scale rarely witnessed before.
The ongoing climate and biodiversity crises, combined with global pandemics and conflicts, demonstrates that rapid movement towards a circular economy and society - where all people and resources are valued - is needed now more than ever. The Rediscovery Centre helps to steer that transition in Ireland. By providing lifelong learning for a sustainable and circular economy and demonstrating the possibilities that it offers, the Rediscovery Centre can help create fair and lasting solutions to the social, environmental and economic challenges we face.
Realising the limits of our planet’s resources, the circular economy has emerged as an alternative economic model. The circular economy is inspired by nature, where the full value of resources is respected and optimised. Transitioning to a circular economy provides improvements for society and our environment. The transition to a circular economy however will require a transformative societal shift by government, businesses and citizens. A seismic shift of this nature will not be achieved easily; entirely restructuring how goods are produced and consumed and how services are delivered will require behavioural change on a scale rarely witnessed before.
The ongoing climate and biodiversity crises, combined with global pandemics and conflicts, demonstrates that rapid movement towards a circular economy and society - where all people and resources are valued - is needed now more than ever. The Rediscovery Centre helps to steer that transition in Ireland. By providing lifelong learning for a sustainable and circular economy and demonstrating the possibilities that it offers, the Rediscovery Centre can help create fair and lasting solutions to the social, environmental and economic challenges we face.
Learning transferred to other parties
The work of the Rediscovery Centre has been replicated across multiple communities and social enterprises in Ireland. Specifically through a series of projects help social enterprises and communities to undertake circular economic activities.
Circular Economy Academy is a free mentoring and support programme for social enterprises and community organisations. It assists social enterprises and community organisations to move their activities towards sustainability and the circular economy. The support provided is based on the Rediscovery Centre’s vast knowledge of social enterprise development and design thinking concepts, from advice for start ups to business planning, funding, diversification, training and more. Each service is tailor-made to suit the needs of the participating organisation.
Through the ECCO project, Rediscovery Centre empowers and builds capacity within communities to develop new circular economy opportunities. Through these activities, the project sparks awareness and exploration of the circular economy, addresses skill gaps, supports training and helps realise opportunities in underserved communities to tackle climate change. The project involves working with over 40 participants or community groups, supporting them to start action projects in the area of reuse and repair. This model involves providing group training and one to one support to community participants free of charge, focused on a learning-by-doing approach.
Building on the success of our Rediscover Paint social enterprise, we developed, implemented and launched the Paint Reuse Network, a collective of groups and organisations involved in paint reuse with a common vision to reduce paint waste in Ireland. Led by Rediscovery Centre, the national Paint Reuse Network provides paint reuse organisations with training, technical guidance, policy and marketing support and access to an expert community across Ireland.
Circular Economy Academy is a free mentoring and support programme for social enterprises and community organisations. It assists social enterprises and community organisations to move their activities towards sustainability and the circular economy. The support provided is based on the Rediscovery Centre’s vast knowledge of social enterprise development and design thinking concepts, from advice for start ups to business planning, funding, diversification, training and more. Each service is tailor-made to suit the needs of the participating organisation.
Through the ECCO project, Rediscovery Centre empowers and builds capacity within communities to develop new circular economy opportunities. Through these activities, the project sparks awareness and exploration of the circular economy, addresses skill gaps, supports training and helps realise opportunities in underserved communities to tackle climate change. The project involves working with over 40 participants or community groups, supporting them to start action projects in the area of reuse and repair. This model involves providing group training and one to one support to community participants free of charge, focused on a learning-by-doing approach.
Building on the success of our Rediscover Paint social enterprise, we developed, implemented and launched the Paint Reuse Network, a collective of groups and organisations involved in paint reuse with a common vision to reduce paint waste in Ireland. Led by Rediscovery Centre, the national Paint Reuse Network provides paint reuse organisations with training, technical guidance, policy and marketing support and access to an expert community across Ireland.
Keywords
Circularity
Education
Demonstration
Advocacy
Collaboration
