Isle of Wight aims to become first sustainable British Region

The launch of the EcoIsland Partnership CIC

England's largest island community, with a  population of 142,500, aims to become energy self-sufficient. The Isle of Wight is about to make social history by taking its destiny back into its own hands. The Islanders are turning their homeland a brighter shade of green by embarking on a journey to become the first sustainable region in Britain.

Friday saw the launch of the GREENback card, with the backing of a number of high profile partners, which rewards Islanders for going green, entitling them to discounts on a wide range of goods and services.

The Island currently draws 600GWh of electricity from the mainland. With plans for a waste to energy plant, research into tidal and geothermal power and an Island-wide home insulation programme, combined with whole house energy solutions and home automation, they could become energy self sufficient.

David Green, the CEO / Founder of the EcoIsland Partnership CIC, says “There is no manual for this endeavour nor are there any existing examples to follow. However that too has its advantages - there is nobody to tell us that it cannot be done.”

This is an Island Community doing it for themselves. With community meetings in the Parishes, an Eco-mobile that attends Island events and an active social media network, the islanders have a voice to help direct the activities of the EcoIsland.

Launching on E-day - 15th April, its digital community is hosted on the HUB at www.eco-island.org. It also has its own internet channel – ECOTV.me. “Our EcoIsland Community has the opportunity to demonstrate good sustainability practice to the rest of the world. As pioneers we hope to be a beacon of hope to other communities trying to live in more harmony with nature,” said David Green.

· Project run by EcoIsland Partnership CIC – a Community Interest Company

· EcoIsland is supported by HM Government, MP, MEP and the Local Council

· Assistance from industry and the Government’s smart energy/smart grid team

Challenges include water conservation & harvesting, recycling, local food production & distribution and alternative transport technologies.

Innovations include:

· GREENback card – rewards people with money for going green

· Eco-Valley concept – has started to attract green business to the area

· Eco-Dragons den to help new green business start-ups

The Isle of Wight is situated about two miles off the south coast of England. It is 23 miles long and 13 miles wide and has a population of 142,500 (2008/9)

Twitter: @EcoIslandHub Facebook: www.facebook.com/ecoisle

Source: EcoIsland Partnership

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