Rothesay – Walking, Wheeling, and Cycling Improvements
2025-05-07 • No comments • • B&C Green Futures Grant 2030
Objectives
- Develop Safe Pathways: Construct dedicated walking, wheeling, and cycling paths to ensure safe and accessible routes for all users.
- Improve Connectivity: Enhance links between key locations including the High Street, Joint Campus, hospital, leisure centre, and park.
- Upgrade Infrastructure: Install necessary amenities such as bike racks, benches, and lighting to support active transportation.
- Promote Sustainability: Encourage environmentally friendly transportation options to reduce carbon emissions and traffic congestion.
Why This Project is Needed
- Safety Concerns: Current pathways are inadequate and pose safety risks to pedestrians and cyclists.
- Health Benefits: Promoting active transportation will improve physical health and well-being of residents.
- Environmental Impact: Reducing reliance on motor vehicles will decrease carbon emissions and contribute to environmental sustainability.
- Community Engagement: Improved infrastructure will foster a sense of community and encourage outdoor activities.
Benefits
- Safety: Dedicated pathways will reduce the risk of accidents and injuries for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Health: Encouraging walking, wheeling, and cycling will promote physical activity and improve overall health.
- Environmental: Sustainable transportation options will reduce carbon emissions and traffic congestion.
- Community: Enhanced infrastructure will create a more connected and engaged community.
Project Timeline
The project is expected to be completed over a period of 24 months, divided into the following phases:
- Planning and Design (4 months): Detailed planning, securing permits, and finalizing designs.
- Procurement (3 months): Sourcing materials and hiring contractors.
- Construction (14 months): Building pathways and installing amenities.
- Testing and Commissioning (3 months): Ensuring all systems are operational and safe for use.
Colgrain Community Woodlands
2025-05-06 • No comments • • H&L Green Futures Grant 2030
The project aims to transform an unused area into a thriving community woodland. This space will feature native trees, walking paths, seating areas, and educational signage. It will serve as a recreational area for residents, a habitat for local wildlife, and an educational resource for schools and community groups.
WhyThe project addresses the need for more green spaces in the community, which are essential for improving mental and physical health, fostering community spirit, and enhancing local biodiversity. The woodland will also help combat climate change by sequestering carbon and improving air quality.
Benefits- Environmental: Increases biodiversity, improves air quality, and provides a habitat for wildlife.
- Social: Offers a recreational space for residents, promotes community engagement, and provides educational opportunities.
- Economic: Potential for eco-tourism, job creation, and support for local businesses.
- Phase 1 (Months 1-3): Planning and site selection.
- Phase 2 (Months 4-6): Community engagement and design finalization.
- Phase 3 (Months 7-9): Initial planting and infrastructure setup.
- Phase 4 (Months 10-12): Ongoing maintenance and community events.
The Mull Food Forest: Sustainable Food Production
2025-05-06 • No comments • • OLI Green Futures Grant 2030
What Will It Do?
- Planting Diverse Species: Introduce a variety of fruit and nut trees, shrubs, herbs, and perennial vegetables to create a layered forest garden.
- Soil Health Improvement: Implement permaculture techniques to enhance soil fertility and structure.
- Water Management: Design efficient water management systems, including rainwater harvesting and swales, to ensure adequate moisture for plants.
- Wildlife Habitat: Create habitats for beneficial wildlife, including pollinators and pest predators.
- Community Involvement: Engage the community through planting events, workshops, and volunteer opportunities.
Why Is It Needed?
- Sustainability: Promote sustainable agricultural practices that mimic natural ecosystems.
- Food Security: Provide a reliable source of diverse, nutritious food for the community.
- Environmental Benefits: Enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, and sequester carbon.
- Community Engagement: Foster a sense of community and educate residents on sustainable living.
Benefits:
- Environmental: Improve local biodiversity, soil health, and water management.
- Economic: Reduce food costs and create opportunities for local businesses.
- Social: Strengthen community bonds and provide educational opportunities.
- Health: Improve access to fresh, nutritious food and promote healthy eating habits.
Timeline:
- Phase 1 (0-6 months): Planning and securing funding, site selection, and community outreach.
- Phase 2 (6-12 months): Initial planting of trees and shrubs, soil preparation, and water management system setup.
- Phase 3 (1-2 years): Expanding plant diversity, establishing educational programs, and monitoring ecosystem health.
- Phase 4 (2-5 years): Full establishment of the food forest, increased community participation, and ongoing maintenance.
Arrochar Space Toilets
2025-05-06 • No comments • • H&L Green Futures Grant 2030
What Will It Do?
- Innovative Design: Create toilet designs that incorporate cutting-edge technologies to maximize water and space efficiency.
- Water Conservation: Implement water-saving mechanisms such as efficient flushing systems, dual-flush options, and graywater reuse.
- Space Optimization: Develop compact layouts and foldable designs to minimize floor space usage.
- User Comfort and Safety: Integrate features like bidet functions, touchless operation, and easy-to-clean surfaces to enhance user experience and hygiene.
- Feasibility Analysis: Conduct comprehensive feasibility studies to assess the practicality and viability of the proposed designs.
Why Is It Needed?
- Water Scarcity: Address global concerns about water scarcity by developing toilets that significantly reduce water usage.
- Space Efficiency: Optimize space utilization in both residential and commercial settings, as well as in space habitats.
- Hygiene and Safety: Improve user comfort and safety by incorporating advanced features that reduce contamination risks.
- Sustainability: Promote sustainable infrastructure by integrating eco-friendly technologies and practices.
Benefits:
- Environmental: Conserve water resources and reduce environmental impact through efficient toilet designs.
- Economic: Lower water and maintenance costs, and support the development of sustainable technologies.
- Social: Enhance user comfort and safety, and provide solutions for densely populated areas and space missions.
- Technological: Advance research and development in innovative toilet designs and sustainable practices.
Timeline:
- Phase 1 (0-6 months): Research and benchmarking, conceptual design development, and feasibility analysis.
- Phase 2 (6-12 months): Prototyping, testing, and refinement of toilet designs.
- Phase 3 (1-2 years): Production, installation, and evaluation of the project's impact.
Estimated Costs:
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Initial Setup Costs:
- Research and Development: £100,000 - £300,000
- Prototyping and Testing: £50,000 - £150,000
- Production and Installation: £200,000 - £500,000
- Permits and Insurance: £10,000 - £30,000
Solar Power for All: Dunoon Solar Panel Installation
2025-05-06 • No comments • • B&C Green Futures Grant 2030
What Will It Do?
- Solar Panel Installation: Install solar panels on public buildings, schools, and community centers to generate renewable energy.
- Energy Education: Offer workshops and training sessions on solar energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable living.
- Community Engagement: Involve residents in the planning and installation process through volunteer opportunities and community meetings.
- Monitoring and Maintenance: Establish a system for monitoring energy production and maintaining the solar panels to ensure optimal performance.
Why Is It Needed?
- Environmental Impact: Reduce the community's carbon footprint by decreasing reliance on fossil fuels.
- Economic Savings: Lower electricity costs for public buildings and potentially for residents through community solar programs.
- Energy Independence: Increase energy security by generating local, renewable energy.
- Educational Value: Raise awareness and knowledge about renewable energy and sustainability.
Benefits:
- Environmental: Decrease greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable energy practices.
- Economic: Reduce energy costs and create local jobs in the renewable energy sector.
- Social: Strengthen community bonds through collaborative projects and educational initiatives.
- Health: Improve air quality by reducing pollution from fossil fuel-based energy sources.
Timeline:
- Phase 1 (0-6 months): Planning and securing funding, site selection, and community outreach.
- Phase 2 (6-12 months): Installation of solar panels on selected sites and launch of educational programs.
- Phase 3 (1-2 years): Expansion of solar installations, increased community participation, and evaluation of the program's impact.
Jura/Islay Autonomous Electric Ferry
2025-05-08 • No comments • • MAKI Green Futures Grant 2030
1. What do you want to do?
We plan to establish a new ferry service between Jura and Islay, enhancing connectivity and supporting local communities. The service will include modern, eco-friendly vessels and improved docking facilities to ensure reliable and efficient transportation.
2. Why is your project needed?
Currently, transportation between Jura and Islay is limited, hindering economic growth and accessibility for residents and visitors. A dedicated ferry service will address these issues by providing a reliable and efficient means of travel, supporting local businesses and tourism.
3. What positive changes will your project bring about?
- Economic Growth: The ferry service will boost local businesses by facilitating easier transportation of goods and services.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Improved transportation links will make travel between Jura and Islay more convenient for residents and tourists.
- Tourism Development: Reliable ferry service will attract more visitors, stimulating the local tourism industry.
- Environmental Sustainability: Eco-friendly vessels will reduce the environmental impact of transportation, promoting sustainable practices.
4. How long will your project run for?
The project is expected to run for approximately 12 months, from initial planning and design to implementation and final completion. This timeline includes securing permits, engaging stakeholders, and ensuring the highest standards of quality and sustainability are met.
Campbeltown Electric Bike Sharing Program
2025-05-06 • No comments • • MAKI Green Futures Grant 2030
What Will It Do?
- Bike Stations: Set up bike stations at key locations.
- Electric Bikes: Provide a fleet of electric bikes for short trips.
- Mobile App: Develop an app for rentals, payments, and tracking.
Why Is It Needed?
- Sustainability: Reduce traffic congestion and emissions.
- Health: Promote physical activity and improve public health.
- Accessibility: Provide affordable and convenient transportation.
Benefits:
- Environmental: Reduce carbon emissions and promote clean transport.
- Economic: Lower transportation costs and create local jobs.
- Social: Enhance mobility and community engagement.
Timeline:
- Phase 1 (0-3 months): Planning, securing funding, and site selection.
- Phase 2 (3-6 months): Acquisition of bikes and installation of stations.
- Phase 3 (6-12 months): Launch and community engagement.
Lochgilphead Renewable Energy Fair: Educating on Sustainable Practices
2025-05-06 • No comments • • MAKI Green Futures Grant 2030
What Will It Do?
- Exhibitions and Demonstrations: Showcase renewable energy technologies such as solar panels, wind turbines, and biomass systems through interactive exhibits and live demonstrations.
- Workshops and Seminars: Offer educational sessions on topics like energy efficiency, sustainable living, and the benefits of renewable energy.
- Vendor Booths: Provide space for local businesses and organizations to present their sustainable products and services.
- Community Engagement Activities: Organize activities such as eco-friendly crafts, games, and competitions to engage attendees of all ages.
- Networking Opportunities: Facilitate connections between community members, renewable energy experts, and local businesses.
Why Is It Needed?
- Awareness: Increase awareness of renewable energy options and sustainable practices among community members.
- Education: Provide practical knowledge and skills to help residents adopt more sustainable lifestyles.
- Environmental Impact: Encourage the adoption of renewable energy solutions to reduce the community's carbon footprint.
- Economic Benefits: Highlight the cost savings and economic opportunities associated with renewable energy.
Benefits:
- Environmental: Promote the use of clean energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
- Economic: Support local green businesses and create opportunities for economic growth.
- Social: Strengthen community bonds through shared learning experiences and collaborative activities.
- Educational: Equip residents with the knowledge to make informed decisions about energy use and sustainability.
Timeline:
- Phase 1 (0-3 months): Planning and securing funding, selecting a venue, and reaching out to potential exhibitors and speakers.
- Phase 2 (3-6 months): Finalizing the event schedule, promoting the fair, and organizing logistics.
- Phase 3 (6-12 months): Hosting the Renewable Energy Fair, gathering feedback, and evaluating the event's impact.
Oban Green Roofs and Walls
2025-05-06 • No comments • • OLI Green Futures Grant 2030
What Will It Do?
- Green Roofs: Install vegetation on rooftops to improve insulation and biodiversity.
- Living Walls: Create vertical gardens on building exteriors.
- Stormwater Management: Use green roofs to manage stormwater runoff.
Why Is It Needed?
- Climate Mitigation: Reduce urban heat islands and improve air quality.
- Biodiversity: Support local wildlife and plant species.
- Aesthetics: Enhance the visual appeal of urban areas.
Benefits:
- Environmental: Improve air quality and reduce energy consumption.
- Economic: Lower building energy costs and increase property values.
- Social: Create green spaces for community enjoyment.
Timeline:
- Phase 1 (0-6 months): Planning, securing funding, and site selection.
- Phase 2 (6-12 months): Installation of green roofs and walls.
- Phase 3 (1-2 years): Monitoring and maintenance.
Coastal Clean-Up Initiative
2025-05-06 • No comments • • OLI Green Futures Grant 2030
- What Will It Do: Organize regular beach and coastal clean-up events.
- Why: To remove litter and debris that harm marine environments.
- Benefits: Cleaner beaches, healthier marine ecosystems, and increased community awareness.
- How Long: 4 years.