TTT’s Energy Descent Pathways project has begun. Between June 2008 and June 2009, this project will develop an Energy Descent Action Plan (EDAP) for Totnes which explores the different likely routes or pathways we can take as we reduce our use and dependence on fossil fuels and prepare for the effects of climate change from 2009 - 2030.

For Totnes this means we will create an Energy Descent Action Plan to assist Totnes in finding pathways for reducing the current 9 barrels of oil per person per annum (current UK average) use down to just 1 barrel (or less) per person by 2030. To realize this change we have to make dramatic energy reductions in our own lives and find ways of working closely together as a local community.

The EDAP will provide a framework which weaves together the different localization themes of food production, economics, travel, home heating, resource use, building, biodiversity, education, citizenship and so on, set within a resilient community set against a timeline of dwindling oil supplies and climate change. Views and feedback will be solicited from all sectors of the community during the project.

Early input from those who are already involved in TTT in particular the groups and projects has been drawn together through a series of workshops where the outline project plans and some of the methodology has been discussed to piece together a basic skeleton to inform the work. These workshops explore ideas, information and issues coming from people in the TTT themed groups and are trying out and tuning the creative scenario building work which will underpin the context and content of the plan. (click here for more details about these theoretical scenarios).

The current preliminary round of workshops takes participants through the process of examining the assumptions that underpin our ideas about the future and discusses the variables that are most likely to influence the next 20+ years. Each workshop has focused on the theme of the individual TTT group. Participants will be invited to piece together their ideas and views on alternative futures as part of the EDP process.

A key element of the project is to engage the community of Totnes into this process; to share our ideas, dreams, skills and work together to create the plan and participate in the plan as it is implemented. To do this, direct contact is being made with some of the many community based groups and organisations in Totnes and environs to offer talks and workshops encouraging local people to get involved in the project.

An information leaflet and on-line discussion forum pages are currently being developed to encourage and engage dialogue about the content. The leaflet is now available atvarious outlets and has a suggestions and ideas panel to solicit input to the project. The on-line forum should be up and running in the next few weeks

What thoughts and ideas do you have? Please contact me if you have ideas for community engagement or would like to host a talk about the Energy Descent Pathways project.

Key events:

A series of future scenario workshops took place between July and September for TTT groups. More info here.

The public launch of the project took place on Wednesday 24th September. Click here for more information.

A series of public workshops is scheduled to take place across November.  Click here for information and the list of workshops

Jacqi Hodgson, TTT. Energy Descent Pathways project Coordinator