|

https://ien.ie/wp-admin/{"field_values":"","page_number":"1","files":[],"gform_unique_id":"66a3ca11b9ea5","submitted_values":{"243":"Now that SPI is in a more stable financial position, we are in the process of identifying critical activities and areas requiring specialist knowledge that need to be contracted to ensure tasks and projects are undertaken on time, to the required standard. SPI is seeking support to address legacy issues and create sustainable solutions, particularly in the area of ITC. This year we are seeking IEN capacity building support to improve our ITC systems in order that we can resolve legacy issues, free up much needed capacity, improve our communications (and cohesion) and decision making and ensure the data we hold is fully accessible to authorised users.\r\n\r\nSPI is moving through a process of clarifying existing and new group remits, to help ensure that all work to an agreed, publicised and openly available, remit and brief. SPI will be seeking further consultation with members, stakeholders and other ecovillages on potential alternatives to the current waste water treatment issue in 2022.","264":"2022-10-10","112":"Sustainable Projects Ireland CLG (SPI)","289":{"289.1":"Tick here if your organisation wishes to join the Environmental Pillar"},"382":{"382.1":"Our Memorandum and Articles of association, or Constitution; and our charitable status have not changed since 2021"},"1":{"1.1":"The primary objectives and activities of your organisation are environmental (i.e. ecological) protection and \/ or environmental sustainability.","1.2":"The organisation is a not for profit organisation.","1.3":"The organisation has a demonstrable national remit. Qualifying characteristics include: national influence; specialist activity covering the country; convincing geographic spread of active membership; national outreach activity.","1.4":"The organisation is a registered company, or is a registered friendly society with a registered constitution. The organisation has been incorporated, or registered for a period of at least 12 months prior to an application for membership."},"3":{"3.2":"Company Limited By Guarantee"},"5":"CHY 13328","355":{"355.1":"Is the organisation is an independent and legally discrete body, not a subgroup or activity of another organisation, a network of organisations, nor an organisation managing a project with a limited life span"},"354":"312131","356":"20041182","357":{"357.1":"The board of the organisation does not share more than fifty percent of its directors with another organisation.","357.2":"The organisation can provide audited accounts or a copy of the accounting returns that you made to the CRA, from your previous financial year."},"103":"633-21-31-T","104":"287249","13":{"13.1":"The organisation is able to demonstrate a substantial level of activity in promoting its aims and objectives over the last year.","13.2":"The organisation has an up to date Website and Social Media presence.","13.3":"The organisation will display its membership of and, funding from, the IEN (through the DECC) prominently on its website.","13.4":"The organisation demonstrates what unique contribution it can bring to the Network.","13.5":"Confirm that you have read and adhere to the requirements of Circular Letter 13\/2014 Link here<\/a>.","13.6":"Confirm that you have read, and that your group will adhere to, the IEN Grievance Protocol, including the IEN Code of Conduct.","13.7":"Your organisation agrees to accept electronic notice of general meetings.","13.8":"Regarding your Core Funding application, your organisation accepts that the Assessors decision will be final."},"22":"Sustainable Projects Ireland CLG","23":"North Tipperary Green Enterprise Park, Cloughjordan, Co. Tipperary E53 VP86","24":"0505 42833","35":"education@thevillage.ie","293":"www.thevillage.ie","32":"a:1:{i:0;a:3:{s:8:\"Facebook\";s:39:\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/EcoVillageCjn\/\";s:9:\"Instagram\";s:0:\"\";s:7:\"Twitter\";s:41:\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/cjnecovillage?lang=en\";}}","33":"Veronica Ryan","31":"Education Officer","34":"0860851576","37":"Sustainable Projects Ireland (SPI) was established in 1999 as an educational charity, with the overall goal - as stated in the<\/span>
company\u2019s constitution - of creating and managing a sustainable village in Ireland, as a model for sustainable living into the<\/span>
21st century and as an education, enterprise and research resource for all.<\/span>
The educational and ecological demonstration objectives of Cloughjordan Ecovillage are managed and delivered by its<\/span>
Education Officer, who reports to the Board, and is supported by SPI volunteers, who meet regularly as the Village Education,<\/span>
Research and Training group (VERT).<\/span>
SPI aims to establish Cloughjordan Ecovillage as a leading national and international centre for re-thinking and modelling the<\/span>
society of the future, facilitating learning and research around the issues of sustainability, climate change, resilience,<\/span>
community living and rural regeneration. The mission of SPI\u2019s VERT group mission is to:<\/span>
\u201cEnsure that Cloughjordan Ecovillage becomes a nationally known name for cutting-edge educational activities that prepare<\/span>
individuals and communities with the skills, knowledge, resources and support to manage epochal social change in a creative,<\/span>
equitable and sustainable way\u201d.<\/span>
The biodiversity and land-management objectives of Cloughjordan Ecovillage are managed and delivered by the Land Use<\/span>
Group (LUG)<\/span>.<\/span> The LUG remit oversees the care and management of the charity\u2019s lands. LUG maintains and further develops<\/span>
the biodiversity trails, manages the community woodlands, works to increase the edible landscape and wildlife corridors and<\/span>
ensures that the land is stewarded well.<\/span>
SPI operates a successful licensing system which permits other entities to help fulfill the charity\u2019s aims. Examples include \u2013<\/span>
the Cloughjordan Community Farm; Cloughjordan Arts; and the RED Gardens. The licensing agreements detail the way the<\/span>
licensees operate in the Ecovillage.<\/span>
SPI is committed to having at least 40% women and 40% men on its Board.<\/span>","360":"Yes","41":"SPI is a registered educational charity, all regulatory requirements are being met. SPI's Revenue (CHY) number is: CHY 13328. SPI's Charities Regulatory Authority (CRA) registration number is: 20041182.","120":"0","121":"2","122":"0","123":"10-12","48":"a:1:{i:0;a:2:{s:20:\"Number of volunteers\";s:5:\"10-20\";s:25:\"Number of hours available\";s:7:\"100-200\";}}","55":"Organisational membership entails obligations for members to give 100 hours of annual voluntary labour. Alongside, research students and interns form part of the wider community activities.","92":"Cloughjordan Ecovillage, in its attempts to move to being a carbon-free, sustainable living community, offers unique learning opportunities for visitors, students, volunteers, researchers and others. They can see for themselves what is working well, what is not working so well, and perhaps be inspired to use their learnings and ours in their own communities in Ireland and abroad. The Ecovillage is host to a number of initiatives including: a district-heating system, a community farm, an amphitheatre, allotments, research gardens, and various social and environmental enterprises. The charity is run by volunteers who live in or near the Ecovillage, many of whom are also members of its service company, which manages the wastewater and heating infrastructure.","77":{"77.1":"Advocacy","77.2":"Information gathering & analysis","77.3":"Information dissemination","77.6":"Training \/ Education","77.9":"Awareness-raising","77.11":"Research","77.14":"Other (please specify)"},"166":"We facilitate Arts \/ Creativity; We model Community Farming \/ Permaculture \/ Research Education and Development Gardens through our license holders.","57":"\u20ac72,684","87":"\u20ac34,399","88":"\u20ac27,920","89":"-20%","91":"No","398":"Salary \u2013 \u20ac9,341\r\nAudit \u2013 \u20ac3,843\r\nRent \u2013 \u20ac1,800\r\nInsurance \u2013 \u20ac9,720\r\nOffice \u2013 \u20ac523\r\nSubscriptions \u2013 \u20ac250\r\nBank Fees - \u20ac250","83":"Goal 2: The community farm - a licensee - fulfils (2.4) on sustainable food production systems and (2.5) on genetic diversity.\r\nGoal 3: SPI\u2019s food systems helps fulfil (3.9) on reducing illnesses from chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and\r\ncontamination.\r\nGoal 4: SPI's education programmes contribute to (4.7) on ensuring learners acquire the skills to promote sustainable\r\ndevelopment.\r\nGoal 6: SPI continues to explore sustainable waste water treatment solutions on site and with Irish Water, contributing to (6.5)\r\non implementing integrated water-related ecosystems and (6b) on strengthening the participation of local communities in\r\nimproving water and sanitation management.\r\nGoal 7: SPI\u2019s district heating system contributes to (7.2) on renewable energy.\r\nGoal 11: The Ecovillage is an example of inclusive and sustainable urbanisation.\r\nGoal 12: SPI fulfils a number of targets related to Goal 12: the sustainable management of natural resources (12.2), the sound\r\nmanagement of chemicals and wastes (12.4), reducing waste generation (12.5), educating for sustainability (12.8) and\r\nsustainable tourism (12.b).\r\nGoal 13: SPI\u2019s education programmes helps fulfil (13.3) on awareness-raising and human capacity on climate change.\r\nGoal 15: SPI\u2019s land management contributes to meeting (15.2) on forestry, (15.3) on restoring land and soil, (15.5) on natural\r\nhabitats, and (15.8) on reducing the impact of invasive alien species.\r\nGoal 17: SPI\u2019s collaboration with public bodies and with civil society partnership helps fulfil (17.17).","181":"Email, Members Intranet, Newsletter, Facebook, Website.","182":"Newsletter, Facebook, Website","193":"Quarterly","191":"Monthly","363":"Other","364":"Quarterly","365":"No","366":"0","367":"No we do not","369":"Six articles were featured in media publications in 2021. Links sent by email.","299":"1894","302":"2562","303":"8416","304":"Twitter: 279 Facebook: 801","305":"170,000","307":"Membership: monthly meetings; facilitated group work; online surveys. Learning Alliance \/ Local Community: meetings; publicity; printed materials; word of mouth. Partners, National and International: network membership.","349":"No","399":"CRA Annual Report 2021:\r\n\r\nThe Board is responsible for bringing SPI into full compliance with the Charities Code for Governance, due to a primary reliance on volunteer contribution this has taken longer than expected. In 2021 the Board established a Governance Sub-Committee to progress a plan to bring SPI into full compliance with the Charities Code by the end of 2022. \r\nIssues to be addressed by the Governance Sub-Committee include: Increasing general awareness of the code across all groups, staff and membership. Training for those holding specific responsibilities for meeting the code. Development of policies, processes and documentation that demonstrably uphold key requirements\/principles of the code.\r\n\r\nSPI\u2019s Compliance Record Form Jan - Dec 2021 has been submitted as part of this application by email.","224":"Membership: email, monthly meetings; facilitated group work; online surveys, members intranet.\r\nNew Members: website; email.\r\nLearning Alliance \/ Local Community: email, meetings; social media; publicity; printed materials; word of mouth.\r\nEducation Sector, Secondary, Third Level and Researchers: website; social media; database development; email.\r\nLocal Development Organisations: website; social media; database development; email.\r\nPartners, National and International: network membership.","226":"Yes","401":"In the first quarter of 2021, SPI\u2019s five year Roadmap and Ecovillage Completion Plan (a detailed business plan for delivery of goal one of the Roadmap) was approved by the membership and key stakeholders. Prior planning and investigations enabled SPI to \u2018hit the ground running\u2019 with the implementation of prioritised work streams in the Completion Plan. These included agreeing an approach to planning requirements with Tipperary Council; conducting exhaustive investigations into technical options and locations for an \u2018at scale\u2019 wastewater treatment solution; working in partnership with a leading \u2018dark sky\u2019 lighting consultant (Kerem Asfuroglu of Dark Source) and the council to complete the design of a groundbreaking (eco and human friendly) lighting system for the ecovillage; development and agreement of two new footbridge designs and significant advancement of all other site resolution workstreams, that would culminate in a planning application to the council in early 2022. A Sales Readiness task group was also convened to identify and progress the work required to become \u2018sales ready\u2019.\r\n\r\nSPI liaised with the Service Company to agree and progress repairs to the foul sewer system. Planned progress was made in reducing liabilities and accruals leading to increased financial stability of the operating account (through principal loan repayment). The Completion Plan came under review at the end of 2021 due to hydro-geological explorations for waste water treatment (undertaken by a leading consultant) revealing unsupportive conditions.\r\n\r\nTowards the end of 2021, SPI\u2019s primary activity groups worked with the Board to refocus and progress work plans for the delivery of the strategic goals in 2022, with much of the work already underway in 2021 (see Group Activity Reports and Work Plans attachment).\r\nThe impressive voluntary efforts of our Education team, to work around Covid constraints, laid the foundations required to reinstate the vital role of Education Officer in early 2022, pending the continued relaxation of Covid-19 measures. \r\nThe SPI Board continued to assess the organisation's performance against the Charities Code and identified key areas for improvement. Increased awareness and additional capacity were identified as key to meeting the code across all areas of the organisation. A Board restructure and plan for the development of sub-committees paved the way for an acceleration of this work in 2022.","402":"Yes","235":{"235.1":"Obstacle 1","235.2":"Obstacle 2","235.3":"Obstacle 3","235.4":"Obstacle 4","235.5":"Obstacle 5"},"385":"Capacity - voluntary capacity to work through legacy issues, such as those created by unstable data storage systems and architecture, that continually undermine the ability of the organisation to refer to and build on historical learning and decision making in a more cohesive way.","237":"Availability of knowledge, skills and experience - a key barrier to resolving complex or specialist issues is over reliance on SPI\u2019s brilliant volunteers to have the required knowledge, skills and capacity exactly when we need it and for as long as we need it. There are a number of critical issues requiring specialist knowledge and dedicated contracts to ensure they are completed with quality and on time. These areas include an urgent need to update and undertake routine critical maintenance of IT systems and accessing specialist advice on specific legal issues.","238":"ITC infrastructure - SPI\u2019s information technology and communications infrastructure is unreliable and inefficient and significantly impairs communications, version control and appropriate access to data within the organisation. The system does not effectively support the data storage requirements of the organisation in a user friendly way, potentially leading to problematic and unsecure workarounds and an under utilised intranet.","239":"Organisational complexity - The systems and processes of the organisation have become overly complex, at times leading to a loss of transparency, equity and accessibility to newcomers and drawn out or stagnated processes.","240":"Unsuitable hydrogeological conditions - this physical barrier to identifying an on-site, large scale Waste Water Treatment system remains a key barrier to raising the finances to complete infrastructure, pay off loans and create more homes in the ecovillage.","257":"SPI aims to \u201cserve as an education, enterprise, research and service resource for all\u201d. SPI also aims to minimise pollution to the air, water and land; demonstrate a new approach to rural regeneration; maximise the potential for earning a living both inside and outside the village, by facilitating systems whereby people can create local and sustainable work; and provide for the cultural, artistic and non-material needs of the residents of the village and the surrounding community.\r\n\r\nSPI\u2019s five year Roadmap was officially launched in the first quarter of 2021 with full membership and key stakeholder backing. The Roadmap was the culmination of 18 months planning, investigations and a membership survey to identify and deliver five complementary strategic goals for the years 2021-2025.\r\n\r\nGoal One: To complete Cloughjordan Ecovillage\r\nAchievements: A detailed project plan was developed to deliver goal one of the Roadmap, encompassing remediation of infrastructure, substantive reduction of liabilities and build out of the Ecovillage. \r\nExtensive consultation was undertaken with members into percolation area options for the wastewater discharge. Comprehensive Tier 3 hydro-geological investigations took place (drilling, monitoring well installation, well testing, groundwater sampling on dynamic land use area), site investigations of potential effluent percolation areas, consultations with Council & Irish Water, research alternatives to effluent disposal to ground, including discharge to a nearby water course and upgrade of the town treatment plant. SPI and Cloughjordan Community Development Committee hosted a visit by Minister of State, Peter Burke, TD. A session on the need for a capacity upgrade of the town's wastewater treatment facility was attended by members of the local community, elected representatives and officials.\r\nSPI continued to progress towards achieving planning from Tipperary County Council in 2022 for Ecovillage footpaths, night-sky and biodiversity-friendly lighting, bridges and other site resolution infrastructure works.\r\nImpacts: Meetings held with the council\u2019s planning department were positive and the path to gaining planning for 50 more homes became a real possibility. In the Autumn of 2021, a critical milestone in the plan hit a major obstacle. Costly hydrogeological tests had revealed that conditions within the Ecovillage\u2019s curtilage were unlikely to support an on-site waste water solution at the scale required.\r\n\r\nGoal Two: To achieve material and financial sustainability\r\nAchievements: In accordance with SPI\u2019s five year plan, the principal bank loan was repaid in 2021, enabling a step change in SPI\u2019s operational outlook and a greater percentage of income to be re-invested in increasing the charity\u2019s capacity and work going forward. Progression and management of education and research activities continued to be led by the Education Officer on a voluntary basis due to the impacts of Covid. \r\n\r\nImpacts: Thanks to the curtailment of the high interest loan, an increase in core funding, immense voluntary efforts and successful partnerships and projects, SPI completed a challenging year in a stable financial position.\r\n\r\nGoal Three: To deepen harmony with Nature\r\nAchievements: Work continued in maintaining orchards with pruning of apple and plum trees and maintenance of cob\/ hazelnut trees. A shelter hedge of Hawthorn was planted to the West of the apple orchard. A forester engaged by SPI completed an inspection of the woodland for the Forestry grant 10 year report to the Department and the trees are growing well. Funding was obtained for a pond planned between the mound and the woodland. A biodiversity audit was commissioned, and several meetings were held with ecologist Sophia Couchman; an interim report is due next year.\r\n\r\nImpact: The planned pond will give an opportunity for new species of plant and insect in the Ecovillage and widen biodiversity. SPI continued to enhance the natural environment of the Ecovillage for residents and visitors.\r\n\r\nGoal Four: To model and promote sustainable community living\r\nAchievements: Over the course of 2021 SPI hosted 25 educational events attended virtually by over 700 people and with 170 visitors attending in person. Cloughjordan Ecovillage was one of ten projects from around the world invited by the Transnational Institute (TNI) in Amsterdam to take part in an initiative called the M2M Solidarity Project. In 2021 SPI received IEN funding to upgrade the Cloughjordan Ecovillage website in order to increase awareness of the project, the new website went live in November 2021. Ten researchers contacted SPI over the course of 2021 to conduct research on aspects of the community and project. Work continued on the iACT project: To create a system of blended learning for quality adult education on solutions to the environmental crises that brings about change, by supporting transition in response to the Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Climate Agreement. The RED Gardens (a SPI licence-holder) YouTube channel grew substantially in 2021, adding an additional 14 thousand subscribers to the channel, 25 new videos and with a total of almost 2 million views in the year. \r\n\r\nImpacts: The education programme capitalised on new opportunities to reach a wider virtual and in person audience, affording a significant increase in public engagement with the Ecovillage project over the year.\r\n\r\nGoal Five: To promote community wellbeing\r\nAchievements: The Ecovillage hosted two days of events and celebrations, with its annual F\u00e9ile na n\u00dall - Apple Festival in September. With funding secured in December 2020 from Rethink Ireland the Community Farm (a SPI licence-holder) established the Food Hub at the North Tipperary Green Enterprise Centre to provide sustainable routes to market for the Farm and local small producers through an online farmers market. The number of people collecting food from the RED Gardens honesty stand increased significantly in 2021, as did the amount of fresh, local, in season vegetables. Despite the ever-changing public health restrictions Cloughjordan Arts (a SPI licence-holder) managed to present five professional concerts between June and September as well as a number of smaller community and voluntary events.\r\nImpacts: The opportunities offered by the amphitheatre, Apple Festival, allotments area and community farm provided sustenance and nourishment for many living in the local vicinity in 2021.\r\nSPI's Year in Review attached.","390":"In 2021 SPI hosted 25 educational events, participants range from second level and third level students to local development companies and community groups. Following the success of the Deep Listening series in 2020, SPI hosted three additional webinars in the series in 2021. As part of Biodiversity Week 2021 three online events were produced and broadcast live during the week. All events are available to view on the Ecovillage website.\r\n\r\nSPI cooperates with a number of NGOs and civil society organisations to strengthen and expand its activities. Many events are delivered in association with Cultivate, which is headquartered in the Ecovillage and the educational programme regularly draws on speakers from Cultivate. SPI facilitates a workshop with Worldwise Global Schools regional teacher training and in 2021 several secondary schools visited the Ecovillage as part of the WWGS Global Citizenship Education. \r\n\r\nCommunities 4 Climate Action, a free climate action training course, is delivered by a training consortium made up of SPI, Cultivate and ESD Training. The consortium works with LEADER companies to deliver free climate action training courses to local community groups and enterprises to help build climate action capacity in the county. In 2021 the consortium worked with the Cavan LEADER company to deliver two Communities 4 Climate Action courses for Cavan community groups.\r\n\r\nThrough Cloughjordan Community Farm, the community-led food and social enterprise based in Cloughjordan Ecovillage, SPI engages with farming organisations including Talamh Beo, Open Food Network, Organic Growers of Ireland and ARC2020, to deliver networking events and educational programmes in the Ecovillage. In October 2021 SPI received funding from the agriculture policy fund of the IEN for a project titled: Just a Just Transition? Cloughjordan Ecovillage, Agri-Food and Rural Ireland. The objectives of the project are to showcase and learn from the Ecovillage in a Just Transition framework; to learn what Just Transition really means in practical terms; and to understand what Just Transition might mean for rural Ireland, the project will commence in 2022.\r\n\r\nSPI partnered with Cloughjordan Community Farm to participate in an Erasmus + funded Youth Work Mobility Programme; a five day workshop was held in the Ecovillage with experts from eight countries in September 2021. The meeting served to enhance collective work, cement relationships and forge new European Ecovillage connections, whilst sharing best practices and approaches to running volunteer projects. The group co-produced a guide based upon shared direct, practical experience: The Ecovillage Companion Guide to the 2021-2027 Erasmus+ and ESC Programmes.\r\n\r\nSPI is a member of the Tipperary PPN. In 2021 SPI collaborated with local community group Cloughjordan Community Development Committee in the Sustainable Energy Communities programme to complete an Energy Master Plan for the village of Cloughjordan.\r\n\r\nSPI works closely with the Global Ecovillage Network, in November 2021 SPI made a presentation to the ReGENerative Schools webinar series and was subsequently invited to participate in a Global Ecovillage Network Regenerative Schools Twinning Project in 2022 to create educational resources: a toolkit, teacher training, and ecovillage principles design cards.\r\n\r\nSPI members are actively involved in Ecolise, the European Network for Community-Led Initiatives on Climate Change and Sustainability. The Apple Festival - F\u00e9ile na n\u00dall, was organised by SPI and Cultivate as part of the European Day of Sustainable Communities 2021, a Europe-wide celebration of communities taking action for a healthier, fairer, regenerative Europe.\r\n\r\nThroughout 2021 SPI has worked on the iACT Project, Action for Community Transition. This project is funded by Erasmus + and coordinated by the Permaculture Association of Britain, five other European partners are also involved. The opportunity for this funded project came through relationships SPI have established via the Global Ecovillage Network, and connections to Ecolise. As I-ACT is connecting and building capacity for destinations of learning and demonstrating sustainability SPI is an ideal partner. \r\n \r\nIn December 2021 SPI embarked on a consultation process with Green Skibbereen CLG; Sonairte - the National Ecology Centre and The Burren College of Art to prepare a POBAL application to develop a project entitled: 'Catalysing Change - Creating Centres of Excellence for Community Climate Action'. This project seeks to develop, support and create resources for Sustainable Education and Demonstration Centres as focal points for community climate action and sustainability. Funding for this project has been confirmed for 2022.\r\n\r\nIn 2021 Cloughjordan Ecovillage was one of the ten project invited by the Transnational Institute (TNI) in Amsterdam to take part in an initiative called the M2M Solidarity Project designed to contribute to a revival of European solidarity rooted in peer-learning exchanges between community-driven initiatives. The project was completed in September 2021 and the outputs shared on the Ecovillage website.\r\nTen researchers contacted the Ecovillage over the course of 2021 to do research on aspects of the community and project. These included researchers from both Irish and International Universities.","261":"Collaboration is a key requirement for the organisational success of SPI. Currently there is no easy mechanism to share, store or process data. It is challenging to implement GDPR \/ security controls with no centralised permanent online repository. There is an urgent need to improve IT structures including; a charity-based cloud email solution, a dedicated file server with improved storage capacity, in-house wiki and improved website efficiency. SPI plans to engage a consultant to migrate the legacy email systems to cloud platforms, to build an internal IT system for storing data in-house and hosting a collaboration wiki service. The IT team will coordinate with the consultant to implement the plan: 70% of costs to implement IT technologies and services \u20ac8,400 ; 30% of costs to implement a server hosting centralised file storage \u20ac3,600. This grant would significantly increase capacity across the organisation through improved efficacy in information sharing, storage and communications.","319":{"319.1":"I agree with all Terms and Conditions"},"partial_entry_percent":"","required_fields_percent_complete":"","gravityformspartialentries_is_fulfilled":"1","processed_feeds":"a:1:{s:26:\"gravityformspartialentries\";a:1:{i:0;s:1:\"1\";}}"},"partial_entry":{"243":"Now that SPI is in a more stable financial position, we are in the process of identifying critical activities and areas requiring specialist knowledge that need to be contracted to ensure tasks and projects are undertaken on time, to the required standard. SPI is seeking support to address legacy issues and create sustainable solutions, particularly in the area of ITC. This year we are seeking IEN capacity building support to improve our ITC systems in order that we can resolve legacy issues, free up much needed capacity, improve our communications (and cohesion) and decision making and ensure the data we hold is fully accessible to authorised users.\r\n\r\nSPI is moving through a process of clarifying existing and new group remits, to help ensure that all work to an agreed, publicised and openly available, remit and brief. SPI will be seeking further consultation with members, stakeholders and other ecovillages on potential alternatives to the current waste water treatment issue in 2022.","264":"2022-10-10","112":"Sustainable Projects Ireland CLG (SPI)","289.1":"Tick here if your organisation wishes to join the Environmental Pillar","382.1":"Our Memorandum and Articles of association, or Constitution; and our charitable status have not changed since 2021","1.1":"The primary objectives and activities of your organisation are environmental (i.e. ecological) protection and \/ or environmental sustainability.","1.2":"The organisation is a not for profit organisation.","1.3":"The organisation has a demonstrable national remit. Qualifying characteristics include: national influence; specialist activity covering the country; convincing geographic spread of active membership; national outreach activity.","1.4":"The organisation is a registered company, or is a registered friendly society with a registered constitution. The organisation has been incorporated, or registered for a period of at least 12 months prior to an application for membership.","3.2":"Company Limited By Guarantee","5":"CHY 13328","355.1":"Is the organisation is an independent and legally discrete body, not a subgroup or activity of another organisation, a network of organisations, nor an organisation managing a project with a limited life span","354":"312131","356":"20041182","357.1":"The board of the organisation does not share more than fifty percent of its directors with another organisation.","357.2":"The organisation can provide audited accounts or a copy of the accounting returns that you made to the CRA, from your previous financial year.","103":"633-21-31-T","104":"287249","13.1":"The organisation is able to demonstrate a substantial level of activity in promoting its aims and objectives over the last year.","13.2":"The organisation has an up to date Website and Social Media presence.","13.3":"The organisation will display its membership of and, funding from, the IEN (through the DECC) prominently on its website.","13.4":"The organisation demonstrates what unique contribution it can bring to the Network.","13.5":"Confirm that you have read and adhere to the requirements of Circular Letter 13\/2014 Link here<\/a>.","13.6":"Confirm that you have read, and that your group will adhere to, the IEN Grievance Protocol, including the IEN Code of Conduct.","13.7":"Your organisation agrees to accept electronic notice of general meetings.","13.8":"Regarding your Core Funding application, your organisation accepts that the Assessors decision will be final.","22":"Sustainable Projects Ireland CLG","23":"North Tipperary Green Enterprise Park, Cloughjordan, Co. Tipperary E53 VP86","24":"0505 42833","35":"education@thevillage.ie","293":"www.thevillage.ie","32":"a:1:{i:0;a:3:{s:8:\"Facebook\";s:39:\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/EcoVillageCjn\/\";s:9:\"Instagram\";s:0:\"\";s:7:\"Twitter\";s:41:\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/cjnecovillage?lang=en\";}}","33":"Veronica Ryan","31":"Education Officer","34":"0860851576","37":"Sustainable Projects Ireland (SPI) was established in 1999 as an educational charity, with the overall goal - as stated in the<\/span>
company\u2019s constitution - of creating and managing a sustainable village in Ireland, as a model for sustainable living into the<\/span>
21st century and as an education, enterprise and research resource for all.<\/span>
The educational and ecological demonstration objectives of Cloughjordan Ecovillage are managed and delivered by its<\/span>
Education Officer, who reports to the Board, and is supported by SPI volunteers, who meet regularly as the Village Education,<\/span>
Research and Training group (VERT).<\/span>
SPI aims to establish Cloughjordan Ecovillage as a leading national and international centre for re-thinking and modelling the<\/span>
society of the future, facilitating learning and research around the issues of sustainability, climate change, resilience,<\/span>
community living and rural regeneration. The mission of SPI\u2019s VERT group mission is to:<\/span>
\u201cEnsure that Cloughjordan Ecovillage becomes a nationally known name for cutting-edge educational activities that prepare<\/span>
individuals and communities with the skills, knowledge, resources and support to manage epochal social change in a creative,<\/span>
equitable and sustainable way\u201d.<\/span>
The biodiversity and land-management objectives of Cloughjordan Ecovillage are managed and delivered by the Land Use<\/span>
Group (LUG)<\/span>.<\/span> The LUG remit oversees the care and management of the charity\u2019s lands. LUG maintains and further develops<\/span>
the biodiversity trails, manages the community woodlands, works to increase the edible landscape and wildlife corridors and<\/span>
ensures that the land is stewarded well.<\/span>
SPI operates a successful licensing system which permits other entities to help fulfill the charity\u2019s aims. Examples include \u2013<\/span>
the Cloughjordan Community Farm; Cloughjordan Arts; and the RED Gardens. The licensing agreements detail the way the<\/span>
licensees operate in the Ecovillage.<\/span>
SPI is committed to having at least 40% women and 40% men on its Board.<\/span>","360":"Yes","41":"SPI is a registered educational charity, all regulatory requirements are being met. SPI's Revenue (CHY) number is: CHY 13328. SPI's Charities Regulatory Authority (CRA) registration number is: 20041182.","120":"0","121":"2","122":"0","123":"10-12","48":"a:1:{i:0;a:2:{s:20:\"Number of volunteers\";s:5:\"10-20\";s:25:\"Number of hours available\";s:7:\"100-200\";}}","55":"Organisational membership entails obligations for members to give 100 hours of annual voluntary labour. Alongside, research students and interns form part of the wider community activities.","92":"Cloughjordan Ecovillage, in its attempts to move to being a carbon-free, sustainable living community, offers unique learning opportunities for visitors, students, volunteers, researchers and others. They can see for themselves what is working well, what is not working so well, and perhaps be inspired to use their learnings and ours in their own communities in Ireland and abroad. The Ecovillage is host to a number of initiatives including: a district-heating system, a community farm, an amphitheatre, allotments, research gardens, and various social and environmental enterprises. The charity is run by volunteers who live in or near the Ecovillage, many of whom are also members of its service company, which manages the wastewater and heating infrastructure.","77.1":"Advocacy","77.2":"Information gathering & analysis","77.3":"Information dissemination","77.6":"Training \/ Education","77.9":"Awareness-raising","77.11":"Research","77.14":"Other (please specify)","166":"We facilitate Arts \/ Creativity; We model Community Farming \/ Permaculture \/ Research Education and Development Gardens through our license holders.","57":"\u20ac72,684","87":"\u20ac34,399","88":"\u20ac27,920","89":"-20%","91":"No","398":"Salary \u2013 \u20ac9,341\r\nAudit \u2013 \u20ac3,843\r\nRent \u2013 \u20ac1,800\r\nInsurance \u2013 \u20ac9,720\r\nOffice \u2013 \u20ac523\r\nSubscriptions \u2013 \u20ac250\r\nBank Fees - \u20ac250","83":"Goal 2: The community farm - a licensee - fulfils (2.4) on sustainable food production systems and (2.5) on genetic diversity.\r\nGoal 3: SPI\u2019s food systems helps fulfil (3.9) on reducing illnesses from chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and\r\ncontamination.\r\nGoal 4: SPI's education programmes contribute to (4.7) on ensuring learners acquire the skills to promote sustainable\r\ndevelopment.\r\nGoal 6: SPI continues to explore sustainable waste water treatment solutions on site and with Irish Water, contributing to (6.5)\r\non implementing integrated water-related ecosystems and (6b) on strengthening the participation of local communities in\r\nimproving water and sanitation management.\r\nGoal 7: SPI\u2019s district heating system contributes to (7.2) on renewable energy.\r\nGoal 11: The Ecovillage is an example of inclusive and sustainable urbanisation.\r\nGoal 12: SPI fulfils a number of targets related to Goal 12: the sustainable management of natural resources (12.2), the sound\r\nmanagement of chemicals and wastes (12.4), reducing waste generation (12.5), educating for sustainability (12.8) and\r\nsustainable tourism (12.b).\r\nGoal 13: SPI\u2019s education programmes helps fulfil (13.3) on awareness-raising and human capacity on climate change.\r\nGoal 15: SPI\u2019s land management contributes to meeting (15.2) on forestry, (15.3) on restoring land and soil, (15.5) on natural\r\nhabitats, and (15.8) on reducing the impact of invasive alien species.\r\nGoal 17: SPI\u2019s collaboration with public bodies and with civil society partnership helps fulfil (17.17).","181":"Email, Members Intranet, Newsletter, Facebook, Website.","182":"Newsletter, Facebook, Website","193":"Quarterly","191":"Monthly","363":"Other","364":"Quarterly","365":"No","366":"0","367":"No we do not","369":"Six articles were featured in media publications in 2021. Links sent by email.","299":"1894","302":"2562","303":"8416","304":"Twitter: 279 Facebook: 801","305":"170,000","307":"Membership: monthly meetings; facilitated group work; online surveys. Learning Alliance \/ Local Community: meetings; publicity; printed materials; word of mouth. Partners, National and International: network membership.","349":"No","399":"CRA Annual Report 2021:\r\n\r\nThe Board is responsible for bringing SPI into full compliance with the Charities Code for Governance, due to a primary reliance on volunteer contribution this has taken longer than expected. In 2021 the Board established a Governance Sub-Committee to progress a plan to bring SPI into full compliance with the Charities Code by the end of 2022. \r\nIssues to be addressed by the Governance Sub-Committee include: Increasing general awareness of the code across all groups, staff and membership. Training for those holding specific responsibilities for meeting the code. Development of policies, processes and documentation that demonstrably uphold key requirements\/principles of the code.\r\n\r\nSPI\u2019s Compliance Record Form Jan - Dec 2021 has been submitted as part of this application by email.","224":"Membership: email, monthly meetings; facilitated group work; online surveys, members intranet.\r\nNew Members: website; email.\r\nLearning Alliance \/ Local Community: email, meetings; social media; publicity; printed materials; word of mouth.\r\nEducation Sector, Secondary, Third Level and Researchers: website; social media; database development; email.\r\nLocal Development Organisations: website; social media; database development; email.\r\nPartners, National and International: network membership.","226":"Yes","401":"In the first quarter of 2021, SPI\u2019s five year Roadmap and Ecovillage Completion Plan (a detailed business plan for delivery of goal one of the Roadmap) was approved by the membership and key stakeholders. Prior planning and investigations enabled SPI to \u2018hit the ground running\u2019 with the implementation of prioritised work streams in the Completion Plan. These included agreeing an approach to planning requirements with Tipperary Council; conducting exhaustive investigations into technical options and locations for an \u2018at scale\u2019 wastewater treatment solution; working in partnership with a leading \u2018dark sky\u2019 lighting consultant (Kerem Asfuroglu of Dark Source) and the council to complete the design of a groundbreaking (eco and human friendly) lighting system for the ecovillage; development and agreement of two new footbridge designs and significant advancement of all other site resolution workstreams, that would culminate in a planning application to the council in early 2022. A Sales Readiness task group was also convened to identify and progress the work required to become \u2018sales ready\u2019.\r\n\r\nSPI liaised with the Service Company to agree and progress repairs to the foul sewer system. Planned progress was made in reducing liabilities and accruals leading to increased financial stability of the operating account (through principal loan repayment). The Completion Plan came under review at the end of 2021 due to hydro-geological explorations for waste water treatment (undertaken by a leading consultant) revealing unsupportive conditions.\r\n\r\nTowards the end of 2021, SPI\u2019s primary activity groups worked with the Board to refocus and progress work plans for the delivery of the strategic goals in 2022, with much of the work already underway in 2021 (see Group Activity Reports and Work Plans attachment).\r\nThe impressive voluntary efforts of our Education team, to work around Covid constraints, laid the foundations required to reinstate the vital role of Education Officer in early 2022, pending the continued relaxation of Covid-19 measures. \r\nThe SPI Board continued to assess the organisation's performance against the Charities Code and identified key areas for improvement. Increased awareness and additional capacity were identified as key to meeting the code across all areas of the organisation. A Board restructure and plan for the development of sub-committees paved the way for an acceleration of this work in 2022.","402":"Yes","235.1":"Obstacle 1","235.2":"Obstacle 2","235.3":"Obstacle 3","235.4":"Obstacle 4","235.5":"Obstacle 5","385":"Capacity - voluntary capacity to work through legacy issues, such as those created by unstable data storage systems and architecture, that continually undermine the ability of the organisation to refer to and build on historical learning and decision making in a more cohesive way.","237":"Availability of knowledge, skills and experience - a key barrier to resolving complex or specialist issues is over reliance on SPI\u2019s brilliant volunteers to have the required knowledge, skills and capacity exactly when we need it and for as long as we need it. There are a number of critical issues requiring specialist knowledge and dedicated contracts to ensure they are completed with quality and on time. These areas include an urgent need to update and undertake routine critical maintenance of IT systems and accessing specialist advice on specific legal issues.","238":"ITC infrastructure - SPI\u2019s information technology and communications infrastructure is unreliable and inefficient and significantly impairs communications, version control and appropriate access to data within the organisation. The system does not effectively support the data storage requirements of the organisation in a user friendly way, potentially leading to problematic and unsecure workarounds and an under utilised intranet.","239":"Organisational complexity - The systems and processes of the organisation have become overly complex, at times leading to a loss of transparency, equity and accessibility to newcomers and drawn out or stagnated processes.","240":"Unsuitable hydrogeological conditions - this physical barrier to identifying an on-site, large scale Waste Water Treatment system remains a key barrier to raising the finances to complete infrastructure, pay off loans and create more homes in the ecovillage.","257":"SPI aims to \u201cserve as an education, enterprise, research and service resource for all\u201d. SPI also aims to minimise pollution to the air, water and land; demonstrate a new approach to rural regeneration; maximise the potential for earning a living both inside and outside the village, by facilitating systems whereby people can create local and sustainable work; and provide for the cultural, artistic and non-material needs of the residents of the village and the surrounding community.\r\n\r\nSPI\u2019s five year Roadmap was officially launched in the first quarter of 2021 with full membership and key stakeholder backing. The Roadmap was the culmination of 18 months planning, investigations and a membership survey to identify and deliver five complementary strategic goals for the years 2021-2025.\r\n\r\nGoal One: To complete Cloughjordan Ecovillage\r\nAchievements: A detailed project plan was developed to deliver goal one of the Roadmap, encompassing remediation of infrastructure, substantive reduction of liabilities and build out of the Ecovillage. \r\nExtensive consultation was undertaken with members into percolation area options for the wastewater discharge. Comprehensive Tier 3 hydro-geological investigations took place (drilling, monitoring well installation, well testing, groundwater sampling on dynamic land use area), site investigations of potential effluent percolation areas, consultations with Council & Irish Water, research alternatives to effluent disposal to ground, including discharge to a nearby water course and upgrade of the town treatment plant. SPI and Cloughjordan Community Development Committee hosted a visit by Minister of State, Peter Burke, TD. A session on the need for a capacity upgrade of the town's wastewater treatment facility was attended by members of the local community, elected representatives and officials.\r\nSPI continued to progress towards achieving planning from Tipperary County Council in 2022 for Ecovillage footpaths, night-sky and biodiversity-friendly lighting, bridges and other site resolution infrastructure works.\r\nImpacts: Meetings held with the council\u2019s planning department were positive and the path to gaining planning for 50 more homes became a real possibility. In the Autumn of 2021, a critical milestone in the plan hit a major obstacle. Costly hydrogeological tests had revealed that conditions within the Ecovillage\u2019s curtilage were unlikely to support an on-site waste water solution at the scale required.\r\n\r\nGoal Two: To achieve material and financial sustainability\r\nAchievements: In accordance with SPI\u2019s five year plan, the principal bank loan was repaid in 2021, enabling a step change in SPI\u2019s operational outlook and a greater percentage of income to be re-invested in increasing the charity\u2019s capacity and work going forward. Progression and management of education and research activities continued to be led by the Education Officer on a voluntary basis due to the impacts of Covid. \r\n\r\nImpacts: Thanks to the curtailment of the high interest loan, an increase in core funding, immense voluntary efforts and successful partnerships and projects, SPI completed a challenging year in a stable financial position.\r\n\r\nGoal Three: To deepen harmony with Nature\r\nAchievements: Work continued in maintaining orchards with pruning of apple and plum trees and maintenance of cob\/ hazelnut trees. A shelter hedge of Hawthorn was planted to the West of the apple orchard. A forester engaged by SPI completed an inspection of the woodland for the Forestry grant 10 year report to the Department and the trees are growing well. Funding was obtained for a pond planned between the mound and the woodland. A biodiversity audit was commissioned, and several meetings were held with ecologist Sophia Couchman; an interim report is due next year.\r\n\r\nImpact: The planned pond will give an opportunity for new species of plant and insect in the Ecovillage and widen biodiversity. SPI continued to enhance the natural environment of the Ecovillage for residents and visitors.\r\n\r\nGoal Four: To model and promote sustainable community living\r\nAchievements: Over the course of 2021 SPI hosted 25 educational events attended virtually by over 700 people and with 170 visitors attending in person. Cloughjordan Ecovillage was one of ten projects from around the world invited by the Transnational Institute (TNI) in Amsterdam to take part in an initiative called the M2M Solidarity Project. In 2021 SPI received IEN funding to upgrade the Cloughjordan Ecovillage website in order to increase awareness of the project, the new website went live in November 2021. Ten researchers contacted SPI over the course of 2021 to conduct research on aspects of the community and project. Work continued on the iACT project: To create a system of blended learning for quality adult education on solutions to the environmental crises that brings about change, by supporting transition in response to the Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Climate Agreement. The RED Gardens (a SPI licence-holder) YouTube channel grew substantially in 2021, adding an additional 14 thousand subscribers to the channel, 25 new videos and with a total of almost 2 million views in the year. \r\n\r\nImpacts: The education programme capitalised on new opportunities to reach a wider virtual and in person audience, affording a significant increase in public engagement with the Ecovillage project over the year.\r\n\r\nGoal Five: To promote community wellbeing\r\nAchievements: The Ecovillage hosted two days of events and celebrations, with its annual F\u00e9ile na n\u00dall - Apple Festival in September. With funding secured in December 2020 from Rethink Ireland the Community Farm (a SPI licence-holder) established the Food Hub at the North Tipperary Green Enterprise Centre to provide sustainable routes to market for the Farm and local small producers through an online farmers market. The number of people collecting food from the RED Gardens honesty stand increased significantly in 2021, as did the amount of fresh, local, in season vegetables. Despite the ever-changing public health restrictions Cloughjordan Arts (a SPI licence-holder) managed to present five professional concerts between June and September as well as a number of smaller community and voluntary events.\r\nImpacts: The opportunities offered by the amphitheatre, Apple Festival, allotments area and community farm provided sustenance and nourishment for many living in the local vicinity in 2021.\r\nSPI's Year in Review attached.","390":"In 2021 SPI hosted 25 educational events, participants range from second level and third level students to local development companies and community groups. Following the success of the Deep Listening series in 2020, SPI hosted three additional webinars in the series in 2021. As part of Biodiversity Week 2021 three online events were produced and broadcast live during the week. All events are available to view on the Ecovillage website.\r\n\r\nSPI cooperates with a number of NGOs and civil society organisations to strengthen and expand its activities. Many events are delivered in association with Cultivate, which is headquartered in the Ecovillage and the educational programme regularly draws on speakers from Cultivate. SPI facilitates a workshop with Worldwise Global Schools regional teacher training and in 2021 several secondary schools visited the Ecovillage as part of the WWGS Global Citizenship Education. \r\n\r\nCommunities 4 Climate Action, a free climate action training course, is delivered by a training consortium made up of SPI, Cultivate and ESD Training. The consortium works with LEADER companies to deliver free climate action training courses to local community groups and enterprises to help build climate action capacity in the county. In 2021 the consortium worked with the Cavan LEADER company to deliver two Communities 4 Climate Action courses for Cavan community groups.\r\n\r\nThrough Cloughjordan Community Farm, the community-led food and social enterprise based in Cloughjordan Ecovillage, SPI engages with farming organisations including Talamh Beo, Open Food Network, Organic Growers of Ireland and ARC2020, to deliver networking events and educational programmes in the Ecovillage. In October 2021 SPI received funding from the agriculture policy fund of the IEN for a project titled: Just a Just Transition? Cloughjordan Ecovillage, Agri-Food and Rural Ireland. The objectives of the project are to showcase and learn from the Ecovillage in a Just Transition framework; to learn what Just Transition really means in practical terms; and to understand what Just Transition might mean for rural Ireland, the project will commence in 2022.\r\n\r\nSPI partnered with Cloughjordan Community Farm to participate in an Erasmus + funded Youth Work Mobility Programme; a five day workshop was held in the Ecovillage with experts from eight countries in September 2021. The meeting served to enhance collective work, cement relationships and forge new European Ecovillage connections, whilst sharing best practices and approaches to running volunteer projects. The group co-produced a guide based upon shared direct, practical experience: The Ecovillage Companion Guide to the 2021-2027 Erasmus+ and ESC Programmes.\r\n\r\nSPI is a member of the Tipperary PPN. In 2021 SPI collaborated with local community group Cloughjordan Community Development Committee in the Sustainable Energy Communities programme to complete an Energy Master Plan for the village of Cloughjordan.\r\n\r\nSPI works closely with the Global Ecovillage Network, in November 2021 SPI made a presentation to the ReGENerative Schools webinar series and was subsequently invited to participate in a Global Ecovillage Network Regenerative Schools Twinning Project in 2022 to create educational resources: a toolkit, teacher training, and ecovillage principles design cards.\r\n\r\nSPI members are actively involved in Ecolise, the European Network for Community-Led Initiatives on Climate Change and Sustainability. The Apple Festival - F\u00e9ile na n\u00dall, was organised by SPI and Cultivate as part of the European Day of Sustainable Communities 2021, a Europe-wide celebration of communities taking action for a healthier, fairer, regenerative Europe.\r\n\r\nThroughout 2021 SPI has worked on the iACT Project, Action for Community Transition. This project is funded by Erasmus + and coordinated by the Permaculture Association of Britain, five other European partners are also involved. The opportunity for this funded project came through relationships SPI have established via the Global Ecovillage Network, and connections to Ecolise. As I-ACT is connecting and building capacity for destinations of learning and demonstrating sustainability SPI is an ideal partner. \r\n \r\nIn December 2021 SPI embarked on a consultation process with Green Skibbereen CLG; Sonairte - the National Ecology Centre and The Burren College of Art to prepare a POBAL application to develop a project entitled: 'Catalysing Change - Creating Centres of Excellence for Community Climate Action'. This project seeks to develop, support and create resources for Sustainable Education and Demonstration Centres as focal points for community climate action and sustainability. Funding for this project has been confirmed for 2022.\r\n\r\nIn 2021 Cloughjordan Ecovillage was one of the ten project invited by the Transnational Institute (TNI) in Amsterdam to take part in an initiative called the M2M Solidarity Project designed to contribute to a revival of European solidarity rooted in peer-learning exchanges between community-driven initiatives. The project was completed in September 2021 and the outputs shared on the Ecovillage website.\r\nTen researchers contacted the Ecovillage over the course of 2021 to do research on aspects of the community and project. These included researchers from both Irish and International Universities.","261":"Collaboration is a key requirement for the organisational success of SPI. Currently there is no easy mechanism to share, store or process data. It is challenging to implement GDPR \/ security controls with no centralised permanent online repository. There is an urgent need to improve IT structures including; a charity-based cloud email solution, a dedicated file server with improved storage capacity, in-house wiki and improved website efficiency. SPI plans to engage a consultant to migrate the legacy email systems to cloud platforms, to build an internal IT system for storing data in-house and hosting a collaboration wiki service. The IT team will coordinate with the consultant to implement the plan: 70% of costs to implement IT technologies and services \u20ac8,400 ; 30% of costs to implement a server hosting centralised file storage \u20ac3,600. This grant would significantly increase capacity across the organisation through improved efficacy in information sharing, storage and communications.","319.1":"I agree with all Terms and Conditions","partial_entry_percent":"","required_fields_percent_complete":"","gravityformspartialentries_is_fulfilled":"1","processed_feeds":"a:1:{s:26:\"gravityformspartialentries\";a:1:{i:0;s:1:\"1\";}}"}}