Keeping Track of Community Sustainablilty

Does anyone have some good examples to share from their communities? We are trying to set up a Conservation Challenge in Gainesville, FL and wish to have an accessible spreadsheet for folks to use to track their progress. One idea is to do it based on personal committments - "I will cyle to work 3 times per week" or "I will only spend 2 minutes in the shower each day." These committments would be publicly acknowledged in a local network and then progress can be tracked to achievement.
We'd love to build on successes that others have had in this area and learn from others about pitfalls to avoid.

peter colverson
pandion systems
United States
pandionsystems.com

Peter:

I'm looking for a similar tool. I think a spreadsheet is probably too clunky. I'd like to see a multi-platform app (think iPhone, Facebook, Droid) where you could set goals, report activities and essentially update your status. I've investigated the existing iPhone apps and haven't found anything yet that does all of this across your home, transport, etc.

If you find something please share it with us!

Kathy Kuntz
Executive Director
WCCAI
United States

Visit www.greenhousegames.com.au this an on-line challenge in Victoria being used through workplaces and schools but the same concept can be expanded through communities, would just need clear geographical boundaries.

lucy allinson
Australia

Peter,

Are you familiar with the social networking site repower at home? They use reporting behavior to earn points and prizes:
http://repowerathome.com/

Also for similar ideas about social networking and motivating change, surf through carrot mob, they have some cool youtube videos of their actions:
http://carrotmob.org/

And finally, once you have a platform, you might consider linking it to the Gainesville Regional Utility (GRU) home energy and water use site, Gainesville Green, where residents could track their use of resources and compare with their neighbors:
http://gainesville-green.com

Paul  Monaghan
Assistant Professor
University of Florida
United States

Hello-

I'm very excited to see this discussion continue.

I am currently working on an online program that addresses the specific needs you mentioned. It will also include interactive tracking capabilities across multiple platforms like Kathy offered.

While our list is fairly extensive, we are still in the programming phase and actively soliciting input to ensure the categories we are measuring are as inclusive as possible. Aside from the challenges already mentioned (cycling to work and showering), what other measures would people like to see addressed?

All input is appreciated.

Wayne Warrington
Sustainability Gauge
United States

You might want to visit the Ecological Footprint Calculator at http://www.footprintnetwork.org/en/index.php/GFN/page/calculators/

This is one of the longest-running online calculators out there, and is very accurate and well-researched.

Hi there

There is another in Australia (http://www.greenstreet.net.au/) that has two streams - homes and businesses. The website tracks your usage and compares to your street or suburb usage.

You can also form groups (or communities of practice) to allow networks. They also run 'Greenstreet Cafes' and community sustainability workshops. They're doing some good work in both urban and rural communities in Queensland.

Luke

Luke Reade
Advisor - Environmental Performance (Energy and Greenhouse)
Redland City Council
Australia
www.redland.qld.gov.au

Luke -

Thanks! The Green Street tool is much more what I was looking for in terms of a tool - it provides a benchmark and then lets the user track their progress. It's the first tool I've seen that measures at the monthly level versus annual data. It seems like this might work better for people - as it provides more real time feedback.

Kathy

Kathy Kuntz
Executive Director
Wisconsin Climate Change Action Initiative
United States

Another tool US sites might consider is www.EarthAid.net. It tracks energy and carbon emissions per household based on actual utility data and rewards reductions with incentives from local businesses in your community.

Earth Aid will create custom portals for your community and aggregate data and energy savings. For example: www.earthaid.net/Richmond

It also allows people to form groups, compare usage stats to "Friends" and group members, and earn collective points for larger incentives.

It also has a comprehensive list of energy saving tips and creates To-Do Lists and Actions Completed Lists. Each action also links to more information as well as products that can be purchased related to the action.

One challenge associated with Earth Aid is that users have to have an on-line account with their utilities and share account access info with Earth Aid. Some Utilities work better with Earth Aid than others

Lisa Orr
Sustainability Program Coordinator
Frederick County Office of Environmental Sustainability
United States
http://www.sustainablefrederickcounty.org

As a result of Lucy Allinson's July 21/10 posting I have tried to access www.greenhousegames.com.au but the website does not appear to be working. However the concept intrigues me for our school system here - can anyone give me more up to date info on this? Thank you.

Kim Mushynsky
Office Coordinator
Haida Gwaii Community Futures
Canada

Hi Kim,

The website is here: http://www.greenhousegames.vic.gov.au/

Norm Ruttan
President
iWasteNot Systems
Canada
www.iwastenotsystems.com

Hi Kim

Norm is correct and there should be no issues with access to the site.
You will however have to sign up to see the real benefits of the site which is only possible for Australian schools and workplaces at this stage. Households are offered over 60 different behavior options all linked to points and in an easy tick box format over the 8 week challenge.

Regards

Lucy

lucy allinson
Australia