Case Study: Empowering Community-Led Sustainability in Dublin 7

Background

Stoneybatter, a vibrant neighborhood in Dublin 7, is a testament to the power of community-led sustainability action. With numerous local initiatives dedicated to various aspects of sustainable development, the community faced a challenge in understanding and communicating their collective impact on the SDGs.

Solution

Accelerating Action partnered with Seamus Galvin, a local resident, to assess over 40 local actions across 25 initiatives. This comprehensive assessment revealed Stoneybatter's impressive impact on all 17 SDGs.

Results

• Holistic Impact Visualisation: The assessment generated an interactive "impact wheel" showcasing Stoneybatter's contribution across all 17 SDGs, highlighting the interconnectedness of their efforts.

• Data-Driven Insights: Detailed analysis at the SDG target level revealed the specific areas where the community was making the most significant impact, allowing for targeted future action and strategic planning.

• Empowered Community: The assessment provided concrete evidence of the community's collective achievements, fostering a sense of pride and encouraging further engagement in sustainability initiatives.

• Enhanced Communication: The visually compelling impact wheel enabled Stoneybatter to effectively communicate their contributions to stakeholders, including potential funders and policymakers.

Impact

• Strengthened Funding Applications: The assessment data supported funding applications, demonstrating the tangible impact of community-led initiatives.

• Informed Local Policy: The findings helped shape local policies and strategies, ensuring alignment with the SDGs.

• Connected Local & National Efforts: The assessment highlighted the contribution of local actions to national SDG targets, fostering a sense of connection and shared responsibility.