EcoPulse: A Community-Driven Framework for Carbon-Neutral and Inclusive Events on the Island of Elba
Summary
EcoPulse is a participatory event sustainability framework that integrates carbon footprint tracking, inclusive community engagement, and environmental education. Designed specifically for the Island of Elba, EcoPulse empowers local communities to co-create carbon-neutral public events through a combination of emotional placemaking, data-driven carbon tracking, and participatory design processes. Unlike standard SaaS platforms, EcoPulse is not just a tool—it is a movement that democratizes environmental stewardship and embeds sustainability into the cultural fabric of Elba.
Foreseen impact
Environmental Impact
Reduction of GHG emissions through smarter planning, mobility management, renewable energy use, and food waste reduction.
Promotion of low-carbon behavior through accessible carbon literacy tools.
Social Impact
Deep community engagement through inclusive democratic practices.
Greater awareness and ownership of sustainability, especially among youth, underserved communities, and local organizations.
Cultural Impact
Events become platforms for environmental identity and expression.
Strengthening of Elba’s unique cultural and ecological heritage through storytelling and shared environmental rituals.
Economic Impact
Creation of green jobs through training and community-based sustainability services.
Increased attractiveness of Elba as a sustainable event destination.
Reduction of GHG emissions through smarter planning, mobility management, renewable energy use, and food waste reduction.
Promotion of low-carbon behavior through accessible carbon literacy tools.
Social Impact
Deep community engagement through inclusive democratic practices.
Greater awareness and ownership of sustainability, especially among youth, underserved communities, and local organizations.
Cultural Impact
Events become platforms for environmental identity and expression.
Strengthening of Elba’s unique cultural and ecological heritage through storytelling and shared environmental rituals.
Economic Impact
Creation of green jobs through training and community-based sustainability services.
Increased attractiveness of Elba as a sustainable event destination.
About the solver
EcoPulse is led by a multidisciplinary team of sustainability experts, educators, and technologists with experience in environmental education, community design, and digital development. The lead proposer holds a PhD in Educational Technology with a focus on participatory innovation and sustainability education.
Relevant frameworks integrated into EcoPulse:
ISO 20121 (Event Sustainability Management)
UN SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)
LCA Methodologies (Kitamura et al., 2020)
Community participation models (Young, Geczi, Callister, Konisky & Beierle)
Cultural placemaking strategies (Kumar & Janardhan, 2023)
Relevant frameworks integrated into EcoPulse:
ISO 20121 (Event Sustainability Management)
UN SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)
LCA Methodologies (Kitamura et al., 2020)
Community participation models (Young, Geczi, Callister, Konisky & Beierle)
Cultural placemaking strategies (Kumar & Janardhan, 2023)
Indicative budget/Phases
Phase 1: Co-Design and Pilot Development (3 months)
Streamlined community engagement: focus on key stakeholders via online workshops and smaller in-person sessions.
Basic carbon tracking tool integration using open-source or existing free tools, minimizing custom development.
Core educational content condensed into digital formats (PDFs, short videos) for self-guided use.
Estimated cost: €3,000
Phase 2: Pilot Event Series (5 months)
Implement EcoPulse framework in 3 pilot events (smaller scale to reduce complexity).
Use simplified carbon data collection methods (surveys, volunteer-led data gathering).
Remote evaluation sessions to cut travel and coordination costs.
Estimated cost: €800 per event | €2,400 total
Phase 3: Local Scaling and Ecosystem Building (from month 8)
Focus on building partnerships via virtual networking and collaborations with existing local providers.
Adapt educational materials with local volunteers to reduce translation/adaptation costs.
Establish a volunteer-based Sustainability Steward Network supported by digital communication tools (WhatsApp, Telegram).
Estimated cost: €4,000
Total optimized cost: ~€9,400
Notes on Cost Savings:
Prioritize digital and remote engagement to reduce in-person logistics.
Leverage community volunteers and local NGOs for content adaptation and network building.
Use existing free/open-source carbon calculators and participatory tools rather than building new tech.
Scale pilot events smaller initially to focus on quality, not quantity.
Streamlined community engagement: focus on key stakeholders via online workshops and smaller in-person sessions.
Basic carbon tracking tool integration using open-source or existing free tools, minimizing custom development.
Core educational content condensed into digital formats (PDFs, short videos) for self-guided use.
Estimated cost: €3,000
Phase 2: Pilot Event Series (5 months)
Implement EcoPulse framework in 3 pilot events (smaller scale to reduce complexity).
Use simplified carbon data collection methods (surveys, volunteer-led data gathering).
Remote evaluation sessions to cut travel and coordination costs.
Estimated cost: €800 per event | €2,400 total
Phase 3: Local Scaling and Ecosystem Building (from month 8)
Focus on building partnerships via virtual networking and collaborations with existing local providers.
Adapt educational materials with local volunteers to reduce translation/adaptation costs.
Establish a volunteer-based Sustainability Steward Network supported by digital communication tools (WhatsApp, Telegram).
Estimated cost: €4,000
Total optimized cost: ~€9,400
Notes on Cost Savings:
Prioritize digital and remote engagement to reduce in-person logistics.
Leverage community volunteers and local NGOs for content adaptation and network building.
Use existing free/open-source carbon calculators and participatory tools rather than building new tech.
Scale pilot events smaller initially to focus on quality, not quantity.