ELBA NEST: A Community-Led Model for Net-Zero, Equitable, Sustainable Transition of Island Events
Summary
The ELBA NEST introduces a pioneering, community-first approach to sustainable event planning on the Island of Elba. This model transforms sustainability from a perceived burden into a shared economic opportunity—one that uplifts local businesses, upskills and empowers citizens, and protects the island’s unique ecological and cultural heritage.
Unlike conventional and generic Net Zero models that focus on evaluation and exclusion, ELBA NEST champions inclusion, collaboration, and local capacity-building. Developed by leading international sustainability experts, it offers a scalable, context-sensitive framework co-designed to make events across Elba and other Mediterranean islands both environmentally responsible and socially regenerative.
At its core, ELBA NEST combines a co-created Net Zero action toolkit, a progressive certification system, and a multilingual educational programme, ensuring that Net Zero becomes an accessible, practical, and lasting sustainable advantage for the entire community and its tourism-based economy.
Unlike conventional and generic Net Zero models that focus on evaluation and exclusion, ELBA NEST champions inclusion, collaboration, and local capacity-building. Developed by leading international sustainability experts, it offers a scalable, context-sensitive framework co-designed to make events across Elba and other Mediterranean islands both environmentally responsible and socially regenerative.
At its core, ELBA NEST combines a co-created Net Zero action toolkit, a progressive certification system, and a multilingual educational programme, ensuring that Net Zero becomes an accessible, practical, and lasting sustainable advantage for the entire community and its tourism-based economy.
Foreseen impact
The ELBA NEST programme is designed to create measurable, lasting, and inclusive impact across four key dimensions: environmental, economic, social, and institutional. By focusing on empowerment over exclusion, the initiative ensures that sustainability becomes a shared benefit rather than a barrier—positioning Elba as a model for Mediterranean island resilience.
Environmental Impact
• 40–60% reduction in event-related carbon emissions within three years through optimised transport, logistics, energy use, and waste management.
• Significant increase in material recovery and recycling rates through integrated waste minimisation tools and local awareness.
• Long-term reduction in water and electricity consumption across event infrastructure by promoting sustainable practices.
Economic Impact
• Upskilling of local suppliers and service providers, enabling them to enter the green economy without being excluded due to a lack of initial compliance.
• New employment pathways through the training and certification of Sustainable Event Managers.
• Enhanced appeal of Elba as a sustainable tourism destination, drawing eco-conscious visitors and increasing off-season activity.
Social Impact
• High community engagement through co-creation labs, local language education, and participatory certification processes.
• Increased environmental literacy and civic pride across generations, from youth to small business owners.
• Promotion of inclusive economic development that ensures sustainability efforts are fair, equitable, and culturally respectful.
Institutional and Replicability Impact
• Creation of a replicable and scalable framework for other island and coastal regions seeking carbon-neutral event models.
• Strong foundation for long-term policy integration, including local procurement standards, green event permits, and incentive mechanisms.
• Establishment of a data-driven, AI-enabled platform for ongoing monitoring, reporting, and improvement.
All in all, ELBA NEST will turn the Net Zero from a compliance issue into a strategic advantage—benefiting not just the environment, but the people, culture, and economy of the Island of Elba. Through a model rooted in co-creation, local relevance, and international excellence, it delivers impact that is immediate, inclusive, and enduring.
Environmental Impact
• 40–60% reduction in event-related carbon emissions within three years through optimised transport, logistics, energy use, and waste management.
• Significant increase in material recovery and recycling rates through integrated waste minimisation tools and local awareness.
• Long-term reduction in water and electricity consumption across event infrastructure by promoting sustainable practices.
Economic Impact
• Upskilling of local suppliers and service providers, enabling them to enter the green economy without being excluded due to a lack of initial compliance.
• New employment pathways through the training and certification of Sustainable Event Managers.
• Enhanced appeal of Elba as a sustainable tourism destination, drawing eco-conscious visitors and increasing off-season activity.
Social Impact
• High community engagement through co-creation labs, local language education, and participatory certification processes.
• Increased environmental literacy and civic pride across generations, from youth to small business owners.
• Promotion of inclusive economic development that ensures sustainability efforts are fair, equitable, and culturally respectful.
Institutional and Replicability Impact
• Creation of a replicable and scalable framework for other island and coastal regions seeking carbon-neutral event models.
• Strong foundation for long-term policy integration, including local procurement standards, green event permits, and incentive mechanisms.
• Establishment of a data-driven, AI-enabled platform for ongoing monitoring, reporting, and improvement.
All in all, ELBA NEST will turn the Net Zero from a compliance issue into a strategic advantage—benefiting not just the environment, but the people, culture, and economy of the Island of Elba. Through a model rooted in co-creation, local relevance, and international excellence, it delivers impact that is immediate, inclusive, and enduring.
About the solver
The ELBA NEST programme is led by a strategic partnership between RTN Zero Consulting (UK) and Acumenallies (Germany), a world-class consortium that combines research-based innovation, PhD-level scientific expertise, and AI-powered sustainability leadership.
With an exceptional track record in Net Zero strategy, community empowerment, and technology integration, this team is uniquely qualified to design and implement a high-impact, scalable solution tailored to the realities of island communities like Elba.
• RTN Zero Consulting (UK) is a research-led consultancy specialising in climate strategy, Net Zero pathways, and digital sustainability tools. The team includes PhD researchers in climate policy, behavioural science, and emissions modelling, as well as award-winning AI leaders in the field of climate tech. RTN is the creator of RTNZero.AI, an intelligent platform for real-time carbon evaluation. The work of the team is recognised through many accolades including the Queen’s Award and Forbes 30 Under 30.
• Acumenallies (Germany) is a purpose-driven consultancy recognised for its systemic, inclusive, and regenerative approach to sustainability. The team includes experts in climate tech, AI, and digital technologies. The firm has deep experience facilitating co-creation processes and excels in translating policy goals into practical, people-centred solutions.
Why This Consortium?
This partnership offers a rare combination of academic rigour, global experience, and local sensitivity. Together, RTN Zero and Acumenallies bring:
• Cutting-edge AI-driven solutions for climate and event sustainability
• Deep scientific and policy expertise, grounded in peer-reviewed research
• Proven success delivering inclusive, high-impact sustainability programmes in real-world settings
With this capability, the ELBA NEST team is ideally positioned to deliver a replicable, results-driven model that makes Elba a regional leader in sustainable events—and a reference point for Net Zero transitions across island and coastal communities.
With an exceptional track record in Net Zero strategy, community empowerment, and technology integration, this team is uniquely qualified to design and implement a high-impact, scalable solution tailored to the realities of island communities like Elba.
• RTN Zero Consulting (UK) is a research-led consultancy specialising in climate strategy, Net Zero pathways, and digital sustainability tools. The team includes PhD researchers in climate policy, behavioural science, and emissions modelling, as well as award-winning AI leaders in the field of climate tech. RTN is the creator of RTNZero.AI, an intelligent platform for real-time carbon evaluation. The work of the team is recognised through many accolades including the Queen’s Award and Forbes 30 Under 30.
• Acumenallies (Germany) is a purpose-driven consultancy recognised for its systemic, inclusive, and regenerative approach to sustainability. The team includes experts in climate tech, AI, and digital technologies. The firm has deep experience facilitating co-creation processes and excels in translating policy goals into practical, people-centred solutions.
Why This Consortium?
This partnership offers a rare combination of academic rigour, global experience, and local sensitivity. Together, RTN Zero and Acumenallies bring:
• Cutting-edge AI-driven solutions for climate and event sustainability
• Deep scientific and policy expertise, grounded in peer-reviewed research
• Proven success delivering inclusive, high-impact sustainability programmes in real-world settings
With this capability, the ELBA NEST team is ideally positioned to deliver a replicable, results-driven model that makes Elba a regional leader in sustainable events—and a reference point for Net Zero transitions across island and coastal communities.
Indicative budget/Phases
Phase Timeline Key Activities & Deliverables Estimated Cost (EUR)
Phase 1: Research, Scoping & Baseline Mapping Month 1 - Local data collection and baseline emissions analysis- Stakeholder mapping and capacity assessment- Local needs scoping €12,000
Phase 2: Co-Creation & Stakeholder Mobilisation Months 2–3 - Co-creation labs and focus groups- Design of inclusive, tiered certification framework- Local supplier onboarding €15,000
Phase 3: Toolkit Development & AI Integration Months 4–5 - Development of modular Carbon Evaluation Toolkit (print & digital)- Customisation of RTNZero.AI- Multilingual support and testing €18,000
Phase 4: Pilot Implementation (e.g. SEIF) Months 6–9 - Live deployment of toolkit and digital platform- Real-time carbon tracking and monitoring- Data collection and improvement loop €13,000
Phase 5: Education & Certification Rollout Months 10–14 - Launch of MOOC (in Italian/local dialects) with 3-year free access- Certification of Sustainable Event Managers- Final knowledge sharing and reporting €25,000
Total Estimated Cost 14 Months €83,000
Phase 1: Research, Scoping & Baseline Mapping Month 1 - Local data collection and baseline emissions analysis- Stakeholder mapping and capacity assessment- Local needs scoping €12,000
Phase 2: Co-Creation & Stakeholder Mobilisation Months 2–3 - Co-creation labs and focus groups- Design of inclusive, tiered certification framework- Local supplier onboarding €15,000
Phase 3: Toolkit Development & AI Integration Months 4–5 - Development of modular Carbon Evaluation Toolkit (print & digital)- Customisation of RTNZero.AI- Multilingual support and testing €18,000
Phase 4: Pilot Implementation (e.g. SEIF) Months 6–9 - Live deployment of toolkit and digital platform- Real-time carbon tracking and monitoring- Data collection and improvement loop €13,000
Phase 5: Education & Certification Rollout Months 10–14 - Launch of MOOC (in Italian/local dialects) with 3-year free access- Certification of Sustainable Event Managers- Final knowledge sharing and reporting €25,000
Total Estimated Cost 14 Months €83,000