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Glossary

Discover the "Future Island-Island" glossary, an AHRC-funded project fostering collaboration between communities, academics, and practitioners to co-create innovative, design-led solutions for a sustainable and greener economy in Northern Ireland.

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Aa

Applied Design

The practical implementation of design principles and methods to solve real world problems, particularly in accelerating eco-friendly waste management culture and green economies.

Bb

Biodiversity

The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat, important for environmental health and targeted for protection through the green transition.

Cc

Circular Economy

An economic system aimed at eliminating waste and the continual use of resources through principles of recycling, upcycling, and reusing materials.

Citizen Awareness

The understanding and consciousness of individuals regarding environmental issues and sustainability practices.

Co-design

A collaborative approach to design that involves stakeholders, particularly community members, in the design process to ensure outcomes meet their needs and are sustainable.

Community Engagement

The process of involving local populations in the planning and decision-making activities of projects, crucial for shaping societal a!itudes and behaviours toward sustainability.

Ee

Edge Conditions

Refers to the boundaries between different environments, such as land-water interfaces like rivers, loughs, and seacoasts, which are targeted for protection from plastic littering.

Gg

Green Digital Industry Ecosystem

A network of digital industries focused on achieving NetZero goals through innovative design and technology solutions.

Green Transition

The shift from a carbon-based economy to one that is more sustainable and environmentally friendly, involving changes in energy production, resource management, and biodiversity protection.

Kk

Knowledge Exchange

The sharing of information, research findings, and best practices between stakeholders to foster innovation and accelerate sustainable transitions.

Nn

NetZero Adaption Demonstrators

Practical examples and models designed to show how achieving NetZero emissions can be implemented in various sectors, empowering citizens and businesses.

Oo

Organic Waste

Biodegradable waste that can be repurposed for applications such as textiles and composite fibres, contributing to circular economies.

Pp

Peripheral Regions

Areas on the outskirts of central regions, often rural or remote, which are targeted for levelling up through sustainable innovation and digital transformation.

Prototyping

Creating preliminary models of new products or systems to test and refine concepts, particularly in the context of a circular economy for waste plastics and electronics.

Rr

R-Strategies

These are approaches to keep resources in use and avoid waste including: R0 Refuse, R1 Rethink, R2 Reduce, R3 Reuse, R4 Repair, R5 Refurbish, R6 Remanufacture, R7 Repurpose, R8 Recycle and R9 Recover.

Rathlin Island Policy and Action Plan

A specific policy framework aimed at sustainably managing resources and tourism impacts on Rathlin Island, part of the broader green transition efforts.

Ss

Speculative Design

A design approach that explores and envisions potential futures, used to engage citizens and model sustainable lifestyles.

Sustainable Tourism

Tourism that seeks to minimise environmental impact and promote the conservation of natural and cultural resources, supported by digital and immersive experiences.

Tt

Textiles and Composite Fibres

Materials derived from organic waste, explored as part of the circular economy initiatives to reduce environmental impact.

Uu

Upcycling

The process of transforming by-products, waste materials, or unwanted products into new materials or products of better quality and environmental value.

Ww

Waste Management Systems

Organised processes for handling waste, from collection to disposal or recycling, aimed at improving performance and sustainability.

WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment)

A category of waste encompassing discarded electrical or electronic devices, explored for repair, reuse, and recycling within circular economy models.

World-Building

The creation of detailed and immersive environments, used here to visualise and educate about biodiversity and sustainable practices on offshore islands.

Zz

Zero Carbon Footprint

Achieving a balance between the amount of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere and the amount removed, a key goal of the green transition.

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