Gavin Foster reports:  Isle of Wight Council and the University of Southampton are embarking on a number of innovative projects to help make the Eco Island vision a reality.

A number of initiatives are being progressed that will use the University’s expertise in sustainable energy, coastal engineering and waste management to help advance the Eco Island agenda and also improve learning and other opportunities throughout all walks of Island life.

Besides the environmental benefits of working with the University, the council hopes the close association will also unlock other educational, inspirational and health and wellbeing benefits for residents.

Experts from across the University will be involved in the projects.

It is hoped that external funding could support a major study into the sustainable habits of Islanders and the cultural changes required to help their contribution to Eco Island .

The University’s School of Civil Engineering and the Environment may also be supporting work to see exactly how the aims of Eco Island can be incorporated into the Highways Private Finance Initiative.

The School will also be working to chart the Island’s progress in reducing its carbon footprint, undertaking work to identify suitable sites for windfarm and marine energy clusters and work out which balance of alternative electricity methods could best help the Island achieve its aims.

Also under consideration is the establishment of a University chair on the Island that could lead to part of a degree or undergraduate course being delivered on the Island.

IW Council leader Cllr David Pugh said: “Even though we are at a relatively early stage of our relationship with the University of Southampton, it is already clear that there are some really exciting possibilities.

“This agreement brings the University of Southampton to the heart of Island life. The Vice-Chancellor Prof Bill Wakeham and other colleagues will be playing a part in the Island Strategic Partnership which means there will be opportunity to apply the knowledge and expertise of the University to all walks of island life.

Professor Wakeham added:

“We are looking forward to working with the IoW Council across a range of activities from sustainable energy sources, through waste treatment to education and social and health care. 

In each area we shall bring the University’s considerable expertise to the challenges presented by this innovative project. In doing so we hope to develop new approaches to sustainability and other topics which can be adopted elsewhere here in the UK and internationally.

IWC Media Gavin Foster:  Islandpulse Community News @Island Pulse.