Rethinking Design: Towards a Low-Carbon World

Energy awareness and a growing consumer appreciation for ecological and social responsibility have come together to create a new market for sustainable design.

Ireland, with its tradition of entrepreneurism and its robust economy is well placed to develop this sector, and a range of national and European programmes are now in place to support individuals and businesses wishing to move in this direction.

The urgency of building an effective and integrated response to the twinned pressures of climate change and energy scarcity present an opportunity for developing a wide range of new products and technologies that use less fossil fuel.

In presenting a range of projects and strategies, incentives and supports from Ireland and abroad, we will explore the best ways to both stimulate our indigenous design sector and to develop productive international collaboration for sustainable solutions.

A multi-sectoral discussion will be facilitated, inviting stakeholders from business and investment, academia and research, state and local authorities, and design students.

Based on a belief that the intelligence is in the hall and not just on the podium, this conference employs a "Café" format where short presentations are followed by facilitated discussions at each table.