Projects & Case studies

These selected projects and case studies illustrate my applied research and community-based work advancing sustainability-oriented innovation and collective climate action at local and regional level.

Malahide: Towards a Carbon-Neutral Community

This ongoing, practice-based and initiative, supported by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) examines how local enterprise and community actors can jointly accelerate climate action in a coastal Irish town. Working closely with the Malahide Chamber of Commerce, local authorities, and community groups, the project translates sustainability-oriented innovation into concrete actions across energy, mobility, waste, and local engagement. Early outcomes show that structured collaboration between SMEs and civic stakeholders can unlock practical, locally owned climate solutions while strengthening community resilience.

Enabling Collaborative Climate Transitions Through Local Enterprise

Developed as part of an Enterprise Ireland aligned research agenda, this desk and field study investigates how small business ecosystems can contribute meaningfully to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Using Malahide as the primary case, the work maps barriers and enablers to collective action, identifies capability gaps within local enterprises, and proposes an evidence-informed roadmap for capability-building. The project demonstrates that climate progress at town level depends not only on technology, but on governance, trust, and sustained stakeholder coordination.

Coastal Learning Exchange: Insights from Eckernförde

This international knowledge exchange explores what Irish communities can learn from sustainability practice in comparable European coastal towns. Through field engagement in Eckernförde, Germany, the study examines place-based innovation, community energy approaches, and stakeholder mobilisation in coastal settings facing climate pressures. The comparative insights are being used to inform policy recommendations and practical guidance for Irish towns seeking to advance locally grounded climate transitions.