Over two productive days of workshops on the 20th and 21st of September, we gathered a diverse group of residents and representatives from stakeholder organizations to envision the future of energy in Findhorn and contribute directly to InterPED from the ground up. With 17 participants on Friday and 12 on Saturday, the sessions were filled with collaborative discussions that laid the groundwork for developing Findhorn as a Positive Energy District (PED).
Day 1: A Shared Vision for Findhorn’s Energy Future
Friday’s session focused on creating a shared vision for the energy future of our community. Participants from various local organizations and the wider community contributed their insights, helping to shape a collective understanding of the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Day 2: Unpacking Key Topics for InterPED Development
On Saturday, the citizen committee came together to explore key topics central to the InterPED project, which will be developed in Findhorn.
The first session delved into Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure through an open discussion of how this could be managed, controlled, and used. The second session explored demand response and heat pump control strategies using a reflective and participatory method.
The final workshop explored how community members want to interact with the InterPED platform, guiding its development to ensure it is both practical and aligned with Findhorn’s core values. Through user-centered stories, we examined key aspects of a local energy marketplace, including peer-to-peer (P2P) energy trading and time-of-use (ToU) tariffs.
Next Steps
As the next phase, Heriot-Watt University will distill the outcomes of the workshops, guiding us toward refining our objectives. Moving forward, we’ll continue to engage with the community through upcoming workshops and opportunities to co-create the future of energy in Findhorn.
Collaboration and Engagement
Throughout the sessions, there was a strong sense of community and collaboration. Participants from diverse views came together to create an inclusive space where all voices were heard.
The outcomes of this workshop will directly influence the design of the InterPED platform and contribute to Findhorn’s broader sustainability goals.
Authored: Tara Pinheiro Gibsone (FIRE)