Shifting normal - designing projects to tackle climate change: full guide

Introduction

Shifting normal so greener, healthier communities are second nature

Across Scotland people are working together to make their communities greener and healthier. The changes these projects bring about help tackle climate change and create a society where taking the low carbon option is second nature. Many people do this already and more would like to, but they sometimes feel they are going against the grain: they see other people doing the opposite; the greener choice can be too complicated or more expensive; or current procedures and regulations make it difficult.

Community groups, along with other parts of society such as government, businesses, charities, schools, universities and colleges, are already helping change Scotland so that the low carbon option becomes increasingly common among our friends and families, and where we live and work. Buildings and transport are becoming more comfortable and energy efficient. As these trends continue more and more people will find they are living greener, healthier lives, not because they have made a conscious choice but simply because the world around them makes it normal, easy and attractive.

This guide is designed to help community groups tackling climate change maximise their success by taking account of how change happens when planning, carrying out and reviewing their activities. The Four Questions and Four Zones framework is based on the Individual Social and Material ( ISM) Tool developed for the Scottish Government, and draws on the experience of community groups to help you understand better how change happens, and how you can use this knowledge as you work towards your aims.

Part One of the guide illustrates how what people do is influenced by different aspects of the world around them, while Part Two shows how the Four Questions and Four Zones framework can be applied to design and deliver successful projects.