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Improving Neighbourhood Sustainability with Participatory and Innovative Responses to Environmental Regeneration (INSPIRER)
Start date: Sep 30, 2009, End date: Jun 29, 2013 PROJECT  FINISHED 

The INSPIRER project aims to improve the quality of life of people living in neighbourhoods subject to social exclusion by means of new green space and recreation areas as well as measures to increase security and to favour biodiversity. The partnership is composed of different services and organisations from France, Flanders and the UK which have not yet worked together and hopes to transform existing neighbourhoods into sustainable ones which improve the quality of life of inhabitants. The activities will focus first on engaging residents with the long-term benefits of the regeneration of their neighbourhoods, then on communicating and educating on improved waste management, and finally on raising awareness of energy consumption in social housing. A variety of investments will be made to improve energy and water efficiency in the targeted neighbourhoods, and tested through pilot schemes in the three partner countries. Expected Results: What are the key results of the project?Results achieved/to be achieved include:-New and improved green spaces and play areas in areas of deprivation.-Increase in recycling rates through new initiatives, less waste going to landfill.-Improvement in eating habits and better use of leftover food.-Savings in energy in target homes, helping the environment and saving money!-Improved appearance of neighbourhoods, e.g. flower pots in Kortrijk streets.-Production of film/DVD to inform future generations of what can be achieved.-Production of Good Practice Guide for energy, water and waste efficiency.Evidence of the above results include:-Statistical evidence of higher levels of recycling.-Reduction in anti-social behaviour.-Greater number of residents receiving good advice.-Residents being more confident and wanting to help out in their neighbourhoods, with an increase in volunteers.-Energy saving measures actually saving money.Are all partners and territories benefitting from the results?The Direct Beneficiaries of the project are: All residents in the target neighbourhoods of the three partner countries.Indirectly the project will also target Local authorities who develop new ways of engaging local communities in their most deprived areas, social housing providers/landlords in those areas who will be improving housing stock and quality of life for residents, as well as delivering sustainable environmental improvements. Community and voluntary groups will coordinate activities at neighbourhood level and ensure sustainability is acheived in the territories and even elected members and other non-participating members of each community, e.g. families young people, ethnic minorities, disabled, unemployed, etc. will be targeted as to optimise the scope of the project actions. Also, there will be some involvement and spin-offs for organisations working on, promoting and implemeting energy efficiency strategies.Overall, the environment, in general, will benefit from new recycling systems and reduction in carbon emissions and project will work towards improving the quality of life for residents in target neighbourhoods as well as across Europe.What are the effects / outcomes for the territories involved?The effects/outcomes for each of the territories will be wide and far-reaching with residents in terms of an improved quality of life in their neighbourhoods, more waste recycling, better energy and resource efficiency, a reduced carbon footprint and a more attractive and sustainable place to live in. The activities of the project will have an immediate effect on current residents but will also contribute to the longer term wellbeing of residents through environmental improvements. The outcomes of the project will influence policy makers across Europe through its tangible results. The project will leave a legacy for current and future generations to learn from and continue improving the quality of life for all residents.
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  • 50.1%   2 666 771,25
  • 2007 - 2013 2 SEAS (FR-UK-BE-NL)
  • Project on KEEP Platform
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7 Partners Participants