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How can you ensure sustainable design solutions are accessible to underserved communities?

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Sustainable design solutions are not only beneficial for the environment, but also for the social and economic well-being of underserved communities. However, many barriers and challenges prevent these solutions from reaching the people who need them most. In this article, you will learn some strategies and best practices for ensuring sustainable design solutions are accessible to underserved communities in the context of energy engineering.

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Cyrus Mbugua

Circular & Regenerative Systems | IFC EDGE? | SEA?| ActiveScore AP? | Web3/ReFi | MEP Engineering | Facilities…

1 Understand the context

The first step to ensuring sustainable design solutions are accessible to underserved communities is to understand the context and needs of the people you are designing for. This means conducting thorough research, engaging with stakeholders, and applying human-centered design principles. You should consider the cultural, geographical, political, and economic factors that influence the energy challenges and opportunities of the community, as well as their preferences, values, and aspirations.

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Emmanuella Samuel

Data Analyst ? Strategy ? Energy Transition
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Creating sustainable design solutions that truly benefit underserved communities necessitates a deep understanding of their unique context and needs. In my experience, this involves more than just research; it's about human connection. Engaging with stakeholders and applying human-centered design principles is a journey into the cultural, geographical, and economic intricacies that shape the energy landscape of these communities. It’s about listening to their stories, understanding their aspirations, and respecting their values. Only through this empathetic lens can we craft solutions that not only address energy challenges but also resonate with the essence of the community, ensuring sustainability is not just a concept but a lived reality

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2 Choose appropriate technologies

The second step is to choose appropriate technologies that match the context and needs of the community. This means selecting energy solutions that are reliable, affordable, scalable, and adaptable to the local conditions and resources. You should also consider the environmental and social impacts of the technologies, such as their carbon footprint, water consumption, waste generation, and potential conflicts with other users or interests. You should avoid imposing technologies that are unfamiliar, complex, or incompatible with the community's culture and practices.

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Cyrus Mbugua

Circular & Regenerative Systems | IFC EDGE? | SEA?| ActiveScore AP? | Web3/ReFi | MEP Engineering | Facilities Management | LCA - Built Environment | EPDs|
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Key technologies to consider would be Pay Per Service systems, as most needs within the community are usually met on a need basis, an example would be in clean cooking whereby the service of cooking is sold/accessed by the community through "kiosks or community cooking areas" or buy alternative fuels (ethanol, LPG) on a quantity basis, same for WASH, where water and the support infrastructure are accessible to the community through a communal point, and it's on the community to manage and ensure the services are available to as many residents as possible.

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3 Ensure quality and safety

The third step is to ensure quality and safety of the energy solutions you design and implement. This means following the relevant standards, regulations, and best practices for energy engineering, as well as testing and monitoring the performance and functionality of the solutions. You should also ensure that the solutions are resilient to natural disasters, climate change, and other external shocks or stresses. You should also provide adequate training, maintenance, and support for the users and operators of the solutions, as well as addressing any risks or hazards that may arise.

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4 Promote participation and ownership

The fourth step is to promote participation and ownership of the energy solutions by the community. This means involving the community in the design, implementation, and evaluation of the solutions, as well as empowering them to make decisions and have control over the energy services they receive. You should also foster collaboration and communication among the community members, as well as with other stakeholders, such as government agencies, NGOs, or private sector partners. You should also encourage the community to share their feedback, experiences, and lessons learned with other underserved communities.

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5 Seek financial sustainability

The fifth step is to seek financial sustainability of the energy solutions you design and implement. This means finding ways to reduce the upfront and operational costs of the solutions, as well as generating revenue or savings for the community. You should also explore various financing options and models, such as grants, loans, subsidies, tariffs, or pay-as-you-go schemes, that are suitable for the community's income level and willingness to pay. You should also ensure that the financial arrangements are transparent, fair, and accountable, and that they do not create dependency or debt for the community.

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6 Evaluate and improve

The sixth and final step is to evaluate and improve the energy solutions you design and implement. This means measuring and reporting the outcomes and impacts of the solutions, both in terms of technical and non-technical indicators, such as energy access, efficiency, reliability, affordability, environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and economic development. You should also use the evaluation results to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the solutions, as well as the opportunities and challenges for improvement. You should also seek feedback and input from the community and other stakeholders, and implement the necessary changes or adjustments to the solutions.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you ensure sustainable design solutions are accessible to underserved communities?

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1 Understand the context

2 Choose appropriate technologies

3 Ensure quality and safety

4 Promote participation and ownership

5 Seek financial sustainability

6 Evaluate and improve

7 Here’s what else to consider

Energy Engineering

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