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European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency
Project

WISER LIFE

Working with Industrial Spaces to Exemplify Reuse

Rediscovery Centre building
Rediscovery Centre building

The main objectives of the WISER LIFE project were to reduce and reuse waste, divert it from landfill, create green jobs, reduce resource consumption, and improve access to innovative ecological education systems

Results

WISER LIFE delivered a new methodology for education in sustainable development. During an 18-month design period and 12 months of construction, the project team transformed the disused Boiler House in Ballymun, Dublin, into a novel 3D textbook and learning space for the reuse of waste, called the Rediscovery Centre (RDC). The building brings together small enterprises and acts as a focus for life-long learning programmes for schools, universities, corporate organisations and community groups. The project offers an exemplary best practice example for waste reuse in building construction and renovation.

The RDC opened to the public in early 2017. Its demonstration and innovation aspects are attracting many visitors and practitioners. The centre is helping to build capacity for the green sector in Ireland, and provides a living laboratory for the circular economy and collaborative research projects. As a result, opportunities are continually emerging with local and overseas universities and municipalities. An eco-cluster of resource-efficient social enterprises has been created and the social, economic and environmental benefits of this co-location have been realised. The eco-cluster includes small enterprises that share their expertise in courses, in areas such as fashion, furniture and bike maintenance skills.