Patrick Skirving

Hello there, my name is Paddy.

I am an aspiring designer with an interest in the intersection between design and business. My background is rooted in the theoretical study of International Relations, and Economics in subjects for Environmental and Behavioural Economics both at the University of Strathclyde.

This project was completed in partnership with my parent’s business, BGL Contracts, and is focused on exploring energy-awareness as part of a strategic change within businesses and their quality goals to become more energy-efficient. The UN Sustainable Development Goals that have been ambitiously set for 2030 should be relevant for businesses and organisations across the public and private sector, as well as in social enterprises and the third sector. This is all whilst considering that Scotland the very ambitious target of becoming a net-zero carbon society by 2045, requiring more collaboration and innovation, firstly in technology but then also in strategy.

Therefore, the proposed solution of this project will continue to be a work-in-progress. In the aspiration of achieving continued knowledge exchange and implementation of best practices, I believe the targets that have been set out by the United Nation’s SDGs and governments around the world need to be better understood and integrated in both small business and major corporations. I support the view that the provision of behavioural insights tools and partnerships with energy-hubs such as Zero Waste Scotland might well provide the long-term behavioural change required to make individuals and businesses more energy-aware and energy-efficient.

MSc International Management and Design Innovation has prepared me well to start applying new approaches to environmental and energy policy through themes of the circular economy within my parent’s business. Continuing to build partnerships and engage in co-design focused upon organisational strategic changes will be essential to long-term changes. Building on existing strengths and identifying weaknesses will help private sector businesses to introduce new energy policy that might help to future proof both staff and organisational interests.

Ultimately, Glasgow has faced redevelopment throughout its history and may of came up short. However, the electrification and redevelopment of this city through innovative energy-based approaches may provide the basis for enabling change and providing new opportunities. It is essential for individuals and businesses to seek out these opportunities, to become energy-aware by increasing efficiency and making an effort to develop innovative green strategies for their existing organisations or when under-taking new business ventures.

paddy.skirving@bglcontracts.co.uk

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