About Living Lightly Locally: Bringing regenerative futures to life

Created in 2021, Living Lightly Locally brings together Adelaide University researchers, local councils and community members to inspire practical, real-world action.

​Meet the team guiding South Australian households and communities to reduce impact and shape climate- and energy-positive futures.

OUR VISION

A liveable world and better, more regenerative local futures for all.

Created by two passionate Adelaide University researchers

Adelaide University academics Keri and James Hopeward co-created Living Lightly Locally, bringing together decades of experience in grassroots climate activism, permaculture education and systems-focused research.

Keri’s work in social science and community-led sustainability and James’ expertise in data modelling and environmental systems create a unique program that blends ‘top down’ and ‘bottom up’ approaches. They are supported by a team of Adelaide University researchers, along with a network of expert collaborators and project partners.

​Originally launched with an Australian Government citizen science grant, the program now operates under RACE for 2030, supported by Adelaide University and other partners.

A unique research and education project connecting local action and experience with regenerative policy

Unlike many other sustainable living programs, Living Lightly Locally combines practical, grassroots action with university-led research that can help inform better policy. It’s a form of participatory action research in which scientific research projects run as partnerships with the wider community.

By joining our free program, you’ll collect and share insights about what helps (and what gets in the way) of creating change at home and in your community — ‘qualitative’ data that is deep, rich and informative. 

Our researchers will analyse these stories and other data, uncovering new knowledge to understand the motivations and barriers to creating change at the local level.

We can then use this vital information to help shape more effective government and non-government policies, creating positive systemic change at the broader level, too.

Explore the program

Visual capture of a Living Lightly Locally visioning workshop facilitated by Keri and James Hopeward at the Planet Local Summit, Bristol, UK (2023). Illustrated by Brenna Quinlan.

MEET THE TEAM

Program coordinators

Dr Keri Hopeward

Adelaide University Senior Research Fellow, social scientist, educator and researcher in sustainable and regenerative living

With a background in social science, anthropology and permaculture education, Keri’s work bridges research, imagination and action to support community-led transitions.

Her commitment to climate action as life’s work ignited at a UN conference in 2012, where she helped shape the Sustainable Development Goals.

She went on to establish Australia’s first full-degree Permaculture Program at CQUniversity, joined Transition Adelaide Hills, co-founded the Hills Climate Collective and launched her own regenerative research consultancy DARED, where she partnered with governments and international non-profits. Now teaching climate change adaptation at Adelaide University, Keri also leads Living Lightly Locally.

Watch Keri's introduction video.

Associate Professor James Hopeward

Adelaide University Academic Lead, environmental engineer, researching sustainable future scenarios

James is a sustainability scientist and systems thinker working at the intersection of environmental engineering, policy and community engagement.

His research focuses on big-picture challenges and both global and local solutions, from renewable energy transitions and regenerative development to local food systems.

James has contributed to international policy discourse, including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and United Nations assessments, and is a founding member of the Wellbeing Economy Alliance. At Adelaide University, he leads courses on climate change adaptation, water systems and environmental modelling, and co-facilitates Living Lightly Locally.

Watch James's introduction video.

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Collaborating Adelaide University researchers

Professor Anne Souvertijis

School of Marketing Dean, marketing and social science researcher

Keenly interested in how sustainable marketing can influence behaviour change for improved environmental outcomes, Anne’s research spans food waste, recycling, single-use plastics bans, the repair economy and waste avoidance.

She has received multiple awards for community engagement and research impact, has published 50+ refereed journal articles and book chapters, and often partners with government and industry in Australia and the UK.

​Watch Anne's introduction video.

Professor Delene Weber

Professor of Environmental Science, social scientist, specialising in how people interact with nature​

Delene focuses on the human dimensions of environmental management, with a particular interest in how people experience, value and engage with nature.

Her research explores the benefits of green space, community participation in sustainability and conservation in risk-prone landscapes. Alongside teaching both undergraduates and postgraduates at Adelaide University, Delene is contributing to an Australian Research Council-funded project on bushfires and biodiversity.

Watch Delene's introduction video.

Emeritus Professor John Boland

Professor of Environmental Mathematics, interests in sustainable energy, food and water​

John’s extensive research history covers water resource management, renewable energy utilisation, low-impact house design and environmental accounting — much of which he has put into practice within his own energy-efficient urban Adelaide home.

​He is Deputy Director of the Industrial AI Research Centre, an expert member of the International Energy Agency Task 16 on solar resource assessment and a regular speaker on simple ways to make Australian homes more energy efficient.

Watch John's introduction video.

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Collaborating educators

The free, 12-month program also includes exclusive educational documentaries filmed with some of the world’s leading climate activists and thinkers, including Helena Norberg-Hodge, Damon Gameau and Tiahni Adamson.

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Program partners and supporters

With thanks to our previous program partners and supporters

UniSA STEM, City of Burnside, Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu, Australian Red Cross’s Climate Ready Communities and World Localization Day. This project previously received grant funding from the Australian Government’s Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources.

How this free program is making a difference

Since 2021, Living Lightly Locally has helped households and communities take meaningful action for a more regenerative future.

Here’s a snapshot of our impact so far:

• More than 50 South Australians have engaged with the program.
• Participants have reduced household impacts through practical, everyday changes and taken on leadership roles, inspiring friends, family and neighbours.
• Entirely new local groups and networks have formed, creating lasting ripple effects.
• Social connections have strengthened, making sustainable lifestyles more visible and achievable.
• University-led research is capturing stories and data, revealing what enables change versus the barriers people face.
• Insights from this research will inform more effective, human-centred government and community programs.

​The combination of practical action and story-driven research is helping connect individual choices to positive systemic change.

Ready to learn how to live more lightly, locally?

This free, 12-month program supports eligible participants to create practical change where they live. Visit the program page to learn more and apply.

Explore the program