Nudge: new combinations that generate great ideas

24 juni 2011

Yesterday I attended Nudge Live, an inspiring conference organized by a very promising new community. The name Nudge is derived from the English noun meaning a gentle push. This organization aims to accelerate the transition towards a sustainable society. It brings together academics, business, young entrepreneurs and government in order to stimulate and initiate consumer initiatives. In short: Nudge believes the road to sustainability is one of many steps, and that every new step is helpful and should be celebrated.
To some this may sound a bit vague or soft, but yesterday’s meeting proofed that the opposite is true. I could try emphasize this by referring to the many speakers and examples that were presented. However, after giving one example I can rest my case.
Nudge organized a contest. The huge Saint Bavo Cathedral in the city of Haarlem is facing the problem like many other churches. The temperature is terrible, isolation poor and heating costs a fortune. The ‘Holy Warming’ contest generated a very original and effective solution:‘church on a cloud’. Use the cellars of the cathedral for hosting the datacenter of a commercial organization. Datacenters generate a lot of heat. The cold air in the church can be used for cooling the datacenter which heat will warm the church. This seems more than just synergy, it is a Divine intervention.
Given the energy of yesterday’s conference more such ideas will surely follow. Can I nudge you towards Nudge?

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