Bringing the Bioeconomy to
Communities Across Ireland
An interactive travelling exhibit highlighting our reliance on fossil fuels and the path beyond them
The problem
Most people don’t realise how deeply crude oil is embedded in everyday life. Despite the importance of the bioeconomy, awareness remains low.
The idea
To make this visible, we created the BioBus, bringing an interactive experience directly to communities across Ireland.
Bringing the Bioeconomy to
Communities Across Ireland
An interactive travelling exhibit highlighting our reliance on fossil fuels and the path beyond them
Step inside the BioBus
Visitors explored a model Irish household filled with everyday products derived from fossil fuels, making the invisible visible.
Hidden in Plain Sight
Fossil fuel, petroleum, crude oil…whatever you call it, it’s everywhere!
And there’s no better place to demonstrate this than inside our homes. That’s why our exhibit will let you explore a standard Irish household and discover just how many day to day products we rely on that have crude oil components.
Experience it virtually
Although the physical exhibit has ended, the BioBus experience is still accessible online through an interactive virtual tour.
Impact of the BioBus
Raising public awareness
The BioBus had a huge impact, raising public awareness about what the bioeconomy is, why it’s important and how citizens can help.
Citizens reached via media
Citizens reached directly
School visits
Pieces of news and radio
Taking it Across Ireland
The BioBus travelled to 36 locations over five weeks,
including a dedicated Irish-language route during SFI Science Week.
Sustainable Fuel in Practice
The BioBus itself demonstrated bio-based solutions by using biodiesel made from hydrotreated vegetable oil, highlighting real-world alternatives to fossil fuels.
BioBus Resources
Tools, Tips, and Local Guides
We developed and collected a range of resources for the BioBus campaign. Browse below for household tips, school activities, and county-specific information.
Tips for a Sustainable Household
Check out our downloadable booklet and stick it on your fridge!
National Resources
Discover local stores selling unpackaged or plastic-free goods!
Find a local professional who can repair your stuff!
Learn how and where to dispose of your waste.
Meet new people through local environmental groups!
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
Though our campaign has ended, you can still take your students on a virtual tour of the BioBus! Download our guide and resources so you can recreate the experience in your own classroom.
Run a Virtual Tour
A guide for running the experience, including activities and links.
A visual to represent fractional distillation of crude oil.
A link to the virtual tour. Your browser will need to support Matterport.
A bonus resource to help students explore the bioeconomy.