Reducing ecological footprint made easy

A house constructed from sustainable resources that uses no fossil fuels, produces no net CO2, recycles household waste and has access to a solar powered electric car. There is a crèche and sports club; the location is in a desirable area; and it is attractive and affordable to boot!

This is not some futuristic place. It is for real. There is already such a housing community in southwest London. Another is coming up in Ivory Park, Johannesburg. And yet another - an eco-tourism resort - in Portugal. Are these the start of a worldwide sustainable housing revolution? We hope so.

Eduardo Carlos Goncalves, International Communications Coordinator of the One Planet Living programme of WWF International was in the UAE recently to share the sustainable living concept with property developers in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Aldar Properties, Tourism Development & Investment Company, Sorouh Real Estate and Sama Dubai were some developers who participated.

One Planet Living

What is One Planet Living? Very simply, it demonstrates of how people everywhere can enjoy a high quality of life within the carrying capacity of one planet. WWF's Living Planet Report suggests that globally humanity is consuming 30% more than the planet can sustain in the long term. We need 1.30 planets to meet our present natural resource demands. Worse still, if everyone around the world lived as those in the USA, we would need five planets to support us; or as EU citizens, nearly three planets!

We need to reduce our impact - our ecological footprint - to a sustainable and globally equitable level. One Planet Living, a joint initiative of WWF and BioRegional, aims to reduce our consumption to "one planet;" to make consumption rates sustainable, but without sacrificing the comforts and advantages of a modern, mobile lifestyle.

BedZED

BedZED - Beddington Zero Energy Development - in London defines the principles of One Planet Living. Residents of BedZED are as captivated with the look and feel of their new homes - "modern," "unique," "convenient" are metaphors used by them - as the environmental benefits. This community comprises 80 homes and enough office and work space for 200 people.

Construction materials

Sustainable living starts with the construction materials. All timber used for BedZED is from well-managed forests certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC); and homes and offices have been built using reclaimed steel. What is more, most construction materials were sourced from within a 60 km radius of the site, reducing pollution and environmental damage by minimizing freight transport.

Energy

The energy saving is substantial. The well-insulated homes have large, south-facing windows and conservatories to trap sunlight, reducing the need for artificial lighting and heating. In contrast, the offices face north to reduce the need for air conditioning to keep office equipment cool.

Homes are fitted with energy efficient refridgerators, ovens and other electrical appliances; while solar panels and an onsite combined heat and power plant - which runs on tree surgery waste - provide hot water and electricity.

Heating is reduced by 90% and total electricity consumption by 25% compared to conventional homes. BedZED uses no fossil fuels, and produces no net CO2 from energy use.

Water

Water consumption is reduced by as much as 50% because rain water is collected for toilets; all taps are water saving taps; and sewerage is treated on site using biological reed beds.

Waste

Recycling of waste is made easy through segregated bins inside homes as well as conveniently located collection bins onsite.

Transport

Rather than owning their own car, the residents and office workers are encouraged to use public transport, shared onsite cars or electric vehicles powered by the onsite solar panels.

Guiding principles of One Planet Living

Based on the priciples developed at BedZED, the BioRegional Development Group and WWF will establish a network of One Planet Living Communities to demonstrate One Planet Living in action i.e. helping people have a high quality of life without overusing the Earth's natural resources. Each community will provide housing to more than 5000 people including schools, factories, health and leisure facilities, transport and food links.

The guiding principles for One Planet Living communities are:
o Zero carbon
o Zero waste
o Sustainable transport
o Sustainable and local materials
o Local food
o Water efficiency
o Conservation of flora and fauna
o Respect for cultural heritage and
o Happy and healthy lifestyles

One Planet Living is already a high profile, credible brand!