http://live.edie.net/service/getFeed.kickAction?mediaType=blog&quantity=10&as=25995&sortType=recent&adminTags=edieconference&feedName=Edie+Conference+Blogs Thu, 09 Apr 2009 15:02:37 GMT Thu, 09 Apr 2009 15:02:37 GMT carl@edie.net (Carl_Myers) carl@edie.net (Carl_Myers) KickApps Feed Builder 2009-04-09T15:02:37Z 4 http://live.edie.net/service/searchEverything.kickAction?as=25995&includeBlog=on&sortType=recent 334371 http://live.edie.net/_Water-Wise-or-Wasted-Opportunites/BLOG/237547/25995.html BBC Radio 4's Archers serial has Pat and Tony Archer installing a WET system (Wetland Ecosystem Treatment) on their dairy farm to deal with the highly polluting effluent streams from the various food processing operations, the cost is going to be around 20,000 GBP but will enable the farm to meet tough water quality standards. WET installations are proven to be low cost and effective way's of dealing with mixed and very strong sewage wastes plus additional grey and rainwater effluent streams. They are ideal for individual sites and for developments housing up to 400 people. If this is the case why are we not installing these on ALL new housing developments? Surely while the infrastructure is going in the opportunity to install a WET system in conjunction with grey/rain water harvesting and distribution is very cost effective. To check out what does happen in practice I visited a commercial housing development site in Milton Keynes (Yes they were still building homes!) to discover what was happening in this area. Not one part of the type and scale of infrastucture being installed was capable of being used more eco-efficiently with ALL the mains water and sewerage being connected to the existing public networks. The site was mapped to show a number of amenity areas including several ponds, the latter functioning as emergency reservoirs for runoff but only from the paved surfaces. If it is possible to install a WET installation on a food production site it must be able to be installed on a residential housing estate (with all safety provisos of course). Equally, on this construction site none of the house plans showed a rainwater harvesting reuse installation, not even a reservoir in the micro gardens fed off the roof guttering to be used for toilet flushing irrigation, car washing, fishponds etc. I find this totally illogical as the costs of putting in the infrastructure must be close on the same for these types of systems. Is it simply a case that the left hand does not know what the right hand is doing and the house builder is not responsible for this part of the site development, effectively taking over the site once the 'damage' has been done? BBC Radio 4's Archers serial has Pat and Tony Archer installing a WET system (Wetland Ecosystem Treatment) on their dairy farm to deal with the highly polluting effluent streams from the various food processing operations, the cost is going to be around 20,000 GBP but will enable the farm to meet tough water quality standards. WET installations are proven to be low cost and effective way's of dealing with mixed and very strong sewage wastes plus additional grey and rainwater effluent streams. They are ideal for individual sites and for developments housing up to 400 people. If this is the case why are we not installing these on ALL new housing developments? Surely while the infrastructure is going in the opportunity to install a WET system in conjunction with grey/rain water harvesting and distribution is very cost effective. To check out what does happen in practice I visited a commercial housing development site in Milton Keynes (Yes they were still building homes!) to discover what was happening in this area. Not one part of the type and scale of infrastucture being installed was capable of being used more eco-efficiently with ALL the mains water and sewerage being connected to the existing public networks. The site was mapped to show a number of amenity areas including several ponds, the latter functioning as emergency reservoirs for runoff but only from the paved surfaces. If it is possible to install a WET installation on a food production site it must be able to be installed on a residential housing estate (with all safety provisos of course). Equally, on this construction site none of the house plans showed a rainwater harvesting reuse installation, not even a reservoir in the micro gardens fed off the roof guttering to be used for toilet flushing irrigation, car washing, fishponds etc. I find this totally illogical as the costs of putting in the infrastructure must be close on the same for these types of systems. Is it simply a case that the left hand does not know what the right hand is doing and the house builder is not responsible for this part of the site development, effectively taking over the site once the 'damage' has been done? Thu, 09 Apr 2009 15:02:37 GMT http://live.edie.net/_Water-Wise-or-Wasted-Opportunites/BLOG/237547/25995.html HarrisonEmbrey 2009-04-09T15:02:37Z Water & wastewater edie live BBC Radio 4's Archers serial has Pat and Tony Archer installing a WET system (Wetland Ecosystem Treatment) on their dairy farm to deal with the highly polluting effluent streams from the various food processing operations, the cost is going to be around 20,000 GBP but will enable the farm to meet tough water quality standards. WET installations are proven to be low cost and effective way's of dealing with mixed and very strong sewage wastes plus additional grey and rainwater effluent streams. They are ideal for individual sites and for developments housing up to 400 people. If this is the case why are we not installing these on ALL new housing developments? Surely while the infrastructure is going in the opportunity to install a WET system in conjunction with grey/rain water harvesting and distribution is very cost effective. To check out what does happen in practice I visited a commercial housing development site in Milton Keynes (Yes they were still building homes!) to discover what was happening in this area. Not one part of the type and scale of infrastucture being installed was capable of being used more eco-efficiently with ALL the mains water and sewerage being connected to the existing public networks. The site was mapped to show a number of amenity areas including several ponds, the latter functioning as emergency reservoirs for runoff but only from the paved surfaces. If it is possible to install a WET installation on a food production site it must be able to be installed on a residential housing estate (with all safety provisos of course). Equally, on this construction site none of the house plans showed a rainwater harvesting reuse installation, not even a reservoir in the micro gardens fed off the roof guttering to be used for toilet flushing irrigation, car washing, fishponds etc. I find this totally illogical as the costs of putting in the infrastructure must be close on the same for these types of systems. Is it simply a case that the left hand does not know what the right hand is doing and the house builder is not responsible for this part of the site development, effectively taking over the site once the 'damage' has been done? greywater, infrastructure, rainwater, reuse, sewage, water, water & wastewater nonadult false Water Wise or Wasted Opportunites? text blog greywater,infrastructure,rainwater,reuse,sewage,water,water & wastewater 2710 1 3.0 http://live.edie.net/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=4700926&as=25995 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/25995/photos/PHOTO_2578280_25995_4700926_ap_160X120.jpg false 1 Water & wastewater 0 237547 4700926 Member 260 http://live.edie.net/_UN-talks-create-moral-headache/BLOG/237235/25995.html I'm not envious of the delegates at the UN negotiations who have to justify what their political masters will - or will not - do to tackle climate change.   The talks going on in Bonn this week have shown that we're still a long way from coming to a meaningful global agreement in Copenhagen in December and the blame game is still alive and well.   If you accept that humankind is responsible for climate change and carbon emissions are the main cause, the whole issue of responsibility is a horribly prickly moral problem.   It seems to have picked up were post-colonialism left off, in that the people of today are being blamed for the sins of those who came before them.   That industrialised countries and 'emerging economies' (that popular euphamism for China and India that seems to be gaining currency these days) are churning out more than their fair share of greenhouse gases here and now is demonstrably true.   And we should be held accoutnable for that, fair enough.   But how far should we shoulder responsiblity for the rapid insutrialisation of the Western world and the corresponding emissions that began in the 18th century?   Maybe we should take some of the blame, as we still benefit from getting that global head start.   On the other hand, it seems unrealistic for the poorest countries to expect the richest to foot the bill for every climate change adaptation project they would like to see implemented (see news story).   I can't see a solution where somebody isn't going to feel like they've been made a scapegoat of and has to either pick up the bill or suffer the consequences of somebody else's excesses.   But hey, maybe that's why i'm not a diplomat. Here's hoping.           I'm not envious of the delegates at the UN negotiations who have to justify what their political masters will - or will not - do to tackle climate change.   The talks going on in Bonn this week have shown that we're still a long way from coming to a meaningful global agreement in Copenhagen in December and the blame game is still alive and well.   If you accept that humankind is responsible for climate change and carbon emissions are the main cause, the whole issue of responsibility is a horribly prickly moral problem.   It seems to have picked up were post-colonialism left off, in that the people of today are being blamed for the sins of those who came before them.   That industrialised countries and 'emerging economies' (that popular euphamism for China and India that seems to be gaining currency these days) are churning out more than their fair share of greenhouse gases here and now is demonstrably true.   And we should be held accoutnable for that, fair enough.   But how far should we shoulder responsiblity for the rapid insutrialisation of the Western world and the corresponding emissions that began in the 18th century?   Maybe we should take some of the blame, as we still benefit from getting that global head start.   On the other hand, it seems unrealistic for the poorest countries to expect the richest to foot the bill for every climate change adaptation project they would like to see implemented (see news story).   I can't see a solution where somebody isn't going to feel like they've been made a scapegoat of and has to either pick up the bill or suffer the consequences of somebody else's excesses.   But hey, maybe that's why i'm not a diplomat. Here's hoping.           Thu, 09 Apr 2009 11:25:45 GMT http://live.edie.net/_UN-talks-create-moral-headache/BLOG/237235/25995.html Sam Bond 2009-04-09T11:25:45Z edie live I'm not envious of the delegates at the UN negotiations who have to justify what their political masters will - or will not - do to tackle climate change.   The talks going on in Bonn this week have shown that we're still a long way from coming to a meaningful global agreement in Copenhagen in December and the blame game is still alive and well.   If you accept that humankind is responsible for climate change and carbon emissions are the main cause, the whole issue of responsibility is a horribly prickly moral problem.   It seems to have picked up were post-colonialism left off, in that the people of today are being blamed for the sins of those who came before them.   That industrialised countries and 'emerging economies' (that popular euphamism for China and India that seems to be gaining currency these days) are churning out more than their fair share of greenhouse gases here and now is demonstrably true.   And we should be held accoutnable for that, fair enough.   But how far should we shoulder responsiblity for the rapid insutrialisation of the Western world and the corresponding emissions that began in the 18th century?   Maybe we should take some of the blame, as we still benefit from getting that global head start.   On the other hand, it seems unrealistic for the poorest countries to expect the richest to foot the bill for every climate change adaptation project they would like to see implemented (see news story).   I can't see a solution where somebody isn't going to feel like they've been made a scapegoat of and has to either pick up the bill or suffer the consequences of somebody else's excesses.   But hey, maybe that's why i'm not a diplomat. Here's hoping.           nonadult false UN talks create moral headache text blog 2707 0 0.0 http://live.edie.net/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=2637278&as=25995 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/25995/photos/PHOTO_1557639_25995_2637278_ap_160X120.jpg false NONE 1 0 237235 2637278 Gold 3147 http://live.edie.net/_edie-going-back-to-school/BLOG/233448/25995.html   The value of teaching students and pupils about the importance of environmental issues has long been recognised but addressing the impact of our schools and colleges is a more recent development.   Since the government launched its national framework on sustainable schools in 2006, however, this has been climbing up the agenda.   But sometimes education institutions find themselves reinventing the wheel as they investigate how to reduce their carbon footprint, cut back on waste, save water or otherwise make positive changes.   With this in mind, we’ve decided to set up a new section on edie offering those responsible for the environmental performance of these institutions to communicate with one another and easily share good practice, as well as get in touch with the wealth of environmental practitioners using edie who might be able to help them along the path to sustainability.   We’ve just launched a new Sustainable Schools & Colleges user group allows those interested to set up a profile, either as an institution or individual, and begin networking.   We’re also developing a microsite devoted to the needs of schools and colleges, which we’re hoping to reveal very soon.   In the meantime, we’d love to hear from those of you who have already implemented successful projects which we can add to the site as case studies.   If you think you’ve got a project worth sharing, contact our editorial team at newsdesk@edie.net     The value of teaching students and pupils about the importance of environmental issues has long been recognised but addressing the impact of our schools and colleges is a more recent development.   Since the government launched its national framework on sustainable schools in 2006, however, this has been climbing up the agenda.   But sometimes education institutions find themselves reinventing the wheel as they investigate how to reduce their carbon footprint, cut back on waste, save water or otherwise make positive changes.   With this in mind, we’ve decided to set up a new section on edie offering those responsible for the environmental performance of these institutions to communicate with one another and easily share good practice, as well as get in touch with the wealth of environmental practitioners using edie who might be able to help them along the path to sustainability.   We’ve just launched a new Sustainable Schools & Colleges user group allows those interested to set up a profile, either as an institution or individual, and begin networking.   We’re also developing a microsite devoted to the needs of schools and colleges, which we’re hoping to reveal very soon.   In the meantime, we’d love to hear from those of you who have already implemented successful projects which we can add to the site as case studies.   If you think you’ve got a project worth sharing, contact our editorial team at newsdesk@edie.net   Mon, 06 Apr 2009 14:47:36 GMT http://live.edie.net/_edie-going-back-to-school/BLOG/233448/25995.html Sam Bond 2009-04-06T14:47:36Z edie live   The value of teaching students and pupils about the importance of environmental issues has long been recognised but addressing the impact of our schools and colleges is a more recent development.   Since the government launched its national framework on sustainable schools in 2006, however, this has been climbing up the agenda.   But sometimes education institutions find themselves reinventing the wheel as they investigate how to reduce their carbon footprint, cut back on waste, save water or otherwise make positive changes.   With this in mind, we’ve decided to set up a new section on edie offering those responsible for the environmental performance of these institutions to communicate with one another and easily share good practice, as well as get in touch with the wealth of environmental practitioners using edie who might be able to help them along the path to sustainability.   We’ve just launched a new Sustainable Schools & Colleges user group allows those interested to set up a profile, either as an institution or individual, and begin networking.   We’re also developing a microsite devoted to the needs of schools and colleges, which we’re hoping to reveal very soon.   In the meantime, we’d love to hear from those of you who have already implemented successful projects which we can add to the site as case studies.   If you think you’ve got a project worth sharing, contact our editorial team at newsdesk@edie.net   nonadult false edie going back to school text blog 1938 0 0.0 http://live.edie.net/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=2637278&as=25995 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/25995/photos/PHOTO_1557639_25995_2637278_ap_160X120.jpg false NONE 0 0 233448 2637278 Gold 3147 http://live.edie.net/_Zero-carbon-pioneers-home-in-on-Shetland/BLOG/231623/25995.html [image] Published in The Scotsman, 20 December 2008 If you travel to Unst in Shetland you may come across a worldwide eco-phenomenon. A self built zero-carbon house has been built on this remote, windy island. It has been designed, constructed and powered to minimise its impact on the environment. Even the food eaten by its residents is considered. The story of the zero-carbon house is being followed by thousands of people, some of them very influential. It is the brainchild and retirement project of an English couple, Michael and Dorothy Rea, who moved to Unst in 2002. Initially, the idea had a mixed reception from the community, according to Mrs Rea: "People found it difficult to grasp what was being planned, and reserved judgement," she recalled. The house is timber framed and clad, using wood from sustainable forests. Soil, paving slabs and stones were reclaimed where possible. Mrs Rea said: "We built using the traditions of a croft house, upgraded to the 21st century. We wanted it to be harmonious in its surroundings yet instantly recognisable." There was no precedent, so a team of experts from around the world was assembled from scratch. The challenges, including travel distances and weather, were significant. Red tape was an issue too. "So new were the ideas and concepts to planners that it took three and a half years to obtain permissions and warrants," Mr Rea said. Building was painstakingly planned, but swift. "Four men, put up our frame up in four and a half days in strong gales," Mr Rea said. This was the only time outside contractors were used during its construction. Local plasterers, plumbers, electricians and roofers were used. Mr Rea did much of the labouring. Key to the success of the house is its extraordinary insulation, which keeps heating to a minimum. An air source heat pump feeds warm water to an adapted tank, which works an underfloor system. The building cost just over £ 200,000. Sponsorship came from the Scottish government, a bank, and an incredible 35 businesses and organisations keen to promote their building and energy efficiency products. The couple moved in last January. "It is far better than I expected," said Mrs Rea. "With an open plan design and many windows taking the sun, it is very warm." After almost a year in the house, the Reas have learnt vital energy facts for the next phase. In spring, a wind turbine will be installed to meet all electricity needs. On a windy day (Force 10 gales are common in Shetland), this will generate more than the house's entire monthly requirement of 95 kilowatt hours. Additional power will heat the greenhouse and supply neighbours. This will avoid the emission of five tonnes of CO2 a year. Fresh food, particularly fruit and vegetables, is in short supply on Shetland, with only one weekly delivery from the mainland. Mr and Mrs Rea aim to grow as much as possible, and provide what they do not eat to the community. A high-tech greenhouse, with hydroponic growing system and LED lights for the winter months, will be installed. Aubergines, peppers, runner beans, raspberries and strawberries are being considered. Perhaps the greatest environmental benefit is the house's ability to inspire others. "We are helping people look at how they can install heat pumps and keep greenhouses warm using wind power," said Mr Rea. A secondary school is using the house as an case study, helped by Mrs Rea. Academics at the University of Dundee and the Scottish Crop Research Institute are in touch about energy and growing food hydroponically, and 13 postgraduate students are using the zero carbon house for their research. Its example has created media interest worldwide. Hundreds of emails have been received. The Chinese and Canadian governments are watching progress. A leading green energy company plans to distribute a book about the project to millions of customers. The toy company, Hasbro, wants the house to feature in its new "Game of Life". The Reas are considering B&B as well as their energy and food projects. But it could go further. As Mrs Rea said, "Watch this space." www.zerocarbonhouse.com back to news [image] Published in The Scotsman, 20 December 2008 If you travel to Unst in Shetland you may come across a worldwide eco-phenomenon. A self built zero-carbon house has been built on this remote, windy island. It has been designed, constructed and powered to minimise its impact on the environment. Even the food eaten by its residents is considered. The story of the zero-carbon house is being followed by thousands of people, some of them very influential. It is the brainchild and retirement project of an English couple, Michael and Dorothy Rea, who moved to Unst in 2002. Initially, the idea had a mixed reception from the community, according to Mrs Rea: "People found it difficult to grasp what was being planned, and reserved judgement," she recalled. The house is timber framed and clad, using wood from sustainable forests. Soil, paving slabs and stones were reclaimed where possible. Mrs Rea said: "We built using the traditions of a croft house, upgraded to the 21st century. We wanted it to be harmonious in its surroundings yet instantly recognisable." There was no precedent, so a team of experts from around the world was assembled from scratch. The challenges, including travel distances and weather, were significant. Red tape was an issue too. "So new were the ideas and concepts to planners that it took three and a half years to obtain permissions and warrants," Mr Rea said. Building was painstakingly planned, but swift. "Four men, put up our frame up in four and a half days in strong gales," Mr Rea said. This was the only time outside contractors were used during its construction. Local plasterers, plumbers, electricians and roofers were used. Mr Rea did much of the labouring. Key to the success of the house is its extraordinary insulation, which keeps heating to a minimum. An air source heat pump feeds warm water to an adapted tank, which works an underfloor system. The building cost just over £ 200,000. Sponsorship came from the Scottish government, a bank, and an incredible 35 businesses and organisations keen to promote their building and energy efficiency products. The couple moved in last January. "It is far better than I expected," said Mrs Rea. "With an open plan design and many windows taking the sun, it is very warm." After almost a year in the house, the Reas have learnt vital energy facts for the next phase. In spring, a wind turbine will be installed to meet all electricity needs. On a windy day (Force 10 gales are common in Shetland), this will generate more than the house's entire monthly requirement of 95 kilowatt hours. Additional power will heat the greenhouse and supply neighbours. This will avoid the emission of five tonnes of CO2 a year. Fresh food, particularly fruit and vegetables, is in short supply on Shetland, with only one weekly delivery from the mainland. Mr and Mrs Rea aim to grow as much as possible, and provide what they do not eat to the community. A high-tech greenhouse, with hydroponic growing system and LED lights for the winter months, will be installed. Aubergines, peppers, runner beans, raspberries and strawberries are being considered. Perhaps the greatest environmental benefit is the house's ability to inspire others. "We are helping people look at how they can install heat pumps and keep greenhouses warm using wind power," said Mr Rea. A secondary school is using the house as an case study, helped by Mrs Rea. Academics at the University of Dundee and the Scottish Crop Research Institute are in touch about energy and growing food hydroponically, and 13 postgraduate students are using the zero carbon house for their research. Its example has created media interest worldwide. Hundreds of emails have been received. The Chinese and Canadian governments are watching progress. A leading green energy company plans to distribute a book about the project to millions of customers. The toy company, Hasbro, wants the house to feature in its new "Game of Life". The Reas are considering B&B as well as their energy and food projects. But it could go further. As Mrs Rea said, "Watch this space." www.zerocarbonhouse.com back to news Sat, 04 Apr 2009 10:47:45 GMT http://live.edie.net/_Zero-carbon-pioneers-home-in-on-Shetland/BLOG/231623/25995.html CharlesHenderson 2009-04-04T10:47:45Z Sustainable construction edie live [image] Published in The Scotsman, 20 December 2008 If you travel to Unst in Shetland you may come across a worldwide eco-phenomenon. A self built zero-carbon house has been built on this remote, windy island. It has been designed, constructed and powered to minimise its impact on the environment. Even the food eaten by its residents is considered. The story of the zero-carbon house is being followed by thousands of people, some of them very influential. It is the brainchild and retirement project of an English couple, Michael and Dorothy Rea, who moved to Unst in 2002. Initially, the idea had a mixed reception from the community, according to Mrs Rea: "People found it difficult to grasp what was being planned, and reserved judgement," she recalled. The house is timber framed and clad, using wood from sustainable forests. Soil, paving slabs and stones were reclaimed where possible. Mrs Rea said: "We built using the traditions of a croft house, upgraded to the 21st century. We wanted it to be harmonious in its surroundings yet instantly recognisable." There was no precedent, so a team of experts from around the world was assembled from scratch. The challenges, including travel distances and weather, were significant. Red tape was an issue too. "So new were the ideas and concepts to planners that it took three and a half years to obtain permissions and warrants," Mr Rea said. Building was painstakingly planned, but swift. "Four men, put up our frame up in four and a half days in strong gales," Mr Rea said. This was the only time outside contractors were used during its construction. Local plasterers, plumbers, electricians and roofers were used. Mr Rea did much of the labouring. Key to the success of the house is its extraordinary insulation, which keeps heating to a minimum. An air source heat pump feeds warm water to an adapted tank, which works an underfloor system. The building cost just over £ 200,000. Sponsorship came from the Scottish government, a bank, and an incredible 35 businesses and organisations keen to promote their building and energy efficiency products. The couple moved in last January. "It is far better than I expected," said Mrs Rea. "With an open plan design and many windows taking the sun, it is very warm." After almost a year in the house, the Reas have learnt vital energy facts for the next phase. In spring, a wind turbine will be installed to meet all electricity needs. On a windy day (Force 10 gales are common in Shetland), this will generate more than the house's entire monthly requirement of 95 kilowatt hours. Additional power will heat the greenhouse and supply neighbours. This will avoid the emission of five tonnes of CO2 a year. Fresh food, particularly fruit and vegetables, is in short supply on Shetland, with only one weekly delivery from the mainland. Mr and Mrs Rea aim to grow as much as possible, and provide what they do not eat to the community. A high-tech greenhouse, with hydroponic growing system and LED lights for the winter months, will be installed. Aubergines, peppers, runner beans, raspberries and strawberries are being considered. Perhaps the greatest environmental benefit is the house's ability to inspire others. "We are helping people look at how they can install heat pumps and keep greenhouses warm using wind power," said Mr Rea. A secondary school is using the house as an case study, helped by Mrs Rea. Academics at the University of Dundee and the Scottish Crop Research Institute are in touch about energy and growing food hydroponically, and 13 postgraduate students are using the zero carbon house for their research. Its example has created media interest worldwide. Hundreds of emails have been received. The Chinese and Canadian governments are watching progress. A leading green energy company plans to distribute a book about the project to millions of customers. The toy company, Hasbro, wants the house to feature in its new "Game of Life". The Reas are considering B&B as well as their energy and food projects. But it could go further. As Mrs Rea said, "Watch this space." www.zerocarbonhouse.com back to news carbon, shetland, sustainable construction, zero nonadult false Zero-carbon pioneers home in on Shetland text blog carbon,shetland,sustainable construction,zero 2567 1 4.0 http://live.edie.net/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=7149052&as=25995 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/25995/photos/PHOTO_3818202_25995_7149052_ap_160X120.jpg false 1 Sustainable construction 0 231623 7149052 Member 0