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    © All Rights Reserved
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    89 views40 pages

    Eco Village

    Uploaded by

    subi29
    eco village brief

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    Preliminary Study on the Feasibility of an Ecovillage on North Campus ~ A Student WATgreen Research Project ~ Luke Bossenberry, Becea Hay, Sarah Kerton, Mary O’Brien, Alex Phillips Submitted March 27", 2001 Course: ERS 250, “Greening the Campus” Prepared for: Susan Wismer EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: In effort to develop sustainable lifestyle habits many groups and individuals around the world have begun to both educate the public on the need for change, and to design and implement that change in their own lives. The design and implementation of an Ecovillage at the University of Waterloo will create a sustainable model of integrated living, working, and leaning space, while promoting environmental and social responsibility. The Ecovillage will succeed in accommodating the increasing demand for student residences, and in implementing sustainable technologies and practives. This paper will focus research efforts upon the physical components of an Ecovillage idemified as: building materials, waste management systems, energy systems, food production and consumption, and water systems. The information gathered from local experts, international case-studies, and literature is compiled and evaluated against sustainability principles to create a reference manual on Ecovillages and their implementation, The report identifies the areas of faculty support and comparable studies and is to be used as a tool for initiating the planning process at the University of Waterloo for an Ecovillage on North Campus. TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION... 2._ PROJECT PURPOSE... 21 Rationale. 22 Purpose 22.1 Objectives. 3.0” SCOPE/CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK... 3.1 Boundaries 4.0. METHODS. 4.1. Rationale for Qualitative Data. 4.2 Rationale for Methods Selected. 43. Analytical Procedure... 44 Limitations ofthe Study. 5.0 RESULTS AND ANALYSIS... 5.1 Eeovillage History : SECTION 1. AGROECOLOGY Healthy soil = Healthy plants... Permaculture... : Community Supported Agriculture... Integrated Pest Management. Landscape Agriculture SECTION? DESIGN AND BUILDING MATERIALS. Design Building Materials... Principles of Sustainable Building Materials. . Summary. SECTION 3” ENERGY SYSTEM. ‘What alternative energy sources are available? SECTION4 WATER SYSTEM. Qualities of a Sustainable Water System.. Water System Options and Components, Water Sources... Water Treatment... Waste Water Treatment Summary. SECTIONS WASTES.. mary RECOMMENDATIONS. CONCLUSION .. INTRODUCTION Continuing global environmental degradation has made it clear that life in the Westem world has become inherently unsustainable. The ecological footprint of an average North American is significantly larger than anywhere else in the world, and casts a far-extending shadow. Current patterns of consumption and resource use leave behind a trail of environmental degradation which stimulates social and economic failures. “As demand for non-renewable ratural resources increases and as the assimilative capacity of the natural environment decreases, urban processes may run up against the limits of natural (Dunn & Steinmann, 1998: 662). Although change may be initiated at all levels, effectively systems, reducing the environmental and social impacts of our actions requires a fundamental lifestyle shift In an effort to model sustainable alternatives to current entrenched lifestyle habits many groups and individuals throughout North America, and the world, have begun to both educate the public on the need for change, and to design and implement that change in their own lives. The WATzgreen project at the University of Waterloo is a local example. WATgreen’s vision explicitly states, We envision UW transforming itself into a showcase of sustainability, a true ecosystem in harmony with its environment, We refer to this process as “Greening the Campus.” This ‘undertaking presents an opportunity for students, staff, and faculty to improve the quality of their environment, while decreasing the overall operating costs of the University In keeping with the WATereen vision statement and the goals of the UW Campus Master Plan, we are proposing an Ecovillage be situated on North Campus, The Global Ecovillage Network defines an Ecovillage as a full-featured human settlement in which anthropocentrie activities are harmoniously integrated into the natural world in a way that both supports healthy human development, regenerates natural systems, and can be successfully continued into the indefinite future Sustainability, being the ability of a necessary socio-economic and environmental system to exist indefinitely, is of paramount importance in any Ecovillage system. Ecovillages provide a setting for the emergence and development of sustainable lifestyles, while pioneering innovative technologies and designs. Emerging environmental knowledge and experience have popularized the notion that “the principles of natural systems provide a scientific framework for understanding and creating more sustainable urban systems” (Dunn & Steinmann, 1998: 652). An Ecovillage at the University of Waterloo would serve as a residential and educational centre that fosters environmentally sustainable lifestyles, by redefining the human relationship with the environmert, Ecovillages have the potential to contribute significantly to sustainability as a mechanism to establish the living requirements of communities without compromising long-term environmental integrity. “Solutions involve careful siting and design of use of energy- and water-efficient building techniques and elements, as well as adequate maintenance and operation, As in many other sectors, solutions live in cleaner-production approaches, eco-efficiency, new technologies and new management practices and tools,” (Rwelamila, Talukhaba, & Ngowi, 2000: 40). Practices such as ‘industrial ecology’ have developed to “model urban systems on natural systems to increase efficiency and to minimize demands on environmental sources and sinks,” (Dunn & Steinmann, 1998: 662) 2. PROJECT PURPOSE Ecovillages are a relatively new concept that make use of alternative technologies and require a shift in priorities towards long-term protection of ecological processes and societal health. The lack of awareness of Ecovillages and the many ambiguities surrounding what an Ecovillage entails and how it finetions is a key factor that limits their numbers. “The more Ecovillages that are completed, the easier it is to build additional ones” Jeff Gold, 2001). 2.1 Rationale The University of Waterloo, a world leader of innovative technologies, has the opportunity to catalyze the shift towards sustainability with the design, implementation, and management of an Ecovillage. An Ecovillage at the University of Waterloo will be a sustainable model of integrated living, working, and learning space, that promotes environmental and social responsibility on campus, in the community, and around the world This development is a logical, practical, and economically sound investment. The Ecovillage will succeed in accommodating the increasing demand for student residences and in establishing an interdisciplinary research facility that will pioneer sustainable technologies and practices. The University will see cuts in long-term operation costs that may recover the added initial costs of construction, The Ecovillage will not be only a residence, but also a learning and research facility for all departments on campus. The implementation of an Ecovillage will decrease the ecological footprint of operation and has the potential to enhance natural systems. This multidisciplinary in- house leaming tool will ensure the high standards of innovation and excellence the University of Waterloo is reputed for. The benefits of a leading educational and research facility will not only be reaped by the University community but may serve to attract investors, students, and international recognition. University of Waterloo’s Ecovillage will further comparative initiatives in the community and other sectors by serving as a model of sustainable environmental design and ‘management. An Ecovillage perfectly complements the goals of the UW Campus Master Plan (1992) which suggests all North Campus development should 1) become a prototype for comprehensive environmental planning; 2) set new standards for urban development, 3) establish research laboratories for environmental technology and 4) integrate regional environmental initiative (32). As designated in the Master Plan, the Ecovillage would be located on North Campus adjacent to Laurel Creek, the proximity of which makes a stronger rationale for ecologically sound housing. The University of Waterloo has been involved in initiatives to change operations and systems on campus to minimize the environmental impacts of operation for decades. The importance and need for campus wide coordination was realized when the economic benefits of ‘greening’ the university were first discovered. A true pioneer, Waterloo has implemented innovative technologies and established new policies to reduce energy, water, and solid waste. An Ecovillage fits with WATgreen’s vision of the University states, We envision UW transforming itself into a showcase of sustainability, a tre ecosystem in harmony with its environment. We refer to this process as “Greening the Campus”. This undertaking presents an opportunity of students, staff, and faculty (o improve the quality of theis ‘environment, while decreasing the overall operating costs of the University.” Increasing awareness of longer-term economic costs and the advantages of efficiency associated with shifting entrenched practices and policies are becoming increasingly important. —Waterloo’s approach to energy, waste, and water conservation has largely been reactive to cost savings and social pressures. An Ecovillage would consider not only costs, but includes the quality and quantity of social, environmental, and economic impacts locally, globally, and over the long-term. 2.2 Purpose The purpose of this study ts to identify the existing literature on the design, implementation, and operation of (the specified five central systems within) an Kcovillage, and to look at what the associated problems, opportunities, and comparative case studies tell us about the feasibility of implementation of an Beovillage on North Campus. In order to gamer support for an Ecovillage on North Campus a myriad of people need to understand the concepts, and possibilities, involved. Not only University support and involvement will be required, but that of the region, the community, and local corporations. The purpose of our research will be to develop a resource that can be used by those who will need to be involved, as a guide to what the main systems alternatives are, what has been done before, and where they can look for examples. We will be taking an inductive approach in our research, ending with a stance on the feasibility of implementation, TABLE A Ecovillage on North Campus, U niversity of Waterloo L ] ] \. WATER . Wastewater treatment Water sources Rainwater Groundwater Purification Systems Membranes Filters Efficient and water- conserving fixtures ENERGY . End-use technologies . Passive and active energy energy . Building and system design . Conservation and efficiency pre WASTE . Compostables Recyclables Hazardous wastes Purchasing decisions which affect waste production 5. Input/ output analysis FOOD . Demand vs. supply of, locally-produced organic groceries, produce and meat . Preparation . Wastes }. Where to eat on the food chain? . Agriculture . Inputs for food BUILDING) a nrace AND DESIG: 1. Energy conservation 2. Build ‘materials that are environmental conscious | 3. Low maintenance high longevity 4, Water conservation 5. Waste reducti ofa 2 "apf adm uvato cafint 2.2.1 Objectives Our objectives then. are: 1) To compile existing research on the design of an Ecovillage, and to assess problems, opportunities, and comparative case studies. 2) To create a tool in the form of a reference ‘manual that can be used by individuals involved in Ecovillage implementation, or seeking background on what an Ecovillage is. 3) To further understand the alternative methods available to the dominant system of building materials, waste management, energy use, food production and consumption, and water cycling, and to then share that knowledge with others in a hope to affect the sustainability of our ecological footprints, 3.0 SCOPE/CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK ‘The path to living sustainably is complex and beyond the researchable scope of the study team given the time and resource constraints upon them. The focus of this study is restricted to the main physical systems that will be critical to the implementation of an Beovillage on North Campus at the University of Waterloo, The scope of this study encompasses the physical components and flows relevant to the constriction and operation of an Ecovillage, Once implemented, the key physical components of an Ecovillage will create a living and leaming centre that is anticipated to foster ecologically minded earning and aid in shifting unsustainable paradigms. For the purposes of this study the proposed Ecovillage has been divided into five main ‘components for consideration, These are water, waste, building materials and design, food, and energy Under cach of these, further sub-components have been identified to assist the designation of boundaries for this project. (See Figure A; systems diagram). The system’s diagram is highly simplified. There are ‘many connections between these arbitrary divisions, as items such as energy will be strongly affected by the selection of tuilding materials and design. These components were selected on the basis of their significant impact to consumption of resources. The primary goal of an Ecovillage is to strve towards a closed system, with a reduced quantity of inputs and increased efficiency of input use. The main objective of this project is to further understand the altemative methods available to the dominant system of building materials, waste management systems, energy use, food production and consamption, and water cycling, and to then share that knowledge with others in a hope to affect the sustainability of our ecological footprnts. Our study will be limited by temporal, monetary, methodological and. spatial considerations 3.1 Boundaries Given that no Ecovillage exists on a campus as a completely closed system, we recognize that there will be inputs from the Region and the University system such as electricity or water, but we have chosen to scope those out, focusing only on the core systems within the Ecovillage, and their ‘main inputs. In this case, our study will be limited only to the general technologies associated with, and available for, an Ecovillage as it pertains to North Campus. We do not intend to present all of the technicalities involved with the systems, but to provide the foundation for further research, In some ceases it may be necessary for us to touch on such things as building codes, regulatory logistics, ‘economics, and other details, however this is not the prime focus of our study, and has been scoped ‘out as such, 4.0 METHODS ‘The goal of this project was to compile existing data regarding the construction and operation of an Ecovillage and to explore the feasibility of its implementation at the University of Waterloo campus. In order to fulfill this goal, a qualitative exploratory approach was utilized to identify and assess the possible technologies and management practices. This employed three methods of data collection including: key informant interviews, case studies and secondary research. This combination provided the ‘opportunity to identify inconsistencies and more accurately determine the most suitable options for the UW Ecovillage. 4.1 Rationale for Qualitative Data Ecovillages are defined by different criteria and make use of various technologies and management practices. Considering an Ecovillage does not yet exist on the UW campus, a suitable definition had to be formulated and the potential components identified. Exploratory research provided the best format to initiate the investigation of an Ecovillage and accomplish our goals. Exploratory research secks to gain familiarity with the topic and provide the setting for further research (Palys, 1997), Given the studs inherent constraints of time and money, full-scale research into what exactly should be included in the Ecovillage was not possible. This study applied an exploratory approach to set the foundation and compile current data for further study 4.2 Rationale for Methods Selected ‘The selection of research methods depended on the study objectives, constraints, and the type of phenomenon that we investigated (Palys, 1997). ‘Three approaches to data collection were utilized to satisfy these requirements and increase the reliability of our results. The use of three methods also provided the opportunity to triangulate our results, This assisted our analysis and highlighted any 6 inconsistencies in the data, allowing for more accurate interpretations. ‘The three methods utilized were secondary data, case studies and key informant interviews. Secondary research was used in the form of journals, reference materials/books, previous WATreen projects and web sites. It was used to gain a familiarity with the systems and their sub- components, and focus the data collection during case study analysis and interviews. Case studies were analysed to understand the strengths and weaknesses of various technologies already in operation. ‘The case studies included independent and campus affiliated Ecovillages, as well as green building and management initiatives. Case studies such as California Polytechnic University and the Choi Building at the University of British Columbia were studied through their websites. Significant amounts of information were provided on the internet for these sites however there is likely bias in this representation, as the websites are likely to highlight their successes and not broadcast their challenges. Key informant interviews offered valuable advice and critiques of the systems under study ‘Semi-structured interviews were used with persons highly qualified to comment and offer expert advice Non-probabilistic techniques were used to identify potential informants because representation was not a concem. Both purposive and snowball sampling were used to attain the desired information. The selection of informants was guided by the advice of Morse (1994: 223), 2 good informant...as the knowledge and experience the researcher requires, has the ability to reflect, is articulate, has the time to be interviewed, and is willing to participate inthe study Informant selection was concentrated on the UW campus in an effort to gain information relevant to the site and also to identify individuals that may be interested in long term involvement in the project. 4.3 Analytical Procedures Qualitative analysis of our data used an iterative process with the assistance of method triangulation, ‘The iterative process is a method of increasing understanding of qualitative data by revisiting the data from different perspectives and with increasing clarity (Palys, 1997). The process began with secondary data gathering to scope the alternative technologies. Case studies and interviews \were used to revisit the data and further clarify the potential of these technologies. The alternative technologies were assessed for their ability to reduce the ecological footprint of an Ecovillage, This includes: reducing the direct and indirect use of water, energy, and resource consumption, as well as seeking technologies which do not contribute to the degradation of the environment. We did not intend to present all the technicalities involved with the systems, but to provide the foundation for further research. ‘The approach of this study provided a high level of external validity. The compilation of information on the alternative building approaches is highly generalizable beyond this study and site, The goal of this project was for the implementation of a Ecovillage on the UW campus and did not seek application to a broader audience. Since the analysis of the technologies focused on the environmental impact and not site specific technicalities, this study could provide a guideline for investigating the possibility of implementation on other sites. However, this is only true if the same criteria are of interest in other locations. If another site had an emphasis on the site-specific regulations and the economic feasibility of the Ecovillage, other technologies may appear to be of more value since different criteria are being addressed The reliability of the study is moderate. The secondary research would provide similar backgrounds of information if conducted for a second time, However, the use of key informant interviews has the potential to sway the results. Informants were selected by the reputation of their knowledge as well as by reference from other informants. It is possible to have used an informant with other interests, experience or values who would advise differently on the feasibility of certain technologies. The approach taken in our study and analysis was the most suitable to our goals and constraints ‘The literature was reviewed to identify the possibilities, then case studies and key informants were used to support or refute the data and provide additional insight. 4.4 Limitations of the Study We have identified a number of temporal, spatial, methodological, and economic limitations within oar study design. The use of an exploratory approach itself limits qualitative analysis. Given the four month period from conception to completion, in the context of full University schedules, it was very challenging to represent data from all possible sources. In terms of spatial constraints, we were limited by the distance between the widely dispersed Ecovillages and Ecovillage experts where first hand viewing and information would have been beneficial. ‘The process of selection for key informants may have been limited by the snowball method. Due to this, different schools of thought may not be adequately represented. Economic limitations kept us from visiting Ecovillage sites, as well es accessing certain information such as seminars. 5.0 RESULTS AND ANALYSIS 5.1 Ecovillage History In 1990 the Gaia Trust was formed, a group whose aim was to support and promote people living in harmony with nature in a globally-just, and intra/inter-generationally sustainable manner. In September of the following year, twenty people from some of the leading communities, featured in a report by Robert and Diane Gilman' for the Gaia Trust, met in Denmark to discuss a strategy for developing and spreading the Ecovillage concept. The group included Karl-Henrik Robert, founder of ‘The Natural Step and David Korten (When Corporations Rule the World) who saw Ecovillages as part of a broader sustainability movement By late 1999, 160 intentional communities and more than 10,000 traditional villages were linked to the Global Ecovillage Network, “despite the fact that it has placed moving existing members towards sustainability chead of recruiting new ones.”* There's still no ideal model Ecovillage to showcase, but there are many communities in all parts of the world which together make up a total vision of « different culture and lifestyle that can work. Institutions of learning, such as Universities, who are looked upon to lead by example and be on the cutting edge of development, are perfect models to act as sustainable integrated systems. Campuses themselves are in a perfect position to function as Ecovillages themselves. In the University atmosphere we have the tools we need to change the world right at our very fingertips. While reports and studies are important, what is imperative is that we in North America put our own house in order, build sustainable communities, and give up exploiting the rest of the world. "Ealitors of the Seatle-based magazin, In Context SECTION 1. AGROECOLOGY Growing food to meet daily nutrition requirements from available land resources is a key component of a sustainable living system. It is an integral part of the regenerative web. The aim ofthe Lyle Center food system is to show that through the use of renewable resource technology itis possible o regenerate, conserve, and increase ‘natural productivity and meet the community's nutritional need. (Joba Tye Cen). Agroecology: The application of ecological science to the design and management of sustainable agroecosystems. Linking ecology, socioeconomies and culture to sustain agricultural production, farming communities, and environmental health, this is a holistic approach to agriculture and agricultural development based on traditional, alternative and local small-scale agriculture. (www.agroecosystems.org) Everyone needs to eat. However we often overlook the interrelationships between food, the way it was produced, wher impacts caused, "Typical" North American eating patterns consume more resources than necessary, was produced, and the socioeconomic and biophysical negatively impact the environment, and generate a large amount of waste, The issue of food security, and distance between producer and consumer is of great importance in the sustainability arena. Where and how our food is produced has the ability to impact the social, ecological, and economic environments of continents around the globe. Since the early 1990s with the increase of biotechnology, genetic engineering, intense globalization, and alienation from the environment, what is in our food, and where wwe eat on the food chain, has become increasingly controversial. A move towards organic, locally- produced foods that are native to the bioregion where possible, is an important and effective step in lessening our impact on the earth. ext ‘The food system on campus is unsustainable because it bly linked to the unsustainable practices of the larger, global food production and distribution system. Thus, the topic of implementing ‘organic food on the University of Waterloo Campus is not only an issue of local importance, but also an issue of broad significance in the arena of promoting and establishing environmental sustainability globally. Sustainability, being the ability of a necessary socio-economic and environmental system to exist indefinitely, is of paramount importance in any Ecovillage system. ‘The major goal in an Ecovillage is for the community to provide for as much of its nutritional needs as possible from on site resources, while at the same time, as part of an integrated system regenerate, rather than deplete that system. In many cases, they have been fairly successfal in this attempt. 10 Principles Given current circumstances on campus, the University has several choices regarding the intensity of implementation of the following principles in a potential Ecovillage. It would be a nearly impossible task to provide for all of the nutritional needs of students on North Campus due to weather variability, harsh winters, and student demands. It is feasible to implement ‘organic, locally grown food, and to focus on a few products that could be grown on site, such as all of the beans needed. ‘The general principle of any food consumed within an Ecovillage is that it is organic, as locally produced as possible, and in season, On site, only organic agriculture should be used be used, both on principle, and to minimize inputs, (Gold, 2001). This is further necessitated in the case of North Campus given the proximity of the Laurel Creek The first step in developing gardens is to survey various ecological design considerations, the site's natural opportunities and constraints, and create a series of site plans and garden design drawings, keeping in mind the following principles: © Sufficient food, providing adequate nutritional balance is available locally, easily accessible, in season, and affordable © Food is grown as much as possible within the community bio-region * Organic food production ‘© Food obtained from outside the community is ‘organic, local and or bioregional + Food is from bioregional/traditional/indigenous crops ‘+ Food scraps are fed to animals or composted ‘Use Renewable Resources ~Use renewable sources of energy Use biological nitrogen fixation. ise ally oc atta instead of sythecs “Use on-farm resources as much as posible Reoyce on-farm nutients Minimize Toxics “Reduce or eliminate use of materials that have potatil to harm the et health of farmers, workers, or consumes. Use farming practices that reduce or eliminate env pollution of niaes, toxic gas, or other materials generated by burning or overloading agroecosystems with musiens Conserve Resources “Conserve Soil: Sustain soil nutrient and organi mater stocks, minimize erosion, use perennials, noi o reduced tage methods “Conserve Water Dry farm, use efficent igaton stems. ~Conserve Eneray: Use energy efcint technologies. ~Conserve genetic resources “save oud, maintain local landraces, se hesloom varieties “Conserve Capital: Keep bank debt io @ minimum, reduce expenditures ‘Manage Ecological Relationships ~Reestablish ecological relationships that occur natwally Manage pet, diseases, weeds instead of “controling” “Use intereropping and cover cropping “Integrate Livestock “Enhance beneficial biota “In sols: Mycorhizae, Rhizobia, telving nitrogen fixers “Beneficial insets: Provide regia fr bneficals Recycle Nutrients Shi from toughfow nutrient management to reyeng of mutient. “Return erop resides and manures to soi When outside ips are nezessar, sustain their befits by reeyling them Minimize Disturbance ~Use raduced tillage of not methods ~Usemulches —Use perennials ‘Adjust to Local Environments Match cropping pattems to the productive potential and physical limitations of the farm landscape Diversify Landscapes: Maintain undisturbed areas as bulferznes, use contour ann stp tllage, maintain riparian bufer zones, use tational grazing Biota ntererep, oat crops, se polyculture intra animals in system, use mllipl species oferops and animals on farm, use multiple ‘aricics and landraces of crops and animals on farm Economics Avoid dependence on single cropsproucts Use alternative markets suchas organic markets, cmmunity Supported Agrieulture (CSA),"Pick your own" marketing ~Add valve o agricul products Find alternative incomes: Agrotourism Empower People sre that Il people contol their development a0ce8. Use indigenous knowledge, promote mult-

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