If an 8 star building reduces heating and cooling energy demand to virtually zero, why spend more money and material pushing towards 10 stars? Why not invest that money in a nice little PV system so the building is truly energy and carbon-neutral, or even negative? We have already begun to adopt this approach in regard to water – most buildings are now quite water efficient, and can meet the extra need with rainwater harvesting, and/or greywater recycling. But even there we can go further – we already have the technology, yet the regulation still lags (more on this in previous and future columns!)

In the recently published shattering expose of climate-change denial, Requiem for a Species, Clive Hamilton argues that placing too much emphasis on individual action has been used as a smoke screen to deflect attention away from the bigger structural and societal problems. Both government and big business have a mega-investment in the way we generate and distribute power, the way we plan and build cities and so on, which is a major barrier to change toward sustainability. I suggest it may be approaching time for sustainability leaders to push for changes to the way we plan, the things we invest in, they way we measure profit (GDP is pretty useless).

How did this pathetic situation come about? Well, the history of European settlement in Australia is one of “the eye sees but the brain does not comprehend”. A sentimental longing for ‘home’, combined with palpable ignorance of the complexities and subtleties of the ecosystem they were trampling on, meant that right through our history, gardens have largely been exotic. (A nice anagram of that is etoxic.) Then some councils have seen fit to institutionalise and perpetuate this ignorance in their planning controls, because it is seen as ‘maintaining the character of the locality’. This is justified as being consistent with maintaining cultural heritage.

If commitment to heritage in this way was the least bit justifiable, we would still be clearing the bush to plant crops and graze cloven hoofed animals (hang on – this only slowed down last year, and still hasn’t actually stopped); damming rivers to ‘harness the water’ (hang on – the NSW and Qld Gov’ts are hell bent on doing this right now); and keeping Aboriginal people living on reservations in sub-standard housing (hang on – - !). My point is it’s time to say “that was how we used to do it, but we know better now.”

But apparently we don’t.

A unique development of the vernacular Aussie shack. The iconic skillion roof with a twist complements the rectilinear floor plan, with strong emphasis on corrugated iron and simple masonry.

The award was given to the first constructed Ecobode, near Cessnock, called the Ecobode 180L. Approximately 180 sq.m in area, the modest single level house provides 3 bedrooms, 2 living areas, generous kitchen and utility space, and massive outdoor living areas. It features uncompromised passive solar design with orientation to invite winter sun and exclude summer sun, and reverse brick veneer construction to allow the thermal mass to regulate the warmth and coolth. The building requires no auxilliary heating, and apart from ceiling fans needs no artificial cooling – this means that the no energy is wasted heating and cooling, it’s all done naturally.

As the world moves inexorably towards zero energy buildings, the Ecobodes range of project home designs offer a distinct alternative to the norm, boasting uncompromised passive design and on-site sustainability at an affordable price. Designed for flexibility, four varying floor plans have been created to suite location, orientation and climate conditions. The range is being expanded.

Passive design is provided through:

- reverse brick veneer construction,

- high levels of insulation,

-large areas of double glazing,

- site-specific shading for controlled solar access,

- excellent cross ventilation,

- layout zoned for variable uses,

- good daylighting and efficient lighting.

Operational energy is minimised by the fundamental efficiencies of the design, and is provided for by the integrated PV system. Water is harvested, and waste water treated on site for reuse, pending local regulations.

The Ecobode homes mean even the project market can obtain homes that are carbon neutral, water neutral, and entirely healthy to live in.

The built environment makes up a significant proportion of the potential reduction in greenhouse emissions, and Envirotecture is not alone in demonstrating buildings that can reduce energy consumption by up to 100% (yup, that’s zero emissions folks!). So why are governments so sluggish in rising to the occasion?

Clive Hamilton has analysed this very nicely in his latest book “Requiem for a Species” – but you aren’t going to like it. It challenges what makes you happy (and here I am taking the liberty of a dreadful generalisation, coz I know retail therapy does not work on everybody). It also challenges the way nations count wealth and value: the hopeless “GDP” tape measure that cannot even address basic stuff like “Did you enjoy that meal, darling?” or “Isn’t Johnny doing well at school this year!”

If this message resonates with you and yet you have never done anything ‘political’ before, can I suggest you do so now. Maybe sign the GetUp! online petition, or become a supporter. Or look at the ACF Online climate information, and send them a message of support that will bolster their voice within the halls of Canberra. Or maybe tell your local members (state and federal) that you know enough about coal and coal fired power to know it’s a lousy deal for the country, no matter how tough the Minerals Council talks.

Do something – however small it may seem – so you can tell your grandkids you tried.

Are you happy with the way the world is? Most people will say “yes, and no.”

Yes, we like some things – friends, family (hopefully!), lovers, the beach, music – all sorts of things are good, and we respond accordingly. But most people are also aware that we need to change things: the Murray-Darling Basin, excess CO2 in the atmosphere, violence against women, child prostitution, prostate cancer to name a few.

How about education? In Australia there is much debate over the new national curriculum, and how to fund state and private schools more equitably, but in reality, all our schools are pretty good. At least they have a roof and walls, solid floor and a desk for every child, even if a laptop for every child is still a way off!

In Laos, things are a little different, with many schools in the more remote districts not enjoying the most basic things we take for granted. Maybe they don’t even have a roof. Yet they do have great teachers and every child is a really keen student. We can help join the dots in this obvious puzzle, for very little money.

Education is an investment in global development – not necessarily (just) economic development, but personal development – the sort of stuff the economists struggle to squeeze under the GDP tape measure. Global peace, happiness and long term security – for all members of our human race – is dependent upon education.

You can help in a small but very meaningful way. Click here to see how a few dollars can buy all the roofing nails for a whole school, or maybe you can buy all the timber for one wall. Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something….