Wednesday, 21 December 2011
Thursday, 15 December 2011
Community Right to Build
Community Right to Build
The Community Right to Build is a set of proposals that would give local communities the power to decide what is built in their area. The new powers would mean that where developments for new houses, community facilities or shops have the agreement of the local area through a 'community referendum', and meet a minimum criterion, communities will not need to go through the normal planning application process.This will give communities the freedom to decide how to meet the local priorities in their area, and allow new homes, shops, businesses or facilities to be built where they want them. Communities would be able to decide the type of developments and housing they want to see, and the benefits would be retained for the community - managed by a corporate body formed by members of the local community.
Whilst it will be for communities to identify suitable land, sources of finance and secure support for their proposals, there will be help and guidance in available, and advice from people who already have experience of taking forward community-led schemes.
Q and A on Community Right to Build
Q: What is Community Right to Build?A: We see Community Right to Build as a means by which like-minded people from the local area come together with a shared vision of what they want to achieve in their community and how they can go about it. New powers for these communities will mean that community organisations would be able to take forward new local developments without the need to go through the normal planning application process, as long as the proposals meet certain criteria and there is community backing in a local referendum.
Q: Who will be able to use the new powers?
A: Community Right to Build would be able to be used throughout England - in both rural and urban areas. We also envisage that communities would be free to use property developers, should they wish to do so or enter into partnerships such as with a housing association to manage their homes. See the links below for examples of areas that have taken forward community-led schemes.
Q: What developments could the powers be used for?
A: A wide range of plans could be approved where a community agrees. For example additional housing to meet the demand of future generations, new shops where communities want to offer low rent deals to local convenience stores or farm shops, or a new community hall or sports facilities.
Q: When will they come into force?
A: The new powers are one of a number of measures included in the Localism Bill which is currently before Parliament. So whilst the exact date that the powers can start being used from depends on the Parliamentary process, communities should start thinking about what the new powers could mean for their area and how they would use them, so that they are ready to go if the new rights become law.
Q: What do I need to do to plan for the powers?
A: If you're interested in a community-led development you should talk to your neighbours to get an idea about what sort of development the whole community would want to see. You may also want to talk to your local council, housing association or other community groups. And you might find it useful to get advice from people who already have experience of taking forward community-led schemes.
For more information visit:
- Community Land Trusts Network: http://www.communitylandtrusts.org.uk/ (external link)
- Locality: http://locality.org.uk/ (external link)
- UK Cohousing Network: http://www.cohousing.org.uk/ (external link)
- Action with Communities in Rural England: www.acre.org.uk/our-work/community-led-planning (external link)
- Confederation of Co-operative Housing: http://www.cch.coop/ (external link)
Occupy London holds ‘Big Green Day’ event on Sunday 18 December in its St Paul’s camp: Occupying for People and Planet
Occupy London holds ‘Big Green Day’ event on Sunday 18 December in its St Paul
On Sunday 18 December, Occupy London – part of a global movement for social, economic and environmental justice – will hold an event on environment and the economy. The event will take place in the camp at St Paul
The event focuses on the exploitative economic system that pollutes our land, sea and air, causes unprecedented loss of natural species and irreversible climate change. While the most disadvantaged are already suffering the consequences of this reality, the 1% continues to profit and governments fail to act because of powerful vested interests and short-sighted opportunism.
‘Behind the economic crisis lies a deeper and in the long term more dangerous environmental crisis, and behind both is also a crisis of democracy, transparency and accountability’ says an organiser of the Big Green Day. ‘They are all caused by an endless quest for more profit, growth, and consumption.’ As the movement’s initial statement recognises, this is as much an environmental problem as it is a social and economic one.
The Big Green Day comes just eight days after the conclusion of the annual Climate Change conference, in which civil society and some diplomats ‘occupied’ the negotiations to protest against the woeful lack of progress. [2] Many blame this failure on the narrow self-interest and the influence of powerful industry groups on governments - the very problems the Occupy movement is fighting against. ‘We are destroying the natural capital which our collective prosperity is based on, while the short-term benefits are siphoned off by the global 1%’ echoes another Occupy London supporter. ‘If we don’t act now, a few generations down the line this will be remembered as an era in which greed and corruption prevailed over science, reason and common compassion.’
But change is possible. Some of the solutions at hand will be debated at Sunday’s event. Questions will be raised about a system that gives rights to corporations and not to nature. Experts will talking about a vision for a Green New Deal in which capital is used for the public good: to secure our energy sources, to provide jobs and to create a more sustainable economy. ‘Fortunately we already have the knowledge and technology to reduce our environmental impact while maintaining our well-being’ concludes another organiser. ‘Every challenge is also an opportunity, every crisis can be the beginning of positive change. We need to question the very fundamentals of our economic model, look at sustainable activities and then act decisively.’
We invite individuals, and members of organizations and government, to join us to help co-create a positive, sustainable economic system that benefits present and future generations. Occupy is where we work together collectively to find real solutions.
We are Occupying for People and Planet – come and join us this Sunday at St Paul!
[1] Link to BGD programme.
[2] See: www.democracynow.org/seo/2011/12/9/frustrated_by_inaction_youth_delegates_occupy, www.voanews.com/english/news/environment/Protesters-Occupy-Durban-Climate-Conference-135333748.html, http://occupycop17.org/about
Tuesday, 6 December 2011
System, not consumers, are the big green problem | Energy Bulletin
System, not consumers, are the big green problem Energy Bulletin
Not sure if this is true, and are we part of the prolem?
Not sure if this is true, and are we part of the prolem?
Saudi Arabia - Headed for a downfall? | Energy Bulletin
Saudi Arabia - Headed for a downfall? Energy Bulletin
have read the article and also begs the question what will this all mean for use in the West.
have read the article and also begs the question what will this all mean for use in the West.
Monday, 5 December 2011
Some reflections on a day at Occupy LSX at St Paul’s Cathedral
Some reflections on a day at Occupy LSX at St Paul’s Cathedral
really intresting view point from Rob Hopkins and his experinces at Occupy LSX
really intresting view point from Rob Hopkins and his experinces at Occupy LSX
Monday, 28 November 2011
Wednesday, 23 November 2011
The Earth Charter
THE EARTH CHARTER
Preamble
We stand at a critical moment in Earth's history, a time when humanity must choose its future. As the world becomes increasingly interdependent and fragile, the future at once holds great peril and great promise. To move forward we must recognize that in the midst of a magnificent diversity of cultures and life forms we are one human family and one Earth community with a common destiny. We must join together to bring forth a sustainable global society founded on respect for nature, universal human rights, economic justice, and a culture of peace. Towards this end, it is imperative that we, the peoples of Earth, declare our responsibility to one another, to the greater community of life, and to future generations.Earth, Our Home
Humanity is part of a vast evolving universe. Earth, our home, is alive with a unique community of life. The forces of nature make existence a demanding and uncertain adventure, but Earth has provided the conditions essential to life's evolution. The resilience of the community of life and the well-being of humanity depend upon preserving a healthy biosphere with all its ecological systems, a rich variety of plants and animals, fertile soils, pure waters, and clean air. The global environment with its finite resources is a common concern of all peoples. The protection of Earth's vitality, diversity, and beauty is a sacred trust.
The Global Situation
The dominant patterns of production and consumption are causing environmental devastation, the depletion of resources, and a massive extinction of species. Communities are being undermined. The benefits of development are not shared equitably and the gap between rich and poor is widening. Injustice, poverty, ignorance, and violent conflict are widespread and the cause of great suffering. An unprecedented rise in human population has overburdened ecological and social systems. The foundations of global security are threatened. These trends are perilous—but not inevitable.
The Challenges Ahead
The choice is ours: form a global partnership to care for Earth and one another or risk the destruction of ourselves and the diversity of life. Fundamental changes are needed in our values, institutions, and ways of living. We must realize that when basic needs have been met, human development is primarily about being more, not having more. We have the knowledge and technology to provide for all and to reduce our impacts on the environment. The emergence of a global civil society is creating new opportunities to build a democratic and humane world. Our environmental, economic, political, social, and spiritual challenges are interconnected, and together we can forge inclusive solutions.
Universal Responsibility
To realize these aspirations, we must decide to live with a sense of universal responsibility, identifying ourselves with the whole Earth community as well as our local communities. We are at once citizens of different nations and of one world in which the local and global are linked. Everyone shares responsibility for the present and future well-being of the human family and the larger living world. The spirit of human solidarity and kinship with all life is strengthened when we live with reverence for the mystery of being, gratitude for the gift of life, and humility regarding the human place in nature.
We urgently need a shared vision of basic values to provide an ethical foundation for the emerging world community. Therefore, together in hope we affirm the following interdependent principles for a sustainable way of life as a common standard by which the conduct of all individuals, organizations, businesses, governments, and transnational institutions is to be guided and assessed.
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Principles
I. RESPECT AND CARE FOR THE COMMUNITY OF LIFE
1. Respect Earth and life in all its diversity.
a. Recognize that all beings are interdependent and every form of life has value regardless of its worth to human beings.
b. Affirm faith in the inherent dignity of all human beings and in the intellectual, artistic, ethical, and spiritual potential of humanity.
2. Care for the community of life with understanding, compassion, and love.a. Recognize that all beings are interdependent and every form of life has value regardless of its worth to human beings.
b. Affirm faith in the inherent dignity of all human beings and in the intellectual, artistic, ethical, and spiritual potential of humanity.
a. Accept that with the right to own, manage, and use natural resources comes the duty to prevent environmental harm and to protect the rights of people.
b. Affirm that with increased freedom, knowledge, and power comes increased responsibility to promote the common good.
3. Build democratic societies that are just, participatory, sustainable, and peaceful.
a. Ensure that communities at all levels guarantee human rights and fundamental freedoms and provide everyone an opportunity to realize his or her full potential.
b. Promote social and economic justice, enabling all to achieve a secure and meaningful livelihood that is ecologically responsible.
4. Secure Earth's bounty and beauty for present and future generations.
a. Recognize that the freedom of action of each generation is qualified by the needs of future generations.
b. Transmit to future generations values, traditions, and institutions that support the long-term flourishing of Earth's human and ecological communities.
In order to fulfill these four broad commitments, it is necessary to:
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II. ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY
5. Protect and restore the integrity of Earth's ecological systems, with special concern for biological diversity and the natural processes that sustain life.
a. Adopt at all levels sustainable development plans and regulations that make environmental conservation and rehabilitation integral to all development initiatives.
b. Establish and safeguard viable nature and biosphere reserves, including wild lands and marine areas, to protect Earth's life support systems, maintain biodiversity, and preserve our natural heritage.
c. Promote the recovery of endangered species and ecosystems.
d. Control and eradicate non-native or genetically modified organisms harmful to native species and the environment, and prevent introduction of such harmful organisms.
e. Manage the use of renewable resources such as water, soil, forest products, and marine life in ways that do not exceed rates of regeneration and that protect the health of ecosystems.
f. Manage the extraction and use of non-renewable resources such as minerals and fossil fuels in ways that minimize depletion and cause no serious environmental damage.
6. Prevent harm as the best method of environmental protection and, when knowledge is limited, apply a precautionary approach. b. Establish and safeguard viable nature and biosphere reserves, including wild lands and marine areas, to protect Earth's life support systems, maintain biodiversity, and preserve our natural heritage.
c. Promote the recovery of endangered species and ecosystems.
d. Control and eradicate non-native or genetically modified organisms harmful to native species and the environment, and prevent introduction of such harmful organisms.
e. Manage the use of renewable resources such as water, soil, forest products, and marine life in ways that do not exceed rates of regeneration and that protect the health of ecosystems.
f. Manage the extraction and use of non-renewable resources such as minerals and fossil fuels in ways that minimize depletion and cause no serious environmental damage.
a. Take action to avoid the possibility of serious or irreversible environmental harm even when scientific knowledge is incomplete or inconclusive.
b. Place the burden of proof on those who argue that a proposed activity will not cause significant harm, and make the responsible parties liable for environmental harm.
c. Ensure that decision making addresses the cumulative, long-term, indirect, long distance, and global consequences of human activities.
d. Prevent pollution of any part of the environment and allow no build-up of radioactive, toxic, or other hazardous substances.
e. Avoid military activities damaging to the environment.
7. Adopt patterns of production, consumption, and reproduction that safeguard Earth's regenerative capacities, human rights, and community well-being.
a. Reduce, reuse, and recycle the materials used in production and consumption systems, and ensure that residual waste can be assimilated by ecological systems.
b. Act with restraint and efficiency when using energy, and rely increasingly on renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.
c. Promote the development, adoption, and equitable transfer of environmentally sound technologies.
d. Internalize the full environmental and social costs of goods and services in the selling price, and enable consumers to identify products that meet the highest social and environmental standards.
e. Ensure universal access to health care that fosters reproductive health and responsible reproduction.
f. Adopt lifestyles that emphasize the quality of life and material sufficiency in a finite world.
8. Advance the study of ecological sustainability and promote the open exchange and wide application of the knowledge acquired.
a. Support international scientific and technical cooperation on sustainability, with special attention to the needs of developing nations.
b. Recognize and preserve the traditional knowledge and spiritual wisdom in all cultures that contribute to environmental protection and human well-being.
c. Ensure that information of vital importance to human health and environmental protection, including genetic information, remains available in the public domain.
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III. SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE
9. Eradicate poverty as an ethical, social, and environmental imperative.a. Guarantee the right to potable water, clean air, food security, uncontaminated soil, shelter, and safe sanitation, allocating the national and international resources required.
b. Empower every human being with the education and resources to secure a sustainable livelihood, and provide social security and safety nets for those who are unable to support themselves.
c. Recognize the ignored, protect the vulnerable, serve those who suffer, and enable them to develop their capacities and to pursue their aspirations.
10. Ensure that economic activities and institutions at all levels promote human development in an equitable and sustainable manner.
a. Promote the equitable distribution of wealth within nations and among nations.
b. Enhance the intellectual, financial, technical, and social resources of developing nations, and relieve them of onerous international debt.
c. Ensure that all trade supports sustainable resource use, environmental protection, and progressive labor standards.
d. Require multinational corporations and international financial organizations to act transparently in the public good, and hold them accountable for the consequences of their activities.
11. Affirm gender equality and equity as prerequisites to sustainable development and ensure universal access to education, health care, and economic opportunity.
a. Secure the human rights of women and girls and end all violence against them.
b. Promote the active participation of women in all aspects of economic, political, civil, social, and cultural life as full and equal partners, decision makers, leaders, and beneficiaries.
c. Strengthen families and ensure the safety and loving nurture of all family members.
12. Uphold the right of all, without discrimination, to a natural and social environment supportive of human dignity, bodily health, and spiritual well-being, with special attention to the rights of indigenous peoples and minorities.
a. Eliminate discrimination in all its forms, such as that based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, language, and national, ethnic or social origin.
b. Affirm the right of indigenous peoples to their spirituality, knowledge, lands and resources and to their related practice of sustainable livelihoods.
c. Honor and support the young people of our communities, enabling them to fulfill their essential role in creating sustainable societies.
d. Protect and restore outstanding places of cultural and spiritual significance.
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IV. DEMOCRACY, NONVIOLENCE, AND PEACE
13. Strengthen democratic institutions at all levels, and provide transparency and accountability in governance, inclusive participation in decision making, and access to justice.
a. Uphold the right of everyone to receive clear and timely information on environmental matters and all development plans and activities which are likely to affect them or in which they have an interest.
b. Support local, regional and global civil society, and promote the meaningful participation of all interested individuals and organizations in decision making.
c. Protect the rights to freedom of opinion, expression, peaceful assembly, association, and dissent.
d. Institute effective and efficient access to administrative and independent judicial procedures, including remedies and redress for environmental harm and the threat of such harm.
e. Eliminate corruption in all public and private institutions.
f. Strengthen local communities, enabling them to care for their environments, and assign environmental responsibilities to the levels of government where they can be carried out most effectively.
14. Integrate into formal education and life-long learning the knowledge, values, and skills needed for a sustainable way of life.a. Uphold the right of everyone to receive clear and timely information on environmental matters and all development plans and activities which are likely to affect them or in which they have an interest.
b. Support local, regional and global civil society, and promote the meaningful participation of all interested individuals and organizations in decision making.
c. Protect the rights to freedom of opinion, expression, peaceful assembly, association, and dissent.
d. Institute effective and efficient access to administrative and independent judicial procedures, including remedies and redress for environmental harm and the threat of such harm.
e. Eliminate corruption in all public and private institutions.
f. Strengthen local communities, enabling them to care for their environments, and assign environmental responsibilities to the levels of government where they can be carried out most effectively.
a. Provide all, especially children and youth, with educational opportunities that empower them to contribute actively to sustainable development.
b. Promote the contribution of the arts and humanities as well as the sciences in sustainability education.
c. Enhance the role of the mass media in raising awareness of ecological and social challenges.
d. Recognize the importance of moral and spiritual education for sustainable living.
15. Treat all living beings with respect and consideration.
a. Prevent cruelty to animals kept in human societies and protect them from suffering.
b. Protect wild animals from methods of hunting, trapping, and fishing that cause extreme, prolonged, or avoidable suffering.
c. Avoid or eliminate to the full extent possible the taking or destruction of non-targeted species.
16. Promote a culture of tolerance, nonviolence, and peace.
a. Encourage and support mutual understanding, solidarity, and cooperation among all peoples and within and among nations.
b. Implement comprehensive strategies to prevent violent conflict and use collaborative problem solving to manage and resolve environmental conflicts and other disputes.
c. Demilitarize national security systems to the level of a non-provocative defense posture, and convert military resources to peaceful purposes, including ecological restoration.
d. Eliminate nuclear, biological, and toxic weapons and other weapons of mass destruction.
e. Ensure that the use of orbital and outer space supports environmental protection and peace.
f. Recognize that peace is the wholeness created by right relationships with oneself, other persons, other cultures, other life, Earth, and the larger whole of which all are a part.
The Way Forward
As never before in history, common destiny beckons us to seek a new beginning. Such renewal is the promise of these Earth Charter principles. To fulfill this promise, we must commit ourselves to adopt and promote the values and objectives of the Charter.
This requires a change of mind and heart. It requires a new sense of global interdependence and universal responsibility. We must imaginatively develop and apply the vision of a sustainable way of life locally, nationally, regionally, and globally. Our cultural diversity is a precious heritage and different cultures will find their own distinctive ways to realize the vision. We must deepen and expand the global dialogue that generated the Earth Charter, for we have much to learn from the ongoing collaborative search for truth and wisdom.
Life often involves tensions between important values. This can mean difficult choices. However, we must find ways to harmonize diversity with unity, the exercise of freedom with the common good, short-term objectives with long-term goals. Every individual, family, organization, and community has a vital role to play. The arts, sciences, religions, educational institutions, media, businesses, nongovernmental organizations, and governments are all called to offer creative leadership. The partnership of government, civil society, and business is essential for effective governance.
In order to build a sustainable global community, the nations of the world must renew their commitment to the United Nations, fulfill their obligations under existing international agreements, and support the implementation of Earth Charter principles with an international legally binding instrument on environment and development.
Let ours be a time remembered for the awakening of a new reverence for life, the firm resolve to achieve sustainability, the quickening of the struggle for justice and peace, and the joyful celebration of life.
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2012 annual conference January 14th
The Low Carbon Communities Network (LCCN) 2012 annual conference will look at new ways forward for community action in a time of significant economic and social change.
It will focus on
- Community Energy – now and for the future
- New partnerships to tackle climate change
The event runs from 10.00am to 4.30pm with registration from 9.15. A short drinks reception will follow the formal event. A maximum of 200 places are available.
Attendance is free but a cheque for £20.00 made out to Low Carbon Communitites Network must be recieved within 10 days of registering or the ticket will be cancelled. You will recieve your un-cashed cheque upon arrival at the event. The cheque must be sent to:
COIN,
The Old Music Hall,
106 Cowley Road,
Oxford,
OX4 1JE
Tuesday, 22 November 2011
Occupy London
Invited speakers highlighting aims with the Occupy movement and suggetions for working together, Barnet Alliance for Public Services, UCU, UK Uncut, Single Mothers Self - Defence/ WinVisible,Education (Student Activist/ OLSX Tent City), Green peace, Climate Justice, Queer Resistance, Women Against Rape , Women of Colour in the Global Women's Strike, Internationa commission, Nice/anti -G20 protest
- Communications
- Energy
- Legal
- Facilition
- Direct Action
- Other suggetions welcomed
Totnes Eco Fair October 2011
Sophie Director of EAPP Totnes Eco Fair October 2011
Sophie talking with client at the Eco Fair
Picture of comics Eco home
Climate Justice Conference 2011
- Dr Stuart Parkinson - Exec director of scientists for global Responsibility
- Dr Daanish Mustafa - Lecturer on Geography at Kings College
- Murad Qureshi - GLA member, Labour, Banglafeshi Community
- Meredith Alexander - Head of Trade and Corporates at ActionAid Uk
- Rehad Desai - Film marker and activist from South Africa
The fringe workshops (2pm-3pm)
- Ecocide is a crime
- Green Spirituality
- Practical ways people can help create an ecological & socially sustainaing world
- Does Capitalism have a place in Climate Justice
Friday, 21 October 2011
Monday, 17 October 2011
Climate Justice Conference
Climate Justice Conference
Eco-Architecture & Permacultural Planning CIC has accepted invitation to attend the event on the 12th November 2011 at Institute of Education.
We will be doing a workshop from 2-3pm and also we will have a stall at the event.
Eco-Architecture & Permacultural Planning CIC has accepted invitation to attend the event on the 12th November 2011 at Institute of Education.
We will be doing a workshop from 2-3pm and also we will have a stall at the event.
Thursday, 6 October 2011
Social Enterprise Mark Company ownership changes announced
rise and Social Enterprise UK, who have to-date run the Social Enterprise Mark Company as a joint venture, today announced changes to its ownership. rise will now become the sole shareholder, while Social Enterprise UK will continue to support the Mark Company through promoting the Mark nationally.
Social Enterprise UK is to concentrate its efforts on growing the market for social enterprise, attracting more partners from mainstream business, the third sector and the public sector through campaigns, influencing, and growing the evidence-base for social enterprise. The national body said with the company established and the number of Mark holders growing, it was confident to transfer the running to Rise, which has robust and ambitious business plans for its future.
Social Enterprise UK will promote the Mark as the accreditation for social enterprise.
Lucy Findlay, Managing Director, Social Enterprise Mark Company, said:
“The Social Enterprise Mark now has a solid base to use as a platform for the next stage. We will continue to work closely with Social Enterprise UK and our aims remain closely aligned and complementary. We have exciting plans for the future which are soon to be announced.”
Peter Holbrook, Chief Executive of Social Enterprise UK, said:
“We will continue to work with the Mark Company to grow the number of Mark holders in the UK. Mark holders benefit from immediate recognition as a social enterprise and it will be particularly useful to those spinning out of the public sector. A great deal of hard work has gone into starting up the Social Enterprise Mark and we wish it every success in the next stage of its development.”
http://www.riseforsocent.org.uk]/
Social Enterprise UK is to concentrate its efforts on growing the market for social enterprise, attracting more partners from mainstream business, the third sector and the public sector through campaigns, influencing, and growing the evidence-base for social enterprise. The national body said with the company established and the number of Mark holders growing, it was confident to transfer the running to Rise, which has robust and ambitious business plans for its future.
Social Enterprise UK will promote the Mark as the accreditation for social enterprise.
Lucy Findlay, Managing Director, Social Enterprise Mark Company, said:
“The Social Enterprise Mark now has a solid base to use as a platform for the next stage. We will continue to work closely with Social Enterprise UK and our aims remain closely aligned and complementary. We have exciting plans for the future which are soon to be announced.”
Peter Holbrook, Chief Executive of Social Enterprise UK, said:
“We will continue to work with the Mark Company to grow the number of Mark holders in the UK. Mark holders benefit from immediate recognition as a social enterprise and it will be particularly useful to those spinning out of the public sector. A great deal of hard work has gone into starting up the Social Enterprise Mark and we wish it every success in the next stage of its development.”
http://www.riseforsocent.org.uk]/
Monday, 3 October 2011
Letter to Editor
Dear Editor
Many people today would like to move out of cities to live a more spiritually satisfying life in the countryside.*
Will the Localisation Bill make it easier for the young enterprising to get land to build themselves home, grow food and have self-sustaining energy systems? Credit crunch, soaring energy and food prices make the latter not just desirable but increasingly very necessary.
In UK we seem to be moving very slowly towards this, as many people are getting disillusioned with the materialistic consumer way of life, as it doesn't bring enduring happiness or deepening spiritual satisfaction. With an ever-rising population here most will argue that there isn't enough land for a more cooperative family land-based self-reliant localised economy to emerge; but when you consider that around 90% of land in the UK is owned by 5% of the population – mostly aristocrats and corporates – it perpetuates an apparent land shortage especially for self-build housing.
There must be lots of readers of this who would love to help build their own eco-home to live this more satisfying fulfilling life. While government ministers seem to support the idea of localised self-reliance, land ownership by the privileged few and planning law restrictions in no way encourage this.
Most young can't get a mortgage even if they do get a job (credit crunch!) so the only affordable way is to join a housing coop or community share housing self-build group. One hopes the Localisation Bill will enable local councils to release and earmark more land for low-impact self-build eco-housing.
The up and coming frustrated edge of our consumerist society are longing for a more eco-spiritual life and a decent house to live in.
Our contribution is to help these kind of pioneers who've invested all their resources to purchase land to create a Permacultural woodland garden, to get planning permission for their eco-house.
We are inviting readers to track progress of 3 of our current projects having these aims:
EAPP have signed The Earth Charter Initiative
The Earth Charter Initiative:
Mission, Vision and Goals
Mission
The mission of the Earth Charter Initiative is to promote the transition to sustainable ways of living and a global society founded on a shared ethical framework that includes respect and care for the community of life, ecological integrity, universal human rights, respect for diversity, economic justice, democracy, and a culture of peace.
Vision
We envision individuals, organizations, businesses, governments, and multilateral institutions throughout the world, including the United Nations General Assembly and UN agencies, acknowledging the Earth Charter, embracing its values and principles, and working collaboratively to build just, sustainable, and peaceful societies.
Goals
- To raise awareness worldwide of the Earth Charter and to promote understanding of its inclusive ethical vision.
- To seek recognition and endorsement of the Earth Charter by individuals, organizations, and the United Nations.
- To promote the use of the Earth Charter as an ethical guide and the implementation of its principles by civil society, business, and government.
- To encourage and support the educational use of the Earth Charter in schools, universities, religious communities, local communities, and many other settings.
- To promote recognition and use of the Earth Charter as a soft law document
The mission of the Earth Charter Initiative is to promote the transition to sustainable ways of living and a global society founded on a shared ethical framework that includes respect and care for the community of life, ecological integrity, universal human rights, respect for diversity, economic justice, democracy, and a culture of peace.
EAPP is Memeber of WSSET - World Society of Sustainable Energy Technologies
| WSSET is a non-profit organisation led by Saffa Riffat, Professor in Sustainable Energy and Head of the Institute of Sustainable Energy Technology at the University of Nottingham. WSSET has played an important role in consolidating practical partnerships between academic and industrial organisations, as well as promoting sustainable development/technologies worldwide. The role of WSSET is becoming increasingly important as the world seeks new solutions to problems arising from climate change, energy shortages and economic crisis. |
EAPP is a member is the WSSET- World Society of Sustainable Energy Technologies
WSSET promotes sustainable development to minimise the impact of climate change and has a mandate from the world community to set the proper direction for development of a sustainable urban environment as our legacy to future generations. WSSET supports its members in the advancement of sustainable technologies in various ways:
- Bringing together industries, academic institutions and private individuals worldwide through communication, co-operation, support and exchange;
- Promoting work on sustainable energy carried out by academic institutions and industry worldwide;
- Organising international seminars and conferences (e.g. SET international conferences) on the latest developments in the field of sustainable energy and encourage collaboration between researchers, scientists and industry from different countries;
- Publishing newsletters (WSSET newsletters) to promote innovative work carried out by universities and industry worldwide;
- Editing refereed technical journals (e.g., Int. Journal of Low Carbon Technologies);
- Encouraging collaboration between industry and academic institutions of different countries through the organisation of special workshops/seminars targeting the need of various countries;
- Running the HOPE Group for Africa to address issues related to developing countries such as the impact of climate change on energy, food supply and jobs;
- Assisting students from poorer nations and developing countries by seeking sponsorships to support their education in sustainable energy;
- Assisting the commercialising of new technologies developed by universities and private individuals;
- Organising public engagement activities;
- Assisting industry and individuals to attract grants to develop new ideas/demonstration projects; and
- Publicising innovative sustainable technologies carried out by academics in collaboration with industry.
Friday, 30 September 2011
SARP - South Abingdon Resident's Plan
South Abingdon Resident's Plan - which took place on Saturday 24th September 2011 at Reynolds Ways shop from 2pm-5pm
Free refreshments were provided with lots of fun on the day. There was a play bus and other attractions, with people taking in part the Planning for Real Model and shared views on how to improve the areas of town
http://www.sarp.org.uk/
Free refreshments were provided with lots of fun on the day. There was a play bus and other attractions, with people taking in part the Planning for Real Model and shared views on how to improve the areas of town
http://www.sarp.org.uk/
Jobs and prospects for young North Africans:
Jobs and prospects for young North Africans:
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European Future Energy Forum 2011
The different discussions around climate change have shown the importance of the introduction of new energy sources and the development and management of existing ones. The challenge of the coming years will be to identify innovations that will make a difference, how to implement them and to understand what will be the disruptive developments in this field.
EFEF 2011, 10-12 October, Geneva
· Inspiration – building the vision
· Innovation – changing the future
· Policy and regulation – creating the framework
· Finance – assuring return on investment
· Infrastructure – feeding the need
· Future Energy Mix – a recipe for success
For a special Eco Architecture Planning & Permacultural Planning CIC delegate rate visit www.europeanfutureenergyforum.com/pceap11
http://www.europeanfutureenergyforum.com/
Monday, 26 September 2011
Festival of Life Saturday 24th September 2011
We had a stall at the Festival of Life this year, and we met up with old friends and also met new ones. we were busy on the stall fro most of the day with lot of groups, organistaions and indiviuals enquiring on various projects. wehope to work on some of them
The Festival is a unique one-day event with over 50 free talks and workshops and over 60 stalls covering: Self-healing and Self-empowerment • Natural Parenting and Nature Cures • Healthy Vegan Organic Meals and Whole-foods • Permaculture and Environmentalism • Musical, Poetic and Artistic Expression • Simple and Non-consumerist Living • Creating Community and Networkhttp://www.festivaloflife.net/s • Celebration and Connection.
vibrant, jampacked, holistic event, running from 10.30am to 11.30pm
with a parallel daytime event in nearby Red Lion Square.
Doors open: 10.30am • Talks and Workshops: 11am-8pmStalls: 10.30am-6pm • Conscious Dance Party: 7pm-11.30pm
Ticket price for full event: 10.30am-11.30pm: £15 /£10 (concs) at the door.
Late ticket price - from 4pm onwards: £10 /£8 (concs) at the door.
Accompanied under 16's free. Entrance to Red Lion Square - free.
The Festival is a unique one-day event with over 50 free talks and workshops and over 60 stalls covering: Self-healing and Self-empowerment • Natural Parenting and Nature Cures • Healthy Vegan Organic Meals and Whole-foods • Permaculture and Environmentalism • Musical, Poetic and Artistic Expression • Simple and Non-consumerist Living • Creating Community and Networkhttp://www.festivaloflife.net/s • Celebration and Connection.
vibrant, jampacked, holistic event, running from 10.30am to 11.30pm
with a parallel daytime event in nearby Red Lion Square.
Doors open: 10.30am • Talks and Workshops: 11am-8pmStalls: 10.30am-6pm • Conscious Dance Party: 7pm-11.30pm
Ticket price for full event: 10.30am-11.30pm: £15 /£10 (concs) at the door.
Late ticket price - from 4pm onwards: £10 /£8 (concs) at the door.
Accompanied under 16's free. Entrance to Red Lion Square - free.
Monday, 12 September 2011
The European Future Energy Forum will now be held 10-12 October 2011
EAPP will not be attending the European Future Energy Forum which is taking place 10-12 October 2011 Geneva. We were invited last year 2010 ExCEL London and which was Europe's largest exchnage of knowledge on the future of energy. Eco- Architecture and Permaculture Planning CIC hosted a round table session. We also had a exhibition stand at The Masdar Future Urban Zone - where you found the most innovative construction projects being delivered by architects from across the world on the drive to build energy efficient living spaces. Our stand show cased some of Healthy Home Care Range, also the ICC building, and other projects.
we attend the
- The International Exhibition. we products and services from over 200 leading Companies in the future energy industry.
- The Masdar Future Urban Zone. discover the most innovative construction projects being deliverd by architects from across the world in the drive to build energy efficient living spaces.
- The UKTI Igoo. Uk's renewable energy objectives, capabilities, investment and development opportunties in the UKTI energy Igloo.
- The Siemens Green Tchnology Theatre. From power generation and transmission to distribution and consumption looked at Siemens green portfolio which influencing the new energy age.
- The Schneider Electric efficiency Threatre. we were able to participate in free programmes of dicussion on the following topics: Save energy, share energy, challenges of the smarter grid: Exostruxure solutions.
- Eco Transport showcase: tested out some of the lastest eco-friendly vehicles, concepts and technologies driving green transport solutions.
- Green IT and Communication Zone. Looked at how energy efficent ou working life is. Saw demonstrations on sustainable IT and communication solutions that can make a real contribution to reducing the creation of CO'2 in our working lives.
- Innovation zone. Saw the lastest energy saving technologies.
EAPP has joined Abingdon Business Alliance
http://www.abingdonbusinessalliance.com/
The Abingdon Business Alliance is an organisation for all businesses in Abingdon, both in the town centre and the surrounding area, including home based businesses. One of our key aims is to increase the numbers of visitors to the town, thus improving the vitality of Abingdon.
The Alliance will ensure effective communication to, from and between businesses in Abingdon, will listen fully to members' views and will represent them to the Councils and other relevant bodies
The Abingdon Business Alliance is an organisation for all businesses in Abingdon, both in the town centre and the surrounding area, including home based businesses. One of our key aims is to increase the numbers of visitors to the town, thus improving the vitality of Abingdon.
The Alliance will ensure effective communication to, from and between businesses in Abingdon, will listen fully to members' views and will represent them to the Councils and other relevant bodies
Wednesday, 7 September 2011
Abbey Shopping Centre and the Charter Area Development Brief
www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/sods
The council is preparing a new development brief to help shape the redevelopment of the Abbey shopping Centre and Charter Area in Abingdon.
We are mainly concerned with the Abbey Shopping Centre.
Background: The Abbey Centre, formerly know as Bury Street Precinct and the Charter Area from a key part of Abingdon town Centre. 'Improving Abingdon town centre and its shopping provision is a longstanding council objective, as the buildings are now rather dated and not well suited to the requirements of modern retailing and community services.
This areas is located in the heart of the historic town centre. Any redevelopment will have to sensitively designed.
Content of the Development Brief: The Development Brief describes in detail the charactertics of the site; in particular the listed builings and the main routes through the town. Based on this analysis, the brief sets out development principles that developers should follow when drawing up a proposal. These intentionally allow scope for creativity and some flexibilty to ensure the final scheme is viable.
The Brief illustrates two scenarios with slightlt different arrangements of shops and other facilities. These examples of the different ways the design principles could be applied to create a viable successful development.
EAP will be viewing its view on the proposal and also will be advising on the concerns of the lack of renewable energy in the design, but also the examples of the development principles look very carbon copy, and this will make Abingdon look like any other town.
The council is preparing a new development brief to help shape the redevelopment of the Abbey shopping Centre and Charter Area in Abingdon.
We are mainly concerned with the Abbey Shopping Centre.
Background: The Abbey Centre, formerly know as Bury Street Precinct and the Charter Area from a key part of Abingdon town Centre. 'Improving Abingdon town centre and its shopping provision is a longstanding council objective, as the buildings are now rather dated and not well suited to the requirements of modern retailing and community services.
This areas is located in the heart of the historic town centre. Any redevelopment will have to sensitively designed.
Content of the Development Brief: The Development Brief describes in detail the charactertics of the site; in particular the listed builings and the main routes through the town. Based on this analysis, the brief sets out development principles that developers should follow when drawing up a proposal. These intentionally allow scope for creativity and some flexibilty to ensure the final scheme is viable.
The Brief illustrates two scenarios with slightlt different arrangements of shops and other facilities. These examples of the different ways the design principles could be applied to create a viable successful development.
EAP will be viewing its view on the proposal and also will be advising on the concerns of the lack of renewable energy in the design, but also the examples of the development principles look very carbon copy, and this will make Abingdon look like any other town.
Abingdon Hydro - River Thames
EAP Directors Sophie Christopher Bowes & Martin Bowes Directors of Abingdon Hydro CIC Project talk about the project.
What is it?
A project to generate hydroelectric power from the Thames at Abingdon. The picture above gives a rough idea of how it might look.
Abingdon Hydro is the name of the Community Interest Company that we have formed to work on it. The rules for this type of company require that it must produce benefits for the local community. And that is important: this is a community enterprise, and we want a lot of local people to share in the ownership and the benefits.
Where would it be?
At the end of Abbey Meadow, by the entrance to the weir. Water would flow from the top of the Abbey Stream down into the Thames. There is a picture and more explanation on the More Info page.
Why do it?
Why do it?
Many people have looked at all the water coming over the weir and wondered why its power cannot be used. Although the power we can get from Abingdon's weir is modest compared with what we use, over the entire country it adds up.
Financially it looks like a good long term investment. However this is about more than just money. It is an opportunity for community ownership, and reinvesting some of the income in local renewable energy projects. If we do nothing, then before long some big company will come in and do it for their own shareholders.
Screws are a very visible advertisement for renewable energy, an educational resource, fascinating to watch, a visitor attraction. Local groups are working on other sites on the Thames, and work is well advanced in Windsor, Goring and Streatley, and Osney.
Is there a plan and a timetable?First we need all the approvals – planning permission, Environment Agency licence, etc. That is what we are doing. Also we have to decide on the final shape of the project – who runs it, how the earnings will be distributed, etc. Then comes the share offer, and we hope as much as possible of the investment will come from local people. The third stage is to get it built and running.
The feed in tariffs (in effect a bonus payment for renewable electricity) will be revised from April 2013. In case they get revised downward, we want to be generating before then, to get the present rate. Working back from there, construction would be Autumn 2012, when the river flow is low. So we would need a share offer several months before, to be able to place the orders in time.
Financial estimates
We do not yet have a reliable figure for the cost, but the estimate for Goring and Streatley is £1.4 million. The electrical power we get should average about 100kW, which is the power taken by about 200 average houses. With the present feed in tariff it should earn about £120,000 per year. That is an attractive return, but shareholders will not get it all because we want to set aside a generous amount for community projects - this is not a get rich quick scheme! However the technology is simple and robust, so we can expect it to keep working for many decades. Although renewables tend to be seen as risky, the river will keep flowing, and demand for electricity will not go away.
We will also need risk capital to pay for the approvals and the share offer - perhaps £20,000.
Tuesday, 6 September 2011
Invitation to Community Energy focus group 8 Sept
I will be accepting the invite to a focus group on the evening of Thursday 8
September to discuss scaling up community renewable energy in Oxfordshire.
As a Director of Abingdon Hydro project along with Richard Riggs.
This Autumn we plan to launch the Low Carbon Hub – a central organisation
where you can access resources, training, support and advice to help
communities manage carbon reduction projects. A central part of the Hub’s
strategy will be to aggregate renewable energy projects in a way that reduces
the costs per project and creates income and wider benefits to communities.
Barbara Hammond, Director of West Oxford Community Renewables and Julia
Patrick, Programme Manager of the Low Carbon Hub, will present their ideas
for how this could work and they are looking for some very honest feedback on their proposals.
The evening, starting at 7pm, will be relaxed and informal and will take
food and drinks and it will be a chance to meet people from other groups too!
September to discuss scaling up community renewable energy in Oxfordshire.
As a Director of Abingdon Hydro project along with Richard Riggs.
This Autumn we plan to launch the Low Carbon Hub – a central organisation
where you can access resources, training, support and advice to help
communities manage carbon reduction projects. A central part of the Hub’s
strategy will be to aggregate renewable energy projects in a way that reduces
the costs per project and creates income and wider benefits to communities.
Barbara Hammond, Director of West Oxford Community Renewables and Julia
Patrick, Programme Manager of the Low Carbon Hub, will present their ideas
for how this could work and they are looking for some very honest feedback on their proposals.
The evening, starting at 7pm, will be relaxed and informal and will take
food and drinks and it will be a chance to meet people from other groups too!
Whats going on in our schools
- Who are the eco-inspectors?
- What will a school veg garden produce?
- How much electricity can a school roof produce?
- What is a compost assembly
7.30pm Wed 21st Sept 2011
St Ethelwold’s House,
30 East St Helen Street , ABINGDON OX14 3EB
- Bring a friend ,£3 donation towards costs welcome !
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