[permaculture-oceania] RE:- Hello, not all's rosy when it comes to opinions on ecovillages

[Laurence Gaffney]

Thank you Russ for your post. It is through such discussion that Permaculture People can see their way a little more clearly.
 
Some comments:-
1.    It is relatively easy to attach a theoretical definition to the word "SUSTAINABLE",  but how do we know whether the practical projects that we undertake are sustainable?  What criteria do we use to determine the sustainability of some thing?  What size box do we draw around the something to commence the analysis? Is it possible to meaningfully measure the material and energy flows across such a boundary.

2.    Is it possible for any project that uses non renewable minerals & energy to be classed as sustainable?.

3.    In a world where our current ecological footprint is apparently already beyond the earths carrying capacity can any new development contribute to sustainability?

4.    The claim from 'Alchemist" that he/she could make an ecovillage sustainable by doing certain things is simply not credible. In fact in my view anyone claiming sustainability is not credible. It is something that we may aspire to but probably never attain.    The frequent use of the word by Permaculture People is an embarrassment.

5.   However it is from projects such as  THE HEIJ HUT at the Aldinga Arts Eco village that the overall pool of knowledge on practical strategies that reduce our ecological footprints is increased. Elizabeth & her husband are to be congratulated for having a go. Even if such projects ultimately only teach us what not to do it is still a small step forward I think.

6.    It is unlikely that the filling of the hollow concrete blocks with more concrete would increase the insulative performance of the wall. The overall "R Value" of the wall would probably be reduced by this measure. However in this "reverse brick veneer" situation such a measure should contribute to an improved "thermal performance" of the house due to the extra mass which I guess was the intention.

7.    Their is some evidence to support the notion that Village scale is likely to be the most appropriate size for human settlements. 


Laurence Gaffney         
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