Overview: Towards a Low Carbon Future
Energy Challenge Project Module One, Discussion Seven
The Purpose of Today’s Seminar is:
Discuss progress since the beginning of the module, and set new ongoing targets. Revise each hotspot. Contribute solutions for individual home high-energy problem spots. Set up coaching or support structures – collaborative or individual – for continued progress forward for participants.
Since Seminar One
Have
you reduced your electrical energy consumption? Round-robin for the amount of reduction, and in brief: how did you do it! What is the biggest problem remaining? Would you like assistance from the group? What form will it take?
Necessary Habits of Mind:
Goal:
an ultra light footprint on the planet – a constant ‘ecological consciousness’. Pointers for future change:
Small steps towards sustainability. Plan ahead for energy reduction – short and long term. Do I need this or want it? What is my goal in using this electrical appliance or equipment? (Could I use any alternative?)
Examples/comments
on any of these?
Pointers for Energy Use:
Switch it off when not in use. Use renewable energy – panels at home or from the grid. Choose the most energy efficient appliance (it may not be electric!). Design your home and garden for energy minimisation.
Eg. insulating curtains and pelmets, shade-cloth/deciduous trees and shrubs.
Which of these was the easiest for you to do? Why?
Pointers for Waste –
Where possible…
Bring no waste (rubbish that can’t be
recycled) onto your block. Reuse/recycle all materials.
– Mulch, compost, worm farms, bokashi buckets, chickens, composting toilets, greywater systems.
What worked best for you?
Water
Gardens are the biggest home water guzzlers – (mains water and bores).
– How water-wise are our gardens?
Which water minimising strategies have you now adopted – in your house and garden?
– How did you make the change?
Pointers for Transport
Plan ahead – long term and shorter term. How can I get there more sustainably? (Car pool? Bus?) What trigger questions help you reduce your private car use?
– (Try this one: if this car was not available, how would I get to my destination?)
For This Activity:
Consider these home-zones – Kitchen – fridge/freezer/cooking/ dishwashing. – Laundry/Bathroom. – Whole house heating/cooling. – Computer/Games/TV Rooms. – Whole house inside and outside lighting. – Garage/workshop/tool shed.
Work in pairs (person A and B)
Your House Plans
Using B’s houseplan:
– B to suggest a home-zone where energy overconsumption takes place.
• B explains how/why it is happening.
Both people find solutions.
Pie chart from: http://www1.sedo.energy.wa.gov.au/pages/energy_smart_homes.asp
Use A’s Houseplan now, and do the same thing…
When completed:
– Snowball into a group of four if possible, and share problems and contribute more solutions.
Set Clear Targets for Continuing towards Sustainability
• What support will you need?
• Would you like some individualised ecocoaching?
• From facilitator or your mentor. • From other individuals in the group. • It is highly recommended that you accept some form of continued support. (Research and experience shows that people find it hard to continue ‘alone’ – and tend to drop back into old habits.)
• Will you sign up for Module 2?
Long Term Lasting Changes
• Someone who wants to change not someone who is forced to change. • Someone who is well informed about the reasons for changing. • Someone who wants to make a difference. • Someone who sees the benefits and acknowledges that they outweigh the costs. • Someone who wants to change the world for tomorrow. SOMEONE LIKE YOU
Now Celebrate!
Here’s to a sustainable future, and thank you!