It is a mindset that we as humans think we are destroying the planet. Well think hard about that statement. It is quite presumptuous to assume we are so exceptional as a species that we could destroy the planet from global warming. The likely scenario is that the planet will survive with or without the human species, it may be in a different form to what we see today but the planet is not in trouble it is our human species that needs to survive.
In trying to understand the problem I think we need to present a clear message. The message is we need to help ourselves as a species and the problem is ours not the planets. Generally humans have a selfish nature or at least a self preserving nature, we take care of what is close to us which is ourselves, family and friends. If we take that into consideration, what we are currently doing is actually hurting ourselves, friends and future generations of our own family, so it is quite ironic that people who won't change or that are reluctant to change are going against basic human instinct.
So what is sustainability and why is it relevant to us as a species? Well it depends on who you ask. In my humble opinion sustainability is an attempt to find BALANCE. A balance between economic reality and environmental objectives to make sure we survive as a species. We need to find the balance to meet our current needs yet make sure we are not handing over an irreparable future for our family to come.
Eleven Billion people are expected to be living on earth soon after 2060. In the next fifty years, global economic activity is expected to increase five fold while global manufacturing activity, energy consumption and the throughput of materials are likely to rise three fold. Scary stats.
I am not one to harp on about the doom and gloom and by any means I am not a green warrior, yet balance is something that can be achieved by making small behavioural changes. In our profession of energy management common sense is where you need to start and some of it is quite simple. Behavioural changes to achieve balance is not an over whelming prospect, just start small. Make small changes complete things that won't cost you a lot of money. Become – energy, water and waste efficient – Take the Federal Governments FREE Home Sustainability assessment. It's all about educating yourself on sustainability and finding the balance. This free assessment will give you an understanding of what needs to be done and provide recommendations.
Start at home and then move it to the business. Simple things like, setting your air conditioners at the right level, clean your filters or have your appliances serviced (aircon, dryers, hotwater systems and pool pumps) these products contribute as the larger power users in the home and if they are running 20% less efficient it means you are using more electricity to get the same result and you are also paying for it on your electricity bill. Get aerators for your taps, time your showers. These are all things that don't cost much but will save you money and lessen the demand for electricity and water. Don't forget, if we all played our part in reducing the demand for electricity and water it then reduces the demand to build extra coal fired power stations, desalination plants or extra dams.
SUSTAINABILITY DECLARATION (Compulsory 1st January 2010 in QLD) As we are writing about sustainability I though it may be relevant to let you know, a sustainability declaration will be a compulsory checklist that must be completed by the seller in QLD when selling a house, townhouse (class 1a buildings) or unit (class 2 building) from 1st January 2010.
The declaration will inform buyers about the sustainability features of a property and increase community awareness of the value of such features. The declaration identifies the dwelling's environmental and social sustainability features in four key areas: energy, water, access and safety. The declaration aims to increase awareness about sustainable housing features when a property is marketed for sale. It also promotes possible ongoing financial and environmental benefits that could be achieved with specific features. It is anticipated that the declaration will help promote the sustainability of a home and become a key marketing tool for real estate agents and private sellers. It is one of the governments tools to make sure as we move forward efficiency is thought about on your biggest asset purchase.
Written by Michael Newton Watt Utilities
