PERMACULTURE SYSTEMS TO NOURISH A COMMUNITY
WHAT IS PERMACULTURE?
Permaculture is a creative design process that is based on ethics and design principles. It guides the creator to mimic the patterns and relationships that can be found within nature and can be applied to all aspects of human habitation, from agriculture to ecological building appropriate technology education and even economics.
By adopting the ethics and applying these principles in a community’s daily life they can make the transition from being dependent consumers to becoming responsible producers. This journey builds skills and resilience at home and of a local community that will help them prepare for an uncertain future with less available energy.
The techniques and strategies used to apply these principles vary widely depending on the location, climatic conditions and resources that are available. The methods may differ, but the foundations to this holistic approach remain constant. By learning these principles users can acquire valuable thinking tools that will help them become more resilient in an era of change.
Water & Sanitation
Freshwater (Annual Rainfall & Aquifers)
All spaces of the buildings within the Ecovillage will be used to collect rainwater.
All gutters that are not covered with a green roof will be fitted with a gutter guard to help keep gutters cleared, and clean the roof water initially collected. (See below video)
Secondly, the first rain water collected within the gutters will be cleaned with a first flush system. (See below video)
The first flush diverter prevents pollution from entering into storage tanks. Once the first flush filters ball stop rises, then clean water will be directed to each building’s rainwater tank.
The water tanks will be positioned next to builds and connected to be gravity fed.
If any of the tanks begin to fill during heavy rainfall, excess water will be diverted to either other rainwater tanks, dug wells, to the sites dam, or for the recharging of underground aquifers.
In regions that do not receive adequate annual rainfall, water will need to be sourced from underground aquifers.
Water & Sanitation Plan
Capability for Reliance on Renewable Energy
(Natural Gas, Solar & Wind Energy - Asia)
Due to Asia’s proximity to the equator it is well suited for the use of renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic panels, and wind power depending on the location and average wind speeds. Any excess power generated from photovoltaic panels mounted on roofs and from wind turbines can be stored in high capacity batteries and used when needed; including after sun-set for evening lighting and powering of appliances.
Natural Gas production via biogas/biomass digestion systems will also provide for basic cooking and heating requirements. The bio-methane is produced through a biological process recycling food scraps and animal manure. Including a bi-product of compost and fertilizers.
Depending on the size of development and housing requirements options are provided for standalone units capable of producing up to 3hrs of gas per unit per day, alternatively larger biomass systems can be used.Upon the completion of this pilot project the community members within this development will in turn become self-sufficient and will no longer depend on donations for their survival and prosperity. Upon completion and successful operation, the project will form a template for run-out in other developing countries.