ECOHOUSE PROJECT VISION:

Project intiated by Earthcare St Kilda

earthcarestkilda@gmail.com

PO Box 287, Elwood, Victoria, 3184

To create a beautiful, nourishing and healthy environment that appeals to the human senses.

To promote environmentally sound living through:

· provision of bicycle parking
· use of 'green' cleaning products
· use of recycled paper
· kitchen & office waste recycling facilities
· recycling of construction & garden waste

To promote renewable, abundant and non-polluting energy technologies through the installation of:
· solar panels
· a solar hot water system

To provide practical examples of ways that householders and businesses can improve the energy efficiency of their buildings through the use of:
· insulation
· ventilation
· north facing windows to increase solar gain in winter
· shaded western aspect to reduce summer solar gain -

· natural light via window placement as well as the installation of solatubes and skylights
· passive sources of heating and cooling
· energy efficient appliances

To promote water conservation and recycling with:
· rainfall collection and storage
· water conserving appliances
· water recycling systems

To promote the use of non-toxic, abundant, renewable and recycled materials by using:
·"forest friendly timber" - recycled or plantation timber
· materials that are non-polluting in their production and use

To create a low water use garden that will:
· produce abundant organic food.
· demonstrate 'balcony' gardening for flat dwellers.
· create a diverse ecosystem with indigenous plants and animals.
· accommodate social events, children's play and meditation.

To inspire positive change through:
· wide-ranging workshops on environmentally sustainable living.
· audiovisual and guided tours of the project.
· documenting the environmental, financial, social and economic impacts of the project.