What’s the difference between an Earthship and a Spaceship? While the latter soars through the Universe, the other is firmly rooted in the Earth. In fact, it gets its name from the large quantity of soil used in its construction. Want to find out more about this remarkable building technique?Come out on Wednesday October 24 to the Comox Valley Transition Town meeting at Joe’s Garage, 115 5th Street in Courtenay, starting at 7 pm.
Register Now at http://ttcv13.eventbrite.com
Ed Wishart is a seasoned veteran of Earthship building, having been involved in two builds in BC with the originator of Earthships, Mike Reynolds. Says Wishart: “There is no doubt in my mind that the energy efficiency and self-sustaining features of Earthships can provide us with elegant solutions to current demands for ‘green building’ alternatives.”
Wishart’s most recent build is an Earthship on nearby Denman Island. It is located at the Denman Island Guesthouse on Denman Road, not far from the ferry, and offers a unique local example of the technique. Wishart explains: “It’s a good place to start. As a greenhouse of 100 square feet in size, it features many of the main design elements of larger Earthships.”
These include recycled tires filled with rammed earth, walls constructed with old pop cans and bottles, cob, rainwater harvesting, and passive solar gain. Adds Wishart: “Perhaps the biggest advantages of this design are its small ecological footprint, and negligible heating costs. All of these elements can be scaled up to virtually any size of building.”
Wishart will be talking about Earthships and other low impact, sustainable alternatives such as straw bale and stackwall (also known as ‘cordwood’). Ted Burch, a local engineer, will also speak about his decades-long experiences with ecological approaches to sustainable building. Burch has been in negotiations with the Building Department of the Comox Valley Regional District to bring these designs into the mainstream. Burch believes that “the key to getting truly sustainable building off the ground is to gain regulatory approval”. You can find out more about these innovative building alternatives at www.althousing.org
Following the presentation, the Transition Town Steering Committee will be asking for feedback on meeting formats and content, and introducing the concept of Resilience Circles. There will also be time for people to report back on their ongoing Transition-related work.
We are asking for a $3 donation at the door to cover the cost of the venue. Non-alcoholic refreshments will be available for purchase, and all ages are welcome. Register for the event at http://ttcv13.eventbrite.com
We look forward to seeing you there.
- from the Transition Town Team
http://www.transitiontowncv.org
For more information contact Nancy at 250-898-9045 or email info@transitiontowncv.org
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