Saturday, 05 April 2008
Eco Towns - Are we moving quickly enough?
Add or View Comments- Sat, 05 Apr 2008
- View More On: Green News
Well, well, well. Eco-towns!
The first barrier to jump is of course "eco". Firstly, what is "eco"? Secondly, how can this standard be achieved? Then you've got to ask the question - would the homes be built anyway - eco or not? Then you have to consider why the homes are being built. Finally, you come to the question why are they branded as "eco".
What is Eco?
No answers here I'm afraid. Perhaps "eco" is in the eye of the beholder. Whatever it is, there is an implication of sustainability, environmental benefit and quality. To say the least, it is - or it should be - a high bar to reach.
How can this standard be achieved?
With the early reports, all I can conclude is that details are vague. With the "eco" bar set, I would be expecting sustainable communities that make zero net negative impact - on the environment, community or economy. I would expect the developers to pull out all the stops and use the full range of technology available - they can start here.
So would the homes be built anyway?
"Brown pledges 3m new homes". Need I say any more? Perhaps the real question is if only 15 x (approx) 10,000 = max 150,000 of the 3m will be "eco", what about the other 2,850,000?
And why are the homes being built?
The eco-town nearest me would be near Weston-on-the-Green near Bicester. Clearly, some are convinced it's all due to immigration - see comments here. Immigrants can hardly be blamed for everything. A more likely culprit is society and modern lifestyles. As I try to write some useful comment, it is clear that whatever the cause - social change, immigration, affluence, poverty... - it's a can-o-worms and there are never easy answers.
Finally, why "eco"?
The cynical answer... The government sees public support for green measures. So "eco" makes a tough 'pill' easier to swallow.
The more constructive answer... As a society we are beginning to recognise the need to live more sustainably. While people have been saying this more and more loudly for the last 50 years (or more!), finally it is part of the agenda (eg). So now - belatedly perhaps - but finally, at least - we are taking the first steps and at least setting off in the right direction.
The next question is - are we moving quickly enough to make a difference?
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