October 2004 — Solar Capital

Publisher's Message

Get Inspired by German Ingenuity In this issue we'll take a stunning look at Freiburg, the solar capital of Germany.

Based on the experiences of creating Freiburg-Vauban, the citizens group for sustainable urban development came up with ten "themes":

1. Promote an integrated planning culture - goals and measures of the urban development project are chosen at an early stage integrating significant sectors from administration, local politics, experts and citizen representatives. On-going monitoring continues through the project. Structures and procedures are transparent. 2. Use new forms of citizen participation - ensure that financing supports this, participation is visible and accessible, independence is important 3. Implement sustainable transport and mobility concepts - plan to reduce and avoid traffic, support ecologically sound transportation, promote car-free options and areas 4. Promote environmentally sound and healthy building measures - use resource-saving building materials, healthy and environmentally friendly building materials and concepts, attractive designs that will stand the test of time, respect natural cycles, including soil, water and air, and protect biodiversity 5. Ecologically sound energy supply and minimal energy consumption - passive solar design, insulation, co-generation and renewable energy, especially solar energy for heating, hot water and power production, modern energy services like least cost planning, contracting and demand side management 6. Strengthen regional economies - focus on the local economy, increase local democratic management of development, local materials, and new jobs, increase participation of women, support small and medium size business that react to change faster, and turn ideas into marketable products more quickly 7. Design socially oriented living spheres - offers good accessibility to social and cultural facilities, includes places for education, shopping, public spaces, recreational areas and public transit, mix of living and work space, privacy and communication, provides identification for residents, provides a diversity of living spaces for different phases of life 8. Mix requirements with supporting measures - ambitious minimum requirements for sustainability measures, voluntary measures are promoted through advisory services and financial incentives 9. Cultivate good contacts and exchange of experiences - spread good practices; networks are good tools for exchange 10. Courage to leave the beaten track - exciting opportunities for initiative are used proactively to follow goals of sustainable development, unconventional solutions can sometimes make a big difference. For more info: www.forum-vauban.deJohn Wilson, Founder of the Natural Life Network E-Mail: john.wilson@naturallifenetwork.com

Natural Living Journal John D. Wilson - Editor Natural Living Journal Published by World Peace Communications Copyright ã 2004 John D. Wilson Our Web Site: www.NaturalLivingNetwork.comE-Mail: john.wilson@naturallifenetwork.comPhone: (519) 942-3266 ADVERTISING SALES: Leigh Geraghty, Advertising Representative, (519) 942-3266, leigh.geraghty@sympatico.caCONTRIBUTE: We are always looking for new, interesting and inspiring stories, pictures, and poetry, about people who are achieving a natural lifestyle. If you would like to contribute an article or story then please send us a note with your idea. Contact John Wilson by email at john.wilson@naturallifenetwork.comAll contents of this issue of Natural Living Journal are copyrighted by John Wilson, World Peace Communications, 2004. All rights reserved. Printed in Canada.

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Solar Capital

The city of Freiburg in Germany has determined that solar is the energy of the future. Solar power is available in unlimited quantities and may be used without producing pollution. Solar power is also available in a wide variety of forms. Many different methods of deploying and using solar energy exist today. With this in mind the city of Freiburg established an energy policy with the following focus:

Energy saving projects
Use of renewable energy sources
Application of innovative energy technologies
Extension of on-site and remote district-heating systems

Around the time when the Union of Concerned Scientists issued their "Warning to Humanity" the city of adopted resolutions that would only allow the construction of "low energy buildings".

All new housing would be required to meet strict low energy standards using passive solar as well as active solar techniques. It has been estimated that passive solar houses require one-fifth the level of thermal energy of conventional buildings.

A strikingly broad level of commitment and support exists throughout the city for the energy policies. Support from government, business and the community is extensive. Innovative ideas allow residents and companies to buy shares in the production of renewable energy while the city pays for the energy produced. Many public facilities and companies offer their roof space for solar panels so that they can take advantage of the income potential offered.

Community Development

One of the most innovative housing projects in Freiburg, a winner of the 2003 Earth Energy Globe award, demonstrates the extensive use of solar power. This project called Plus Energy House included the construction of fifty apartments. The owners of each apartment unit are able to sell their electricity providing them with 500 euros (about $500) each month. The largest design feature is of course the passive solar systems that use large windows facing south to collect the suns heat. Thermal hot water solar collectors are also used to capture heat for hot water requirements.

Not only are many energy features included but a holistic and ecological design approach was used throughout. The materials used came primarily from the local forests. The other important features of this project include extremely efficient construction and high levels of insulation. By minimizing the need to heat and cool, less energy is required. The apartment building is able to use rainwater and implements many water saving techniques. By combining these energy saving innovation the apartments need only one tenth the energy of conventionally homes. Pricing for these beautiful apartments is in the 2,400,--3,400,- euros per cubic meter which is considered moderate.

Zero Emissions Solar Factory

Most people find it hard to believe that solar power is enough for housing, let alone enough for a manufacturing plant. A fast-growing solar systems manufacturer in Freiburg is proving that sustainable can be profitable. This company, Solar-Fabrik AG, is a leading developer, manufacturer and distributor of clean water and solar power products. In just eight short years this company has become the largest manufacturer of high quality solar panels in Germany.

Their idea was to create a modern industrial building that, using extensive solar systems, would not produce any emissions in the manufacturing processes. This is an ambitious goal - one that, you can hear it now, would be called "impossible" here in North America. The result is a first for Europe: solar panels built without emissions.

For this pioneering company the principle is simple. If you believe in solar power then you should use it. Without compromise this building proves to their customers and partners throughout the world that solar power can meet the needs of homes and industrial manufacturers today! The overall result is beautiful, generates its own electricity, provides proof to their customers that their products make zero emissions possible, and it was achieved at about the same cost as conventional industrial buildings. Achieving the impossible meant looking into the future, leaving conventional thinking behind, and executing plans efficiently.

The 400 square meters of glass facing south creates an awesome inspiring entranceway that has visitors staring in amazement. This glass provides a natural connection to the outside environment. Workshops are on the north side of building. The open entranceway and main foyer is completely open for visitors, employees and events. Employees and visitors all remark on the wonderful feeling of the open and sun-filled space.

Heating and lighting are provided naturally by sunlight through the expansive glass wall on the south. Approximately 575 square meters of solar photovoltaic modules produce all the required electricity. Some of these same modules also provide shading for approximately 210 square meters of the south façade, specifically designed and placed to reduce the heating effect in the summer. Additional energy generation is provided by a vegetable oil based power station, whose heat is also used to warm the building. The vegetable oil comes from local farms. Since its introduction, other manufacturers that want to be able to market their zero emission capabilities have copied this factory.

The external walls of the office space are constructed from local lime sandstone. The sandstone is produced with low amounts of energy while being supplied locally, minimizing transportation. The largest part of thermal insulation is provided by natural renewable cellulose material. Rain is collected from the roof and stored in a cistern for feeding the climate management pond and

for use in toilets. The remaining rainwater is used for drip irrigation of the buildings many plants.

In order to further reduce costs and maintain the objective of keeping things simple, substantially reducing materials and generating power locally, everything was left exposed, with minimal linings and coverings. This openness is representative of the ideas and objectives of the company. Visitors, employees and partners can all see clearly how everything works, both inside and outside the structure.

Solar-Fabrik has placed special emphasis on the needs of developing and newly industrialized countries. They believe that strong sustainable and environmentally responsible management will be the key to economic success in the future. Towards that goal they have developed an off-the-grid turnkey system idea for rural developing countries. Another new produce offers the ability to provide up to fifty people with clean drinking water in remote locations with no grid power by combining solar power with a filter based water treatment system.

The company has also developed a simple street lighting system powered by solar panels. These systems have proven lower overall cost than newly installed systems that rely on the public grid. The company has also pushed for the financial support required to make these systems accessible in developing countries. A key concept that they support is a fee-for-service model. This results in lower initial outlay, while providing the local ownership so critical to the acceptance and maintenance of these systems. Finally, the implementation must consider the long term maintenance and support that will be required. Underestimating this factor will diminish the long-term benefits. Local training and support have been found to be critical to success.

Community Development of Vauban

On the former area of a French barrack site, the new community development of Vauban has been built. The site will eventually be home to about 5,000 people and provide more than 500 jobs locally. The community currently has more than 2,000 residents.

The main goal of the community development was to implement a co-operative, participatory method of development that meets ecological, social, economic and cultural requirements of the residents. One of the key driving forces behind the project is the creativity and commitment of the people involved around the common goals of creating a sustainable, flourishing neighborhood.

Some critical concepts implemented successfully in support of these goals are:

entire development is expected by 2006. The City of Freiburg bought the land from federal authorities. As the owner, the city was responsible for planning and development, and adopted a "Learning while Planning" policy that allowed for flexibility in resolving development priorities. Extensive citizen involvement was possible at a very early stage of the planning process.

Project structure integrates legal, political, social and economic players from the grassroots level all the way up to the city level
All the houses are built with at least "low energy standard" (65 kWh/m2 annually), many of the homes with passive energy systems (15 kWh/ m2 annually) and "plus energy" homes that produce more energy they need and may thus supply the grid
Efficient co-generation plant that burns wood chips is connected to the districts heating grid
A total of 1200 square meters of photovoltaic solar panels will be integrated as shading and other roofing structures
Support for households that choose not to have cars through car sharing and good public transit
Develop ecological awareness through building project ownership by thirty different owner groups
On-going community participation in social support system, learning, meetings and workshops to give residents a voice and to support ecological innovation and new and creative social concepts The development project started in 1993 and has been phased into three major development sections. The completion of the

The main objectives of the project was to implement a city district in a co-operative, participatory way that meets ecological, social, economic and cultural requirements:

Balance of working and living areas
Balance of social groups
Division of land into small lots and preferential

allocation to private builders and co-operative building projects
Integration of future building owners
Conservation of the 60-year-old tress and the local ecological area bordering the creek
Priority to pedestrians, cyclists and public transport
Privileges to car-free living
Co-generation plant and short-distance heating system
Minimum standard of "improved low energy"
Preferences for building owners who reach passive house standard (15 kWh/ m2 annually)
Extensive use of ecological building material and solar energy
Infiltration of rainwater into the ground, ecological sanitary systems

District center with shops for daily needs
Primary school with kindergarten
Public green spaces, designed together with the local residents
Neighborhood center for social interaction, cultural events
Diversity of building shapes
Family and children friendliness The results are still coming in as the project does not complete until 2006. Some interim results demonstrate:

Energy savings per year: 28 GJ
Reduction of C02: 2100 t
Reduction of sulfur-dioxide: 4 t
Savings of mineral resources per year: 1600 t

Some key new innovations of Vauban include:

Vacuum pipe sewage system
Four-storey passive houses
Regular visits by groups, planners, architects, scientists and representatives from different countries
Motivated community members support ecological design concepts

Division of land into small lots with a preference to private builders and co-housing groups
The partnership work with prospective residents built the popular support needed for the many obvious innovations For more information see www.vauban.com . Also see www.NaturalLifeNetwork.com/solarcapitol/ .-

SunFest Resources

Breathe Architects / Martin LiefhebberThe firm is the award winning architect for the Wilson House. Breathe Architects is an unique design firm with leading edge expertise in ecological and renewable energy systems. The firm combines a variety of interrelated disciplines to develop affordable and environmentally adept housing. Web: www.breathebyassociation.comEMail: info@breathebyassociation.comPhone: 416-469-0018

Phantom Electron Corporation / Leonard AllenWe are innovators, committed to a leadership role in the development and utilization of solar electric technologies in mainstream applications. Our team is building a unique company that is powered by vision... a vision that sees our products providing an avenue for transparent integration of renewable energy into everyday markets. Web: www.phantomelectron.comEMail: sales@phantomelectron.comPhone: 905-430-6512

Sustainable Living Network / Jillian HoveyJillian is a seasoned international permaculture teacher who is dedicated to inspiration and education about healthy and sustainable living. Jillian founded and acts as Director of the

Sustainable Living Network, whose Sustainable Living Books project offers over 3,000 titles. Web: www.sustainablelivingbooks.com or www.sustainablelivingnetwork.orgEmail: jillian@permaculture.netPhone: 416-410-7581

Kolapore Construction Inc. (formerly C & R Construction) / Colin RichardsKolapore Construction is in the custom home construction business with a distinct view to the integration of natural, ecologically friendly, and renewable energy resources. Email: gregory.richards@sympatico.caPhone: 905-880-2732

Cameron's COFFEE / Ian Cameron Cameron's coffee imports Canada's only supply of truly sustainable coffee. Web: www.cameronscoffee.caEMail: ian@cameronscoffee.caPhone: 416-738-8896

Hallmark Toyota / Chris Lee Toyota Prius is the winner of the Motor Trend Car of the Year for 2004. Web: hallmark.toyota.caEMail: sales@hallmark.toyota.caPhone: 519-941-9291 -

Reading

Home Power

For anyone who wants to get into the details of living with renewable energy this is the magazine for you. Each month this hands-on journal has off-the-grid and on-the-grid home owners tell their story in an easy to understand format. If you are interested in the technical details and comparing systems then this is the ultimate source of information. You can download a free copy off their web site each month in PDF format.

Web Site: www.homepower.com

Natural Life

This simple magazine covers a wide range of sustainable living topics. For ideas that we can all start using today this is the place to start. Each issue reaches far and wide for interesting stories with lots of ideas for living a more natural life style.

Web Site: http://www.naturallifemagazine.com/

Private Power

As the cost of electricity goes up, this new magazine has been of great interest to the people in rural areas of Ontario. Capitalizing on the recent high profile initiatives announced by the government, this magazine shows many different ways that Canadians can start to generate their own clean green renewable energy today.

If you can get your hands on back issues, look for the wonderful article by Peter Forint on our SunFest 2003. In it Peter describes the event in some detail for those who want to know what it's all about.

This magazine has provided plenty of food for thought for those living in rural areas. The need for energy on farms can be quite high. With recent increases in the cost of this resource, farmers have been seeking a publication like this that explains in simple terms how they can start to reduce their demand and even generate their own "Private Power" today. Beyond the magazine, the people behind Private Power have offered conferences on topics such as Wind and Solar Power. Their recent trade show and conference attracted more than 3000 people. The complete set of videos from the conference teaching sessions is available from Private Power. In addition, the Canadian RE Handbook, by Bill Kemp is being offered with special pricing on combination orders.

Web Site: www.privatepower.ca-

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The simple point is that we all can "do" much more - and that means all of us or it won't work. For example:

§ Choose or create a home/community that is powered by the sun; § Grow and eat organic food; § If you must travel select the most efficient means, walk, bicycle, tele-commute, travel by train, bus, ultra-efficient car, or fly; § If and when possible, work in nature - grow your own organic food, restore nature around you, put your investments to work for natural living. What will amaze you that everything we need to live this way exists. The cost over the longer term is less. The results are a happier more healthy self and family. Start learning how today. Member benefits: · Monthly Natural Living Journal full electronic edition.

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Ecovillages and the future of communities. For weekly updates, special offers, and additional products and services visit our web site: www.NaturalLifeNetwork.comHave a question? Ask us and we'll try and include a response in our next issue of the Natural Living Journal. Have an interesting story to tell that relates to natural living? Contact us any time with your questions, concerns or ideas at: john.wilson@naturallifenetwork.com-