Thesis Draft April 12, 2006 Commonplace Ecovillage and the Ecological Footprint by Jessica Aird...
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Transcript of Thesis Draft April 12, 2006 Commonplace Ecovillage and the Ecological Footprint by Jessica Aird...
Thesis QuestionThesis Question
What is the ecological footprint of an individual living in the Commonplace Ecovillage Niagara? What technological aspects (infrastructure) and lifestyle choices can be adopted to reduce the footprint?
What is the ecological footprint of an individual living in the Commonplace Ecovillage Niagara? What technological aspects (infrastructure) and lifestyle choices can be adopted to reduce the footprint?
EcovillagesEcovillages
According to the Global Ecovillage Network: “Ecovillages are urban or rural communities of
people, who strive to integrate a supportive social environment with a low-impact way of life. To achieve this, they integrate various aspects of ecological design, permaculture, ecological building, green production, alternative energy, community building practices, and much more” (GEN, 2005).
According to the Global Ecovillage Network: “Ecovillages are urban or rural communities of
people, who strive to integrate a supportive social environment with a low-impact way of life. To achieve this, they integrate various aspects of ecological design, permaculture, ecological building, green production, alternative energy, community building practices, and much more” (GEN, 2005).
Ecological FootprintEcological Footprint
Sustainability indicator that measures biologically productive land area required to sustain a given population indefinitely (Global Hectares).
This method will be critically assessed in thesis discussion
Sustainability indicator that measures biologically productive land area required to sustain a given population indefinitely (Global Hectares).
This method will be critically assessed in thesis discussion
Accounts for all wastes produced from consumption (incl. CO2).
Calibrated to include indirect commercial and public expenditures
Average Canadian EF is 8.8 Ha (Redefining Progress, 2006)
Due to trade most EF’s are not located in one area, and are usually not local
Accounts for all wastes produced from consumption (incl. CO2).
Calibrated to include indirect commercial and public expenditures
Average Canadian EF is 8.8 Ha (Redefining Progress, 2006)
Due to trade most EF’s are not located in one area, and are usually not local
Calculating EF’sCalculating EF’s
Calculated using a spreadsheet:Calculated using a spreadsheet:Fossil Fuel
Cropland Pasture Forest Built up land
Fisheries
Food
Housing
Transportation
Goods
Services
Waste
ProfilesProfiles
3 lifestyle profiles used for modelingAverage Impact (Stats Canada)Modest ImpactLow ImpactModest and Low Impact profiles are
derived from national averages or RD averages
3 lifestyle profiles used for modelingAverage Impact (Stats Canada)Modest ImpactLow ImpactModest and Low Impact profiles are
derived from national averages or RD averages
Average Impact IndividualAverage Impact Individual This person consumes average amounts of consumer goods and eats an
average amount of food (as per Statistics Canada data). This profile is intended to represent the average Canadian lifestyle, and impact this lifestyle has on an individuals ecological footprint.
Food: This person consumes food as per Stats Canada food consumption data. This includes regular meat consumption and foods that are imported, and foods that are processed and packaged.
Transportation: This person travels regularly by car for leisure, to work, and to shopping. Public transit, cycling and walking is rarely a method of transportation. All the distance traveled (as per the distance traveled survey by NRC) is done by car.
Goods: This person uses all goods needed as well as some luxury items. He/she is not concerned with the manufacturing of the goods.
Waste: This person recycles regularly, but puts a lot of recyclables in the garbage.
This person consumes average amounts of consumer goods and eats an average amount of food (as per Statistics Canada data). This profile is intended to represent the average Canadian lifestyle, and impact this lifestyle has on an individuals ecological footprint.
Food: This person consumes food as per Stats Canada food consumption data. This includes regular meat consumption and foods that are imported, and foods that are processed and packaged.
Transportation: This person travels regularly by car for leisure, to work, and to shopping. Public transit, cycling and walking is rarely a method of transportation. All the distance traveled (as per the distance traveled survey by NRC) is done by car.
Goods: This person uses all goods needed as well as some luxury items. He/she is not concerned with the manufacturing of the goods.
Waste: This person recycles regularly, but puts a lot of recyclables in the garbage.
Modest Impact IndividualModest Impact Individual This is a realistic lifestyle for an environmentally minded individual living in
Niagara. This profile is made to represent someone who would live in the Commonplace Ecovillage, and make environmentally minded choices.
Food: Mostly vegetarian, but with modest meat consumption (once or twice a week). Eats mostly local organic and free range foods, and rarely exceeds calorie requirements. This person eats some non-local foods, such as kiwi fruit, pineapple, and oranges, but all food that can be purchased locally will be.
Transportation: Cycles and walks when weather permits, uses public transit when weather is bad. Takes vacations once a year by airplane, and drives to several vacation destinations. This profile includes a hybrid vehicle.
Goods: Tries to purchase only what is needed, and buys environmentally sustainable products whenever possible. Tries to buy locally made goods.
Waste: This person recycles at the Niagara goal of 65%.
This is a realistic lifestyle for an environmentally minded individual living in Niagara. This profile is made to represent someone who would live in the Commonplace Ecovillage, and make environmentally minded choices.
Food: Mostly vegetarian, but with modest meat consumption (once or twice a week). Eats mostly local organic and free range foods, and rarely exceeds calorie requirements. This person eats some non-local foods, such as kiwi fruit, pineapple, and oranges, but all food that can be purchased locally will be.
Transportation: Cycles and walks when weather permits, uses public transit when weather is bad. Takes vacations once a year by airplane, and drives to several vacation destinations. This profile includes a hybrid vehicle.
Goods: Tries to purchase only what is needed, and buys environmentally sustainable products whenever possible. Tries to buy locally made goods.
Waste: This person recycles at the Niagara goal of 65%.
Low Impact IndividualLow Impact Individual This is an uncommon, but achievable lifestyle for a person living and working
in the Niagara region. For the purposes of the ecological footprint analysis this profile will demonstrate the affect that extreme lifestyle changes will have on a person’s overall footprint.
Food: Vegetarian who eats local organic foods, but maintains proper health. Transportation: Walks or rides bike to shopping and groceries, travels very
little, and usually by public transportation. Allowances are made for a couple vacations within Ontario, and one trip via airplane per year, but no vehicle is owned
Goods: Buys locally made products as much as possible. He/she buys only what is needed and has few luxury items. This person tries to buy clothing and other items from second hand sources.
Waste: This person goes above and beyond the Regional waste diversion goal and recycles 95% of the waste in this section of the spreadsheet.
This is an uncommon, but achievable lifestyle for a person living and working in the Niagara region. For the purposes of the ecological footprint analysis this profile will demonstrate the affect that extreme lifestyle changes will have on a person’s overall footprint.
Food: Vegetarian who eats local organic foods, but maintains proper health. Transportation: Walks or rides bike to shopping and groceries, travels very
little, and usually by public transportation. Allowances are made for a couple vacations within Ontario, and one trip via airplane per year, but no vehicle is owned
Goods: Buys locally made products as much as possible. He/she buys only what is needed and has few luxury items. This person tries to buy clothing and other items from second hand sources.
Waste: This person goes above and beyond the Regional waste diversion goal and recycles 95% of the waste in this section of the spreadsheet.
Green TechnologiesGreen Technologies
Includes in the housing portion of the spreadsheet for the ecovillage models
Wind or Solar powerGreen building techniques (straw
bale)On site greywater treatmentComposting Toilets
Includes in the housing portion of the spreadsheet for the ecovillage models
Wind or Solar powerGreen building techniques (straw
bale)On site greywater treatmentComposting Toilets
FoodFood
Cropland, fisheries, pastureFossil fuels Vegetarian choices and local foods can
reduce the footprint in this category.14 - 25% of total EF
Cropland, fisheries, pastureFossil fuels Vegetarian choices and local foods can
reduce the footprint in this category.14 - 25% of total EF
HousingHousing
Fossil energy to build and run household
Forest products for buildingLifespan of 40 yrs is assumedEnergy lost in conversion of fossil
energy to electricity (70%)19-41% of total footprint
Fossil energy to build and run household
Forest products for buildingLifespan of 40 yrs is assumedEnergy lost in conversion of fossil
energy to electricity (70%)19-41% of total footprint
TransportationTransportation
Fossil fuels used to build vehicles (15% additional energy) and roads/airports/bridges (35% additional energy) considered
Built up land for infrastructure considered
9-21% of total footprint
Fossil fuels used to build vehicles (15% additional energy) and roads/airports/bridges (35% additional energy) considered
Built up land for infrastructure considered
9-21% of total footprint
GoodsGoods
Includes waste and byproducts associated with the manufacture and use of goods
Built up land required for manufacture and disposal included
11-18% of total footprint
Includes waste and byproducts associated with the manufacture and use of goods
Built up land required for manufacture and disposal included
11-18% of total footprint
ServicesServices
Affects fossil fuel and built up landInsurance - Energy to rebuild
homes, medical insurance not considered
Water/Sewer/Garbage - Only garbage considered
11-13% of total footprint
Affects fossil fuel and built up landInsurance - Energy to rebuild
homes, medical insurance not considered
Water/Sewer/Garbage - Only garbage considered
11-13% of total footprint
WasteWaste
Fossil energy and built up land are affected
Energy required to transport and recycle or incinerate garbage
Energy saved by recyclingBuilt up land used for disposal
(landfills)7-15% of total footprint
Fossil energy and built up land are affected
Energy required to transport and recycle or incinerate garbage
Energy saved by recyclingBuilt up land used for disposal
(landfills)7-15% of total footprint
MethodologyMethodology
Household Ecological Footprint Calculator V. 3.2, 2003 is being used (Redefining Progress)
Modeling will be done to analyze impact areas
Based on modeling analysis recommendations will be made on ecovillages and sustainability
Household Ecological Footprint Calculator V. 3.2, 2003 is being used (Redefining Progress)
Modeling will be done to analyze impact areas
Based on modeling analysis recommendations will be made on ecovillages and sustainability
ResultsResults
Ecological Footprints of the various profiles Ecological Footprints of the various profiles
Very low Impact
Moderate Impact
Average Impact
Ecovillage 5.4 7.5 10.8
Regular Housing 5.8 7.8 11.1
Results - Top Three Impact Areas
Results - Top Three Impact Areas
Very Low Impact Modest Impact Average Impact Impact Area Urban Ecovillage Urban Ecovillage Urban Ecovillage Food 7,944 7,943 15,932 15,932 27,513 28,333 Transport 23,746 21,020 23,746 21,020 23,746 21,020 Housing 5,006 5,006 10,528 10,528 22,392 22,392
Very Low Impact Modest Impact Average Impact Impact Area Urban Ecovillage Urban Ecovillage Urban Ecovillage Food 7,944 7,943 15,932 15,932 27,513 28,333 Transport 23,746 21,020 23,746 21,020 23,746 21,020 Housing 5,006 5,006 10,528 10,528 22,392 22,392
Average Impact in Ecovillage
Average Impact in Ecovillage
The Ecological Footprint per household member (calibrated to include indirect commercial and public expenditures)
FOSSIL CROPLAND PASTURE FOREST BUILT-UP FISHERIES TOTAL
ENERGY LAND
CATEGORIES [gm2] [gm2] [gm2] [gm2] [gm2] [gm2] [gm2]
FOOD 6,924 14,212 2,981 0 0 4,216 28,333
HOUSING 10,080 0 0 10,231 709 0 21,020
TRANSPORTATION 20,109 0 0 0 2,284 0 22,392GOODS 7,970 2,387 329 871 169 0 11,726SERVICES 4,728 0 0 2,528 153 0 7,408WASTE 11,903 0 0 5,504 178 0 17,585
TOTAL 61,713 16,599 3,310 19,133 3,492 4,216 108,464
Ecological Footprint distribution
FOSSIL CROPLAND PASTURE FOREST BUILT-UP FISHERIES TOTALCATEGORIES ENERGY LANDFOOD 6% 13% 3% 0% 0% 4% 26%HOUSING 9% 0% 0% 9% 0% 0% 19%TRANSPORTATION 19% 0% 0% 0% 2% 0% 21%GOODS 7% 2% 0% 1% 0% 0% 11%SERVICES 4% 0% 0% 2% 0% 0% 7%WASTE 11% 0% 0% 5% 0% 0% 16%
TOTAL 57% 16% 3% 18% 3% 4% 100%
The Ecological Footprint per household member (calibrated to include indirect commercial and public expenditures)
FOSSIL CROPLAND PASTURE FOREST BUILT-UP FISHERIES TOTAL
ENERGY LAND
CATEGORIES [gm2] [gm2] [gm2] [gm2] [gm2] [gm2] [gm2]
FOOD 6,924 14,212 2,981 0 0 4,216 28,333
HOUSING 10,080 0 0 10,231 709 0 21,020
TRANSPORTATION 20,109 0 0 0 2,284 0 22,392GOODS 7,970 2,387 329 871 169 0 11,726SERVICES 4,728 0 0 2,528 153 0 7,408WASTE 11,903 0 0 5,504 178 0 17,585
TOTAL 61,713 16,599 3,310 19,133 3,492 4,216 108,464
Ecological Footprint distribution
FOSSIL CROPLAND PASTURE FOREST BUILT-UP FISHERIES TOTALCATEGORIES ENERGY LANDFOOD 6% 13% 3% 0% 0% 4% 26%HOUSING 9% 0% 0% 9% 0% 0% 19%TRANSPORTATION 19% 0% 0% 0% 2% 0% 21%GOODS 7% 2% 0% 1% 0% 0% 11%SERVICES 4% 0% 0% 2% 0% 0% 7%WASTE 11% 0% 0% 5% 0% 0% 16%
TOTAL 57% 16% 3% 18% 3% 4% 100%
Moderate Impact in Ecovillage
Moderate Impact in Ecovillage
The Ecological Footprint per household member (calibrated to include indirect commercial and public expenditures)
FOSSIL CROPLAND PASTURE FOREST BUILT-UP FISHERIES TOTAL
ENERGY LAND
CATEGORIES [gm2] [gm2] [gm2] [gm2] [gm2] [gm2] [gm2]
FOOD 2,157 8,078 745 0 0 4,953 15,932
HOUSING 10,080 0 0 10,231 709 0 21,020
TRANSPORTATION 8,245 0 0 0 2,284 0 10,528GOODS 7,140 1,941 329 871 151 0 10,432SERVICES 4,219 0 0 2,345 136 0 6,700WASTE 7,225 0 0 2,687 108 0 10,020
TOTAL 39,066 10,018 1,074 16,134 3,388 4,953 74,632
Ecological Footprint distribution
FOSSIL CROPLAND PASTURE FOREST BUILT-UP FISHERIES TOTALCATEGORIES ENERGY LANDFOOD 3% 11% 1% 0% 0% 7% 21%HOUSING 14% 0% 0% 14% 1% 0% 28%TRANSPORTATION 11% 0% 0% 0% 3% 0% 14%GOODS 10% 3% 0% 1% 0% 0% 14%SERVICES 6% 0% 0% 3% 0% 0% 9%WASTE 10% 0% 0% 4% 0% 0% 13%
TOTAL 52% 13% 1% 22% 5% 7% 100%
The Ecological Footprint per household member (calibrated to include indirect commercial and public expenditures)
FOSSIL CROPLAND PASTURE FOREST BUILT-UP FISHERIES TOTAL
ENERGY LAND
CATEGORIES [gm2] [gm2] [gm2] [gm2] [gm2] [gm2] [gm2]
FOOD 2,157 8,078 745 0 0 4,953 15,932
HOUSING 10,080 0 0 10,231 709 0 21,020
TRANSPORTATION 8,245 0 0 0 2,284 0 10,528GOODS 7,140 1,941 329 871 151 0 10,432SERVICES 4,219 0 0 2,345 136 0 6,700WASTE 7,225 0 0 2,687 108 0 10,020
TOTAL 39,066 10,018 1,074 16,134 3,388 4,953 74,632
Ecological Footprint distribution
FOSSIL CROPLAND PASTURE FOREST BUILT-UP FISHERIES TOTALCATEGORIES ENERGY LANDFOOD 3% 11% 1% 0% 0% 7% 21%HOUSING 14% 0% 0% 14% 1% 0% 28%TRANSPORTATION 11% 0% 0% 0% 3% 0% 14%GOODS 10% 3% 0% 1% 0% 0% 14%SERVICES 6% 0% 0% 3% 0% 0% 9%WASTE 10% 0% 0% 4% 0% 0% 13%
TOTAL 52% 13% 1% 22% 5% 7% 100%
Low Impact in EcovillageLow Impact in Ecovillage
The Ecological Footprint per household member (calibrated to include indirect commercial and public expenditures)
FOSSIL CROPLAND PASTURE FOREST BUILT-UP FISHERIES TOTAL
ENERGY LAND
CATEGORIES [gm2] [gm2] [gm2] [gm2] [gm2] [gm2] [gm2]
FOOD 315 7,090 538 0 0 0 7,943
HOUSING 10,080 0 0 10,231 709 0 21,020
TRANSPORTATION 4,996 0 0 0 11 0 5,006GOODS 6,951 1,638 323 912 104 0 9,928SERVICES 3,710 0 0 2,162 120 0 5,992WASTE 3,447 0 0 597 51 0 4,096
TOTAL 29,499 8,728 861 13,902 995 0 53,985
Ecological Footprint distribution
FOSSIL CROPLAND PASTURE FOREST BUILT-UP FISHERIES TOTALCATEGORIES ENERGY LANDFOOD 1% 13% 1% 0% 0% 0% 15%HOUSING 19% 0% 0% 19% 1% 0% 39%TRANSPORTATION 9% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 9%GOODS 13% 3% 1% 2% 0% 0% 18%SERVICES 7% 0% 0% 4% 0% 0% 11%WASTE 6% 0% 0% 1% 0% 0% 8%
TOTAL 55% 16% 2% 26% 2% 0% 100%
The Ecological Footprint per household member (calibrated to include indirect commercial and public expenditures)
FOSSIL CROPLAND PASTURE FOREST BUILT-UP FISHERIES TOTAL
ENERGY LAND
CATEGORIES [gm2] [gm2] [gm2] [gm2] [gm2] [gm2] [gm2]
FOOD 315 7,090 538 0 0 0 7,943
HOUSING 10,080 0 0 10,231 709 0 21,020
TRANSPORTATION 4,996 0 0 0 11 0 5,006GOODS 6,951 1,638 323 912 104 0 9,928SERVICES 3,710 0 0 2,162 120 0 5,992WASTE 3,447 0 0 597 51 0 4,096
TOTAL 29,499 8,728 861 13,902 995 0 53,985
Ecological Footprint distribution
FOSSIL CROPLAND PASTURE FOREST BUILT-UP FISHERIES TOTALCATEGORIES ENERGY LANDFOOD 1% 13% 1% 0% 0% 0% 15%HOUSING 19% 0% 0% 19% 1% 0% 39%TRANSPORTATION 9% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 9%GOODS 13% 3% 1% 2% 0% 0% 18%SERVICES 7% 0% 0% 4% 0% 0% 11%WASTE 6% 0% 0% 1% 0% 0% 8%
TOTAL 55% 16% 2% 26% 2% 0% 100%
Average Impact UrbanAverage Impact Urban
The Ecological Footprint per household member (calibrated to include indirect commercial and public expenditures)
FOSSIL CROPLAND PASTURE FOREST BUILT-UP FISHERIES TOTAL
ENERGY LAND
CATEGORIES [gm2] [gm2] [gm2] [gm2] [gm2] [gm2] [gm2]
FOOD 6,924 13,392 2,981 0 0 4,216 27,513
HOUSING 17,126 0 0 4,295 2,325 0 23,746
TRANSPORTATION 20,109 0 0 0 2,284 0 22,392GOODS 7,970 2,387 329 871 169 0 11,726SERVICES 5,498 0 0 2,528 178 0 8,204WASTE 11,903 0 0 5,504 178 0 17,585
TOTAL 69,530 15,779 3,310 13,198 5,134 4,216 111,166
Ecological Footprint distribution
FOSSIL CROPLAND PASTURE FOREST BUILT-UP FISHERIES TOTALCATEGORIES ENERGY LANDFOOD 6% 12% 3% 0% 0% 4% 25%HOUSING 15% 0% 0% 4% 2% 0% 21%TRANSPORTATION 18% 0% 0% 0% 2% 0% 20%GOODS 7% 2% 0% 1% 0% 0% 11%SERVICES 5% 0% 0% 2% 0% 0% 7%WASTE 11% 0% 0% 5% 0% 0% 16%
TOTAL 63% 14% 3% 12% 5% 4% 100%
The Ecological Footprint per household member (calibrated to include indirect commercial and public expenditures)
FOSSIL CROPLAND PASTURE FOREST BUILT-UP FISHERIES TOTAL
ENERGY LAND
CATEGORIES [gm2] [gm2] [gm2] [gm2] [gm2] [gm2] [gm2]
FOOD 6,924 13,392 2,981 0 0 4,216 27,513
HOUSING 17,126 0 0 4,295 2,325 0 23,746
TRANSPORTATION 20,109 0 0 0 2,284 0 22,392GOODS 7,970 2,387 329 871 169 0 11,726SERVICES 5,498 0 0 2,528 178 0 8,204WASTE 11,903 0 0 5,504 178 0 17,585
TOTAL 69,530 15,779 3,310 13,198 5,134 4,216 111,166
Ecological Footprint distribution
FOSSIL CROPLAND PASTURE FOREST BUILT-UP FISHERIES TOTALCATEGORIES ENERGY LANDFOOD 6% 12% 3% 0% 0% 4% 25%HOUSING 15% 0% 0% 4% 2% 0% 21%TRANSPORTATION 18% 0% 0% 0% 2% 0% 20%GOODS 7% 2% 0% 1% 0% 0% 11%SERVICES 5% 0% 0% 2% 0% 0% 7%WASTE 11% 0% 0% 5% 0% 0% 16%
TOTAL 63% 14% 3% 12% 5% 4% 100%
Modest Impact UrbanModest Impact Urban
The Ecological Footprint per household member (calibrated to include indirect commercial and public expenditures)
FOSSIL CROPLAND PASTURE FOREST BUILT-UP FISHERIES TOTAL
ENERGY LAND
CATEGORIES [gm2] [gm2] [gm2] [gm2] [gm2] [gm2] [gm2]
FOOD 2,157 8,078 745 0 0 4,953 15,932
HOUSING 17,126 0 0 4,295 2,325 0 23,746
TRANSPORTATION 8,245 0 0 0 2,284 0 10,528GOODS 7,140 1,941 329 871 151 0 10,432SERVICES 5,118 0 0 2,345 136 0 7,599WASTE 7,225 0 0 2,687 108 0 10,020
TOTAL 47,302 11,142 1,460 10,198 5,004 4,953 78,257
Ecological Footprint distribution
FOSSIL CROPLAND PASTURE FOREST BUILT-UP FISHERIES TOTALCATEGORIES ENERGY LANDFOOD 3% 11% 1% 0% 0% 6% 22%HOUSING 21% 0% 0% 5% 3% 0% 30%TRANSPORTATION 10% 0% 0% 0% 3% 0% 13%GOODS 9% 2% 0% 1% 0% 0% 13%SERVICES 6% 0% 0% 3% 0% 0% 9%WASTE 9% 0% 0% 3% 0% 0% 13%
TOTAL 59% 14% 2% 13% 6% 6% 100%
The Ecological Footprint per household member (calibrated to include indirect commercial and public expenditures)
FOSSIL CROPLAND PASTURE FOREST BUILT-UP FISHERIES TOTAL
ENERGY LAND
CATEGORIES [gm2] [gm2] [gm2] [gm2] [gm2] [gm2] [gm2]
FOOD 2,157 8,078 745 0 0 4,953 15,932
HOUSING 17,126 0 0 4,295 2,325 0 23,746
TRANSPORTATION 8,245 0 0 0 2,284 0 10,528GOODS 7,140 1,941 329 871 151 0 10,432SERVICES 5,118 0 0 2,345 136 0 7,599WASTE 7,225 0 0 2,687 108 0 10,020
TOTAL 47,302 11,142 1,460 10,198 5,004 4,953 78,257
Ecological Footprint distribution
FOSSIL CROPLAND PASTURE FOREST BUILT-UP FISHERIES TOTALCATEGORIES ENERGY LANDFOOD 3% 11% 1% 0% 0% 6% 22%HOUSING 21% 0% 0% 5% 3% 0% 30%TRANSPORTATION 10% 0% 0% 0% 3% 0% 13%GOODS 9% 2% 0% 1% 0% 0% 13%SERVICES 6% 0% 0% 3% 0% 0% 9%WASTE 9% 0% 0% 3% 0% 0% 13%
TOTAL 59% 14% 2% 13% 6% 6% 100%
Low Impact UrbanLow Impact Urban
The Ecological Footprint per household member (calibrated to include indirect commercial and public expenditures)
FOSSIL CROPLAND PASTURE FOREST BUILT-UP FISHERIES TOTAL
ENERGY LAND
CATEGORIES [gm2] [gm2] [gm2] [gm2] [gm2] [gm2] [gm2]
FOOD 315 7,091 538 0 0 0 7,944
HOUSING 17,126 0 0 4,295 2,325 0 23,746
TRANSPORTATION 4,996 0 0 0 11 0 5,006GOODS 6,951 1,638 323 912 104 0 9,929SERVICES 4,738 0 0 2,528 153 0 7,419WASTE 3,447 0 0 597 51 0 4,096
TOTAL 37,572 8,729 861 8,333 2,645 0 58,139
Ecological Footprint distribution
FOSSIL CROPLAND PASTURE FOREST BUILT-UP FISHERIES TOTALCATEGORIES ENERGY LANDFOOD 1% 12% 1% 0% 0% 0% 14%HOUSING 29% 0% 0% 7% 4% 0% 41%TRANSPORTATION 9% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 9%GOODS 12% 3% 1% 2% 0% 0% 17%SERVICES 8% 0% 0% 4% 0% 0% 13%WASTE 6% 0% 0% 1% 0% 0% 7%
TOTAL 65% 15% 1% 14% 5% 0% 100%
The Ecological Footprint per household member (calibrated to include indirect commercial and public expenditures)
FOSSIL CROPLAND PASTURE FOREST BUILT-UP FISHERIES TOTAL
ENERGY LAND
CATEGORIES [gm2] [gm2] [gm2] [gm2] [gm2] [gm2] [gm2]
FOOD 315 7,091 538 0 0 0 7,944
HOUSING 17,126 0 0 4,295 2,325 0 23,746
TRANSPORTATION 4,996 0 0 0 11 0 5,006GOODS 6,951 1,638 323 912 104 0 9,929SERVICES 4,738 0 0 2,528 153 0 7,419WASTE 3,447 0 0 597 51 0 4,096
TOTAL 37,572 8,729 861 8,333 2,645 0 58,139
Ecological Footprint distribution
FOSSIL CROPLAND PASTURE FOREST BUILT-UP FISHERIES TOTALCATEGORIES ENERGY LANDFOOD 1% 12% 1% 0% 0% 0% 14%HOUSING 29% 0% 0% 7% 4% 0% 41%TRANSPORTATION 9% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 9%GOODS 12% 3% 1% 2% 0% 0% 17%SERVICES 8% 0% 0% 4% 0% 0% 13%WASTE 6% 0% 0% 1% 0% 0% 7%
TOTAL 65% 15% 1% 14% 5% 0% 100%
DiscussionDiscussion
Ecovillage was marginally betterLifestyle changes made large
difference in EFHousing, Transportation, and Food
were the big footprintsFootprint concept can be applied
to people who are not living in an ecovillage
Ecovillage was marginally betterLifestyle changes made large
difference in EFHousing, Transportation, and Food
were the big footprintsFootprint concept can be applied
to people who are not living in an ecovillage
Discussion - FoodDiscussion - Food
Eat more meat alternatives Canada Food Guide“field to fork” policy (OFA, 2006)Niche farming - Organic, Specialty
herbs, Free range products Organic Food
Eat more meat alternatives Canada Food Guide“field to fork” policy (OFA, 2006)Niche farming - Organic, Specialty
herbs, Free range products Organic Food
Discussion - HousingDiscussion - Housing
R-2000 certification - expand to all new homes
CHMC, NRC, Enbridge home retrofitting loans
Technologies used in an ecovillage are similar to R-2000
R-2000 certification - expand to all new homes
CHMC, NRC, Enbridge home retrofitting loans
Technologies used in an ecovillage are similar to R-2000
Discussion - Transportation
Discussion - Transportation
Increased public transportation use reduces footprint
GTA farecard makes public transit more convenient (MTO, 2005)
Poor fuel consumption increases footprint - SUV’s and Trucks are bad
Increased public transportation use reduces footprint
GTA farecard makes public transit more convenient (MTO, 2005)
Poor fuel consumption increases footprint - SUV’s and Trucks are bad
Discussion - DrawbacksDiscussion - Drawbacks
Weak in housing category because of ecovillage technologies
Natural gas and propane useBuilding materials not accounted forDoesn’t account for Organic foodDoesn’t account for compost
program
Weak in housing category because of ecovillage technologies
Natural gas and propane useBuilding materials not accounted forDoesn’t account for Organic foodDoesn’t account for compost
program
Discussion - AdvantagesDiscussion - Advantages
Accounts for embodied energyEasy to use, and works well for
standard situationsEnd units are easy to understandCan be used to measure progress
or to make a sustainability plan
Accounts for embodied energyEasy to use, and works well for
standard situationsEnd units are easy to understandCan be used to measure progress
or to make a sustainability plan
Discussion - FootprintDiscussion - Footprint
Not ideal for measuring sustainability of an ecovillage
Good for measuring EF when standard technologies are being used
Potential application for home useGood educational tool
Not ideal for measuring sustainability of an ecovillage
Good for measuring EF when standard technologies are being used
Potential application for home useGood educational tool
Application - The Nature Challenge
Application - The Nature Challenge
1 Reduce home energy use by 10% 2 Choose an energy-efficient home & appliances 3 Don't use pesticides 4 Eat meat-free meals one day a week 5 Buy locally grown and produced food 6 Choose a fuel-efficient vehicle 7 Walk, bike, carpool or take transit 8 Choose a home close to work or school 9 Support alternative transportation 10 Learn more and share with others
1 Reduce home energy use by 10% 2 Choose an energy-efficient home & appliances 3 Don't use pesticides 4 Eat meat-free meals one day a week 5 Buy locally grown and produced food 6 Choose a fuel-efficient vehicle 7 Walk, bike, carpool or take transit 8 Choose a home close to work or school 9 Support alternative transportation 10 Learn more and share with others
David Suzuki Foundation, 2006
Future ResearchFuture Research
Test same principles on a larger scale ecovillageIs the technology more significant?Can food footprint be further reduced by
farming on-site?An economic analysis of the technology
as well as the lifestyleCan we save money living this way?What are the low-cost ways to reduce the
footprint?
Test same principles on a larger scale ecovillageIs the technology more significant?Can food footprint be further reduced by
farming on-site?An economic analysis of the technology
as well as the lifestyleCan we save money living this way?What are the low-cost ways to reduce the
footprint?
ReferencesReferences Canada Food guide for Healthy Eating, 2004 David Suzuki Foundation, 2005. The Nature Challenge. Accessed April, 2006 h
ttp://www.davidsuzuki.org/WOL/Challenge/ Lenzen, M. & Murray, S. A., 2001. A modified ecological footprint method
and its application to Australia, Ecological Economics, 37(2), 229–255. Natural Resources Canada, private vehicle use survey, 1996 Ontario Federation of Agriculture, 2006. Premier’s Opening Remarks to the
2006 Agri-Food Summit February 8, 2006. Wackernagel, Mathis., Monfreda ,Chad., Deumling, Diana., Dholakia, Ritik.,
2003. Household Ecological Footprint Calculator V 3.2, Redefining Progress, California.
Wackernagel, M., Yount, D.J., 2000, Footprints for Sustainability: The Next Steps. Environment, Development, and Sustainability, 2, 21-42
Wackernagel, M. & Rees, W., 1995. Our Ecological Footprint: reducing human impact on the earth (Philadelphia, PA, New Society Publishers).
Canada Food guide for Healthy Eating, 2004 David Suzuki Foundation, 2005. The Nature Challenge. Accessed April, 2006 h
ttp://www.davidsuzuki.org/WOL/Challenge/ Lenzen, M. & Murray, S. A., 2001. A modified ecological footprint method
and its application to Australia, Ecological Economics, 37(2), 229–255. Natural Resources Canada, private vehicle use survey, 1996 Ontario Federation of Agriculture, 2006. Premier’s Opening Remarks to the
2006 Agri-Food Summit February 8, 2006. Wackernagel, Mathis., Monfreda ,Chad., Deumling, Diana., Dholakia, Ritik.,
2003. Household Ecological Footprint Calculator V 3.2, Redefining Progress, California.
Wackernagel, M., Yount, D.J., 2000, Footprints for Sustainability: The Next Steps. Environment, Development, and Sustainability, 2, 21-42
Wackernagel, M. & Rees, W., 1995. Our Ecological Footprint: reducing human impact on the earth (Philadelphia, PA, New Society Publishers).