Great Advice from Markham's Greenprint

The point that the authors of Markham's sustainability plan make here is absolutely crucial.

Using the Framework

The framework is a tool to be used when decisions are being made about projects. Every project should be assessed to determine whether it moves the community closer to its sustainability vision. Community builders can assess the merits of the project by comparing it against the sustainability priorities and strategies during project definition and development. The framework must be used as a guide when considering initiatives to ensure they provide maximum sustainability benefits.

Bancroft Part of Record Breaking 10/10/10 Party

The folks at 350.org know how to run a party and last year had 5248 projects going in 181 countries. Well now Bancroft has joined the 10/10/10 – Global Work Party and we are part of shattering last year’s record. With six days to go there are 6,077 projects in 184 countries.

At ReUse-GreenTEC, Velma Waters and her team have included seven initiatives as part of Sustainable Bancroft’s drive to include 100 projects. They include solar seminars, e-bike promotions and the most impressive of all – a diversion of over 26,000 kg of waste from landfill in six months.

Local builders Don Koppin and Pat Marcotte are implementing climate solutions in buildings and Pat has included his net-zero house in the Bancroft 100. “We have just installed a 10KW MicroFIT solar system. This, coupled with a geothermal heat system, and straw bale walls will make our home a Net Zero energy home,” says Marcotte.

Koppin is insulating the exterior wall of his office to reduce the amount of energy used for heating cooling. “We are also promoting energy efficient upgrades and sustainable building to all of our clients” adds Koppin. Bill O’Borne was also focused on energy and insulated his home and added new windows.

Burke Chamberlain of Whitfield Plumbing and Heating is also on the same wavelength and they have just finished work at Our Lady of Mercy School (see photo). “We have installed a state of the art biomass boiler which will deliver energy savings for years to come.”

For many the theme of 10/10/10 is local. Kimberly McMunn, Kim Sutherland, Chris Drost and Janice Whitehead are all focusing on daily activities like using locally grown food and going for a walk in nature. Whitehead notes that “our large vegetable garden provides us with a majority of our vegetables throughout the year.”

If you haven’t decided what to do you can join Dave Naulls and friends for a Bicycle Trail Ride for 350.org awareness. It starts at 10 AM on 10/10/10 at the Coe Hill Community Centre (Public School) – mountain bike, hybrids and cruisers are all welcome.

If you want to register your own activity with Sustainable Bancroft for 10/10/10 go to Facebook and find Sustainable Bancroft.