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October 2004

Big ideas on the move

Gaining access to off-grid and green energy ideas couldn’t get any easier; the Green Energy Machine (GEM), from the National Energy Foundation will come to you. Designed to raise awareness through schools, fairs and exhibitions, it carries information and demonstrations on key renewable energy concepts. As well as carrying on board a wind turbine, wood burning stove, solar devices including solar bike and fountain, you can get free impartial advice on renewable energy sources. If you think you have an event, know a school that could benefit from a visit or just want to see it action call +44 (0)1908 665555 or visit www.nef.org.uk

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Sweden leads the Bioenergy way…

World Bioenergy 2006, Conference & Exhibition for Energy, J?nk?ping, Sweden
30 May – 1 June 2006

Those looking for a green solution to the fossil fuel crisis should turn their attention to the rapidly growing field of Biomass. Biomass includes all renewable vegetable and animal matters that can be used for industrial (fiber, chemicals) or energy production (heat, electricity, fuel) and is the focus of the World Bio-energy conference to be held in Sweden in 2006.

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Necessity is the Mother of Invention in India

By C.R.Bhattacharjee, 21/10/04

What happens when being off-grid is a necessity and not an option? India has nearly 25000 villages, located in islands or remote areas distant from habitation, where power from grid lines is not techno-commercially feasible. These villages, where population generally varies between 100-1000 are usually inhabited by financially weaker sections of society whose inability to pay for cost of power is a key factor. Their demand for power is primarily for lights to replace kerosene followed by small requirement for water supply.

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Against the tide and on the grid

While hundreds of homes are kicking out utility companies, and providing their own power, a Suffolk couple finally had an electricity supply connected to their home yesterday – after 37 years.

Pat Payne, 74, and wife Margaret, 72, raised nine children in their farmhouse in Whepstead, near Bury St Edmunds, without electricity. We shall return to the Payne’s in three months time and find out whether electricity has made them happier.

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Events

Campaign to change Planning permission

At the BBC they call him the Jamie Oliver of Architecture, but we think of him as the Corbusier of TV presenters: Architect Charlie Luxton made his BBC series on Guerrilla Homes last month the start of a campaign to change the planning rules (zoning laws in the US).

We want to join in.

Charlie Luxton
Luxton – wants planners to permit ecohouses

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Mobile

Drive for free, on Used Veggie Oil

Christian drives for free, in his 1980 Mercedes Benz 300 TD. This diesel wagon was converted to run on vegetable oil, and is powered with the recycled waste oil that the restaurants pay to have landfilled. It burns clean, is renewable, reduces greenhouse gases, and is virtually free. See how the conversion was done courtesy of Green Trust.

Steve Spence,Director, Green Trust

Ecoarc drawing
Biofuel flow chart

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7 steps to a successful self-build home

Don’t let anyone tell you that building a house is easy, whether you are off-grid or not. You must surround yourself with the right experts, get the best advice and take it slowly.

All about Self-build by Robert Matthews (Blackberry Books 22) is a step by step guide through the jungle of self-build — from buying the plot of land through to getting the final product signed off by the Local Authority building control department.

Here are the key steps to take BEFORE you even start building. They are based on the experience of the author, plus some tips of our own.

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Community

Help and advice to get started

Professional help is available whether what you need is advice on which solar panels to buy, or how to build the most eco-friendly and efficient house.

Ecoarc drawing
Drawing of eco house by Ecoarc
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