Why Haven't We Reached 100 Self-Sustaining Houses Yet?
The question of why we don't have 100 self-sustaining houses yet is indeed intriguing. It seems straightforward, but the answer is a bit more complex. Let's explore the reasons behind this phenomenon.
The Abyss of the Past
Self-sustaining houses, or structures designed to generate their own energy and maintain themselves with minimal external resources, did exist before. However, they were far from being ideal. They were often cold, draughty, and required endless maintenance. People thought it was better to rely on the grid for their energy needs.
Economic and Practical Realities
One of the primary reasons we haven't reached 100 self-sustaining houses is the economics of scale. Grid-connected services are typically cheaper, more reliable, and often cleaner. This makes it challenging for self-sustaining houses to compete on a cost basis. The grid provides services that are often hard to replicate at an individual household level, especially when it comes to electricity and waste management.
Planning Regulations and Conservatism
Urban planning and local regulations can also play a significant role. These regulations often favor conventional approaches and can be too conservative, making it difficult for innovative designs to gain approval. For instance, regulations against wood-burning stoves due to air pollution concerns might hinder the adoption of more sustainable technologies even when they are cleaner than in the past.
Underlying Economic Systems
At a deeper level, the structure of money itself can influence how we build houses. As Prof. Dr. Margrit Kennedy explains in her book Interest and Inflation Free Money, the way money is created and circulated can affect how the economy operates, which in turn influences decisions on construction and infrastructure. The economic system often prioritizes short-term gains over long-term sustainability.
Case Study: Urban Development and Retrofits
Development is predominantly focused on new constructions rather than retrofitting existing structures. Retrofitting old buildings is not only more expensive but also less exciting. Developers are often more interested in creating new, exciting developments that can be marketed and sold. Even when sustainable and efficient technologies are available, they tend to have a higher upfront cost. As a result, developers opt for cheaper, less sustainable options when meeting specific budget constraints.
However, this is not the whole story. There are barriers even within new developments. For example, utility companies have a vested interest in keeping people connected to their systems. Regulations are often designed to discourage residents from going off-grid, especially when it comes to heating systems. For instance, an appeal to install a modern, cleaner wood-burning stove might be difficult due to restrictive regulations and companies fighting against these changes.
Additionally, when equipment in older units breaks down, maintenance personnel are often under pressure to fix it quickly. They may choose the most readily available (and often cheaper) solution rather than the most efficient one. This practice can lock in lower efficiency until the equipment fails again several years later, perpetuating a cycle that hinders the adoption of sustainable technologies.
Conclusion
The road to 100 self-sustaining houses is fraught with challenges, but each obstacle highlights the need for a comprehensive approach. From altering urban planning regulations to changing the economic framework, there is a lot to consider. With awareness and concerted effort, this number may indeed increase in the future.