Cement, Energy and Environment

Designed Ecosystem: Designed for Nature by Nature Low impact, low energy systems, based on nature's model can equip us with a technology mix for the foreseeable future and beyond By Tim Kiem & Dr. C. Halford House With nearly 7 billion people depending on the planet's resources and billions more on the way, managing our meager and dwindling fresh water supply in truly innovative ways is no longer a choice; it is the mandate for human survival. The signs are readily apparent. Reliable water supplies worldwide are decreasing as population increases, pollution proliferates and weather patterns become less predictable. The ingenious mechanical and chemical inventions that typified the industrial revolution, and met the needs of humankind for so long are now in need of augmentation. The intense burden on our natural resource created by water use and disposal demands the integration of other strategies. Low impact, low energy systems, based on nature's model can equip us with a technology mix for the foreseeable future and beyond. Like so many fields of scientific study, mimicking natural systems also holds the key for dealing with the water supply and pollution challenges that current technology alone cannot meet. Developed and developing countries alike are up against the same crises: high demand for clean water, better, less energy intensive technology to clean polluted water, protection of existing water sheds and the onslaught they now face. Designed Ecosystem The innovation that is addressing these multiple challenges is the Designed Ecosystem. Designed Ecosystems use nature's time-tested example, which integrates plants, animals, microbes, and soil processes to interact with water as it percolates through constructed and cleanising landscapes. In natural system precipitation falls on the uplands, flows and percolates downhill to the marshes and finally to open water. Along the way the earth transforms and stores potential pollutants so that surface waters remain balanced and clean with vibrant plant and animal populations - including humans. By using this model with all forms of polluted water, we can: • Clean polluted water to a very high degree with little energy • Recycle cleansed wastewater for any non– potable water use • Produce energy by diverting solids at the beginning of the process • Provide beautiful garden landscapes where animals and humans thrive • Prevent storm water and incompletely treated wastewater from polluting drinking water • Direct nutrients within polluted water to agricultural uses based on demand • Restore impaired ecosystems by removing excessive nutrients that damage aquatic environments Designed Ecosystems are created to become a living environment within its specific site based on local conditions. Each location is evaluated according to its particular requirements so that the components will function in concert with the existing ecology and human needs for active and passive recreation. These constituent parts may include: • Constructed wetlands • Vegetated sand filters • Bio-retention ponds • Rain gardens • Green roofs • Waterfalls and streams II