Build It Back Green

A new global movement recognises that scientific predictions of more intense severe weather are becoming a reality. Green Cross Australia, Australian Conservation Foundation and Alternative Technology Association are supporting bushfire affected residents in Victoria with a suite of community engagement programs and on-the-ground tools to help households make practical choices that maximise eco-resilience.

 Each major fire, cyclone and storm surge event offers the opportunity to rebuild encouraging eco-resilience in our communities. Widespread sustainable rebuilding efforts are now underway in New Orleans led by Green Cross Australia’s US affiliate, Global Green USA.

Flowerdale is an inspiring example of a Victorian community pulling together to rebuild their lives, homes, community centres and schools in a more sustainable way in the aftermath of the horrors of Black Saturday.

Flowerdale community leader Pete Williams says, “The tragedy of Black Saturday has also provided a once in a lifetime opportunity to rebuild in a sustainable way.” Flowerdale will be the hub for a region-wide effort.

 Green Cross Australia, Australian Conservation Foundation and Alternative Technology Association will support bushfire affected residents with a suite of community engagement programs and on-the-ground tools to help households make practical choices that maximise eco-resilience.

 A dedicated green building resource centre in Flowerdale will be available to thousands of impacted residents. Community planning support will be provided to assist with integrated sustainable water, waste and energy solutions.A widespread community talks program will regularly bring information to the neighborhood level.

 Monica Richter from the Australian Conservation Foundation says, “Our collaboration aims to support a lasting shift toward sustainable community adaption and resilience well into the future”.

 BIBG will deliver a green building guide and a “Build it back green” website that provides practical multi-media based post-disaster rebuilding information and tools including trade videos that address the nitty-gritty building challenges these communities are confronting.

Habitat for Humanity Australia will work with an army of volunteers to build ninety affordable sustainable homes to support low income residents using a sweat equity model.

 Green Building Council of Australia will encourage the large staff pool of its 700 national corporate members from the property development and building sector to volunteer on the ground, building new homes and sustainable community infrastructure. GBCA will also assist small businesses who wish to reduce their environmental footprint as they rebuild.

Romilly Madew CEO of the Green Building Council of Australia says: “GBCA will target all its members and affiliated industries to assist in the volunteer program. The aim of this program is to provide individuals and companies the opportunity to assist on the ground, within the bushfire regions.”

Importantly our research team from the CSIRO Climate Change Adaptation Flagship will assist residents to make material and product choices that are resilient to bushfire risk but also have strong environmental performance.

Through this project we introduce a new term which will be vital for Australia as we address the challenge of adapting to climate change while mitigating its risks. “ECO-RESILIENCE,” says CSIRO Flagship Director Andrew Ash, “is all about smart climate change adaptation, and will create exciting 21st century intellectual property.”

 BIBG partners hope to be a source of advice, leadership, practical tools and capacity to assist Victorian communities to transition and emerge as the cohesive, healthy, thriving and, now resilient, communities they once were.

Green Cross Australia CEO Mara Bun says “it is our aim that a minimum of 400 households will be supported to increase their eco-resilience with innovative hazard reducing materials, technologies and practices, while reducing their greenhouse emissions by 10 tonnes per annum.”

Source: www.greencrossaustralia.org