Research Projects
Update 12 February 2005
1. Bioregions
Research the Bioregion boundaries in South Australia with a view to preparing a map to indicate their locations. Search UEA library for information. Consider on what basis Bioregions are determined and relevance to UEA to have them identified.
(Report completed 2004, Ron Nicholls)
2. Past Reports
Collect reports completed over recent years by interns engaged by UEA. Prepare an index document of them. Prepare an executive summary of each in particular findings and recommendations. Arrange for their appropriate filing and storage. Consider also other reports and research undertaken by UEA staff and volunteers and index, summarise and file accordingly.
3. Christie Walk Materials
Research materials and technologies investigated and incorporated into the Christie Walk project and collate in a folder including manufacturers technical data, cost information, product sources and availability. Consider why materials used and how beneficial environmentally. Research past newsletters, publicity documents, tour guide notes, Your Home case study of Christie Walk. Walk Christie Walk site and note materials and finishes used. Interview Cherie and Paul. List materials in categories such as walls, ceilings, finishes, floor coverings, stormwater etc.
4. Ecocity / Ecovillage Projects
Collate references (web sites, locations etc) of eco city and eco village projects in Australia and overseas including a summary of their size, philosophy and contact details. Include web links for contacts. Aim is to develop a network of like minded people and also to provide a readily accessible resource of places for people to investigate, visit and use as examples of others having gone down the same / similar track. Global Ecovillage Network contains some references but is limited. Consider Roman’s thesis on eco-villages.
(Draft completed December 2004, Miju Lodge)
5. Barriers / Opportunities for Sustainable Development
Explore current barriers to sustainable development in government legislation, local government planning regulations, building rules, availability of materials and technologies, public perceptions and misconceptions, availability of appropriate knowledge and skills etc. Explore opportunities to promote sustainable development in state and local government activities. Develop marketing material.
6. Retrofitting Suburbia
Research opportunities to undertake creative redevelopments of existing suburbs into more sustainable communities. Collate examples of good practice examples undertaken elsewhere. Develop guidelines for developers / local government agencies to transition to sustainable community redevelopments.
7. Demonstration Site
Research the establishment of a CERES (Brunswick, Melbourne) style site involving government, private and community demonstrations of sustainable technologies, communities etc. Consider current State Government announcement for sustainable development showcase at Lochiel Park.
(Energy Architecture to be ESD consultants, discussions ongoing, Andrew Tidswell)
8. Examples of Good Urban Development
Collate a folder of examples of good sustainable urban development, either by design or by accident, existing in Adelaide and regional areas. Include photographs, drawings and description of the items. Examples may include pedestrian friendly precincts, good landscaping, access to public transport, bicycle friendly areas, recycled materials, water and energy saving measures, community living.
(Photos collated December 2004, Douglas Clarke)
2007.5.1