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Practice Details

 
Title of Practice: Findhorn Ecovillage
Year: 2017
BPTag: Best Practice
Reference Number: GBR155-08
City / Town / Village: Scotland
Region: Europe & Former Soviet Union States
Country: United Kingdom
Has this practice been submitted previously? Yes
Previous Title: The Findhorn Foundation Eco Village Project
Address: The Park Findhorn Forres IV36 3TZ Scotland
Name of Contact Person: May East
Email of Contact Person: may.east@findhorn.org
Summary:




The Findhorn Foundation, since 1962 internationally known for its experiment with new models for holistic and sustainable living, is today at the heart of the largest single intentional community in the UK. Founded in an aging caravan park in the Northeast of Scotland, the Findhorn Foundation community has grown into a major center of adult education welcoming over 14,000 visitors a year from over 50 countries.


Since the early 1980's we have been involved in building a demonstration Ecovillage. We have developed a unique environmentally sound, energy efficient construction system using natural materials and net exporters of energy, including our own wind park with 675kW capacity.


There have been 125 ecological buildings erected to date, including an innovative onsite biological sewage treatment plant. We have installed numerous solar heating systems; developed our own sustainably harvested woodland; established a centralised woodchip boiler distributing heat to more than a dozen community buildings. We set up a comprehensive recycling scheme; a carpool for 100 residents including 3 evs; published Simply Build Green, the UK's first technical guide to ecological housing, based on our own research and experience; become a major resource for environmental education locally, nationally and internationally.


With extensive gardens and a large food growing area, the Ecovillage Project has also been promoting a wider range of right livelihood opportunities and supporting the development of local trading companies including a community serving retail business with emphasis on organic foods and ecological/Fair Trade products.


Today some 700 residents live in and around the ecovillage, which is diverse in demography, complex in its organisation and rich in its social and cultural milieu.


The Findhorn Ecovillage is an evolving model providing solutions to human and social needs, whilst at the same time protecting the environment and offering an enhanced quality of life for all.

Key Dates: 1962 Founding of the Findhorn Foundation community 1982 Eco-Village Project and land purchase initiated !990 Beginning of intensive building programme 1995 Eco-villages Conference and global launch of GEN 1997 Findhorn Foundation granted NGO status by DPI of the United Nations 2001 Establishment of Ekopia Cooperative and community share issues 2005 Establishment of CIFAL Findhorn, UNITAR Affiliated Training Centre 2006 Publication by Stockholm Institute of Findhorn Ecovillage Ecological Footprint 2006 Expansion of the Wind Park 2008 Opening of Moray Arts Centre 2012 Establishment of co-housing neighborhood East-Whins 2017 Charity of the Year in the People Environment Achievement Awards UK
Norminating Organization Details
Name of Organization:
Contact Person:
Type of Organization: Community-Based Organisation

Partners:
Name of OrganizationAddressContact PersonOrganisation TypeType of Support
EkopiaThe Park FindhornAlex Walker, n/aPrivate SectorTechnical Support
Findhorn Foundation CollegeThe Park FindhornMari Hollander, n/aAcademic/ResearchOther
Global Ecovillage NetworkRoundhouse FindhornKosha Joubert, n/aNon-Governmental OrganisationAdministrative Support
New Findhorn DirectionsThe Park FindhornPeter Balderstone , n/aPrivate SectorFinancial Support
Gaia EducationThe Park Findhorn May East, n/aNon-Governmental OrganisationAdministrative Support
Findhorn FoundationThe Park FindhornCamilla Pedersen, n/aNon-Governmental OrganisationAdministrative Support
Park Ecovillage Trust The Park FindhornRoger Doudna, n/aFoundationTechnical Support

Category
Architecture and Urban Design
Production and Consumption Patterns
Social Services

Narrative:
Situation Before the Initiative Began:
The motivation for developing the Ecovillage Project was to research and demonstrate community-led solutions to the problems of how to live sustainable; using appropriate technologies, local materials, local know how to provide solutions that were affordable and low carbon. The intention was to create a model for sustainable living where the needs of human settlements and of nature were integrated.
Cooperation and co-creation with nature was a major aspect of the Community's work. From its earliest days it became well known for its beautiful gardens grown in adverse and unlikely conditions on the sand dunes of the Findhorn peninsula. Much emphasis was put on creating a harmonious relationship with nature, though much of the work was done on ornamental gardens.
The local area was economically depressed with a high rate of unemployment, lack of opportunities and economic diversity. The Findhorn community was based on volunteer work in exchange for food and accommodation. The main income for the community came from the promotion of holistic educational workshops and training.
In the early 1980's most of the members of the community were living in caravans and mobile homes: very unecological, unhealthy and substandard dwellings. The community was founded in a caravan park and as the community didn't own the land there was no alternative. In terms of energy, the fuels used were coal, oil, electricity and wood. Costs were high because of lack of insulation in caravans and the dependence on fossil fuels. The prospect of the transformation of the caravan park into a model ecovillage is what motivated the community to undertake a worldwide fundraising effort that resulted in the purchase of the Park.
In terms of social structure a very strong community had evolved that provided a rich and varied experience. Residents were coming for over twenty-five countries which lead to an exciting and stimulating multi-cultural experience. The challenge was to preserve and enhance this community spirit whilst redeveloping the physical and economic infrastructure.

Establishment of Priorities:
1 Poor quality of housing and physical infrastructure within an aging caravan park.
2 Small or negligible portion of energy from renewable sources; large amount from fossil fuels.
3 Lifestyle largely unsustainable due to volunteer work or low wage jobs only.
4 Small portion of food grown locally.
5 Local area had the lowest wages in UK mainland.
The Initiative priorities were established and refined involving a bottom up grass roots effort. Through democratic community-led decision making, priorities were clarified and we entered the next phase of strategies and mobilisation of resources.

Formulation of Objectives And Strategies:
Under ecological housing design heading we have developed a unique environmentally sound, energy efficient construction system using natural materials and incorporating 'breathing wall' construction which eliminates the need for a vapour barrier and allows the fabric of the building interact with the indoor climate in a beneficial way. We have also experimented construction with straw bales. We developed the guidelines for ecological housing design and construction and published Simply Build Green, the UK's first ecological building manual. 125 new ecological buildings have been erected to date, built to strict ecological guidelines, with passive solar design, highly insulated and environmentally benign materials.
In 1980 a company was formed to produce solar panels and many systems were substituted for hot water use. New buildings have incorporated passive solar features and 2.5 times the insulation required by Scottish building regulations.
Over the years we have developed our own sustainably harvested woodland generating circa 26 tons of fire-wood a year. Increased use of wood for space and water heating has gradually eliminated the use of coal, and where possible a shift has been to propane instead of oil, as the less polluting option.
In 1989 our first 75 kw. wind turbine was erected. By 2006 we bought 3 second-hand larger units and became net exporters of electricity with 4 turbines totaling 750 kW (3 @ 225 kW, 1 @ 75 kW). Turbines are 30 m high with 14 m long blades = 44 m total.
Late 90’s we have built our own waste water treatment facility that uses biological systems, plants and animal life to treat domestic commercial waste water on site replacing our use of mains sewerage, processing 65 cu.m./day.
We have implemented an extensive recycling programme (metal, glass, paper, plastics, batteries, and a clothing bank) and have been instrumental in encouraging local authorities to expand the range of recycling services to the local area.
In the 90’s we have established a Community Supported Agriculture Scheme, called Earth Share, based on organic/biodynamic methods, to increase food production in a sustainable way and to enhance the quality of food. Over the years the scheme has expanded from 1 acre to 20 acres, spread over 6 sites, providing a large part of fresh food consumption.
We have also set up a community shop, Phoenix Community Stores, to promote more economical bulk buying and better trading with ethical suppliers; initiating clear buying policies to support sustainable/local products; and tithing a percentage of trading into local community initiatives around organic food and education. An organic bakery making bread for shop, community and local region was established.
Furthermore, Ecovillage project encouraged and supported other local businesses such as Phoenix Community Stores (trades books, crafts, foodstuffs), Findhorn Press (publishing), Post-house Printing (graphic design and printing), Wellspring (Flower Essences), Wind Park, (electricity supply, windmill), Park Energy, (Fossil Fuel supply and energy conservation), Findhorn Bay Housing Company (HoCo) (Infrastructure mgmt & land sales).
In 2008 a visual arts centre Moray Art Centre was opened serving the region with museum quality exhibition space and several studios. With photovoltaic panels supplying electricity and round source heat pumps supplying all heating, the arts centre is considered an exemplar in local materials and craftsmanship.
In 2010 we established a centralised woodchip boiler that distributes heat to more than a dozen community buildings.
Between 2011 and 2014, Soilse, a new multi-generational cohousing carbon zero development was established. With its own biomass district heating, its super-insulated houses adopted triple glazing throughout the buildings, The co-housing was first in UK to utilize the 425mm thick insulated block.
In 2012 co-housing neighbourhood East Whins broke ground in a ‘brown field’ site, providing 20 passive solar design, high insulated houses.

Mobilisation of Resources:
Community based small action groups were formed. We initiated building schools for ecological self-build projects to replace caravans. The schools drew on participants from many parts of Europe and North America and brought resources to the projects as well as help disseminate information and skills in ecological building. A great deal of positive media coverage also helped to generate support from within the community as well as from professional bodies, government agencies and industry. Community initiatives and ventures were also supported.
We have engaged in active fundraising effort from individuals, Trusts and Foundations and government sources. We also sought product sponsorship from manufacturers of ecological products, building on the media attention achieved in the first phase of the project. We also received a number of 'soft' or low interest loans from individual supporters.
Community members assumed both leadership roles in formulating the objectives and in implementing the initiative. Some outside professionals were called onto advise on technical, financial and design issues but the projects have always been run from within the community.
Cooperatives were created with democratic member control and economic participation by members to purchase larger buildings.
In 2001 Ekopia Cooperative was registered which now has assets of c. £1,200,000 mostly purchased via community share issues.

Process:
What problems were faced implementing the initiative? How were they overcome?
Major problems in the process of implementing the Eco-Village concepts were access to funds and technical resources. Use of largely unskilled volunteer labour both for design and building often resulted in time and cost overruns.
The problems of sufficient funding has partially been overcome through allowing private investment and ownership of individual properties. Labour problems have been overcome by education, training and through the use of more professionally trained personnel from the outset.

Which important problems remain?
The problem which remains is financial resources as we enter the second phase of the Eco-Village Project. We intend to erect two additional wind generators; continue to replace caravans with eco-houses (27 have been replaced and 95 remain); develop a water recycling system for use of treated water from the 'Living Machine'; develop additional land for housing and business initiatives; improve community facilities and infrastructure generally.
Results Achieved:
How was the integration of the social, economic, environmental and cultural elements of sustainability achieved?
Due to the circular and holistic nature of the community, the integration of the social, economic, environmental and cultural elements of sustainability were directly demonstrated, experienced and embodied within the community life.
The 'human scale' or 'localization' of technologies employed made community participation and involvement an integral part of the process of implementation. The community has been involved in the erection of new buildings, the wind turbine and other physical projects as well as involved with the development of community policy, experiments with pay and remuneration, festivals and celebrations, decision making around governance and leadership. The key elements of sustainability at the community level have all been worked with and explored by those most directly affected and involved in the experiment.

How were resources leveraged?
Human resources have largely been leveraged by encouraging volunteer participation by outside groups and organisations from the UK and abroad. Individuals were engaged through the forming of a network of supporters called 'Stewards' that make regular financial contributions and are kept informed through newsletters. Financial resources were also mobilised through professional fundraising campaigns as well as small ad hoc community fundraising events. Private investment has been encouraged as well as soft loans that has provided some capital for community projects.

How was cost-recovery employed?
With some initiatives, as the erection of a wind turbine, business plans were drawn up and private companies established to carry out the projects. Loans were repaid with accrued income from operating. Other projects such as replacing caravans with ecological, energy-efficient houses have a long cost recovery but an immediate benefit in improving quality of life.
How is dependence on external resources addressed?
While much of our resources have been generated from within the community there is still a need for external funding and human resources to be tapped. We see this as a short term problem as the Eco-Village economy is growing and becoming more able to generate the funds necessary for further development and next steps for implementation of our stated goals.

Is there a time-line for achieving self-sufficiency?
We would hope that within ten years to have 90% of our energy from renewable sources; grow 80-90% of our fresh food; eliminate all residential caravans and replace with eco-housing; develop a diverse and healthy economic base for supporting residents within the Project.

If loans are involved, how are they being repaid?
Repayment of capital varies from project to project and is dependent on the continued success as a whole of the community as a whole.
Lessons Learned:
Known as the “mother” of ecovillages the Findhorn Ecovillage has been a source of inspiration to the many thousands that have visited our site, largely through seeing what has been achieved through the power of collective vision despite not having the benefit of large investments
There are many small and specific elements that people have learned or benefited from our work, but perhaps the most important is the creativity that can be found from within people motivated to do better that leads to unique and innovative solutions to the challenges we face.

Transfers:
The Findhorn Ecovillage is a synthesis of some of the very best of current thinking on sustainable human settlements. It is a constantly evolving model used as learning environment by a number of university and school groups as well as by professional organisations and municipalities worldwide. It is true to say that many hundreds of groups and communities have based their organisations on some or all of the principles that we have employed at Findhorn.
We were a founding ecovillage in the Global Ecovillage Network; we have hosted major conferences on the theme of sustainability at our campus. The principles of ecovillage development can be applied across a broad spectrum of settlements: from the developed to the developing countries; urban and rural, east and west; north and south. The need for sustainable human settlements has never been greater on the planet than today and we believe that our project does contain many elements that can be replicated and applied to other communities and settlements.
In 2005 CIFAL Findhorn UNITAR Affiliated Training Centre was established to conduct capacity building programmes for local authorities and leaders. Over 10 years CIFAL Findhorn/Scotland has hosted over 100 seminars addressing policy development and technical issues related to climate change, renewable energies, biodiversity, low-carbon housing, SDGs, circular economy, green jobs, transition towns, local and bioregional food systems, hydrogen economy, sustainable islands and many other themes.
In 2005 Gaia Education has been established in Findhorn to provide sustainability education promoting thriving communities within planetary boundaries. Since then it has been developing curricula for sustainable community design draw on good practice within Findhorn and ecovillages worldwide.

Related Policies:




Non applicable



References:
Low Carbon Presentations
http://ecovillagefindhorn.com/index.php/ecovillage-findhorn/resources

Most Recent Media References
Election Special - breakfast show with Garry McCartney BBC Radio Scotland, June 2017
Government in support for affordable homes near Findhorn Forres Gazette 18 July 2017
Gathering held at peace retreat to reflect on founder Press & Journal (Elgin edition) 26 August 2017
2017 Retreat Guide Kindred Spirit Magazine July/August 2017
Sunday Morning with… Programme. Findhorn mentioned as part of an item about Disturbing the Peace - a film and workshop held at the FFBBC Radio Scotland 24 September 2017
The Stephen Jardine Show A feature called ‘ A Day in the Life Of’ featured Briita Schmitz the focaliser in Cullerne Gardens. BBC Radio Scotland 29 October 2017
The Eco Mobile by Graham Meltzer The Australian Owner Builder Magazine October/November 2017
Foundation named charity of the Year The Forres Gazette 25 October 2017
Findhorn wins charity of the year My Green Pod magazine Guardian- Supplement Autumn 2017
Findhorn Community Anniversary Celebration. Kindred Spirit Magazine November/ December 2017
Rising about the chaos The Garden Island Kauri’s newspaper December 2017
Eko is hot off the press The Forres Gazette 20 December 2017
A break from the norm The Scottish Herald Luxury Home magazine Autumn 2017
10 of the best - Scotland’s top spas and wellness retreats. (article features Fx ) Scottish Field Magazine March 2018
Small scale solar power altering lives Financial Tribune 21 February 2018
Small scale solar power is changing lives and disrupting traditional roles. CNBC (on line) February 2017

Earlier references
Title of Article: Ecology becomes the total lifestyle
The Sunday Times Scotland John Neil Monro 8 April 1990
Title of Article: True community spirit
The Sunday Times Tim Dawson 6 July 1997
Title of Article: Ecological Home Building
Individual Homes Matthew Pease June 96 page 34-37
Title of Article: Building in natural balance
The Architects Journal Susan Dawson March 96 pages 34-36
Title of Article: Steeped in Scotch
The Home Show Magazine Eleanor Grant Issue 4 1996 page 55-59
Title of Article: Houses of Spirit
Cottages & Castle Natlie Minnis March 95 pages 44-45
Books Published:
The Earth is our Habitat: Proposal for a Support Programme for Eco-Habitats
as Living Examples of Agenda 21 Planning, Gaia Trust, 1996
Eco-Villages & Sustainable Communities: Models for 21st Century Living, Proceedings from the Conference held at the Findhorn Foundation in October 1995, Findhorn Press, 1996.
Simply Build Green, A technical guide to the ecological houses at the Findhorn Foundation, by John Talbott, Findhorn Press, 1993, 1997.

Supporting Material:
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