There is a saying that goes:“When the shelter is secure, the storm is good”. I was thinking of this as we sat in the dark the morning of March 12th.
The windstorm that tore through the South Coast on that morning was in many ways a metaphor for a whole range of forces outside our control – like energy price fluctuations and economic uncertainty – that have the potential to impact our lives. These are increasingly part of the daily news cycle, leading to growing anxiety throughout society.
But, what if your home could offer shelter, security, comfort and the ability to meet most of your essential needs, regardless of what the future throws at us? I believe this is the promise of a Resilient Home.
What does a resilient home look like? It can come in many popular shapes or styles, but it differs from most other homes in how it responds to potential challenges -which could range anywhere from energy price hikes to food shortages to societal breakdown:
Firstly, it is very energy efficient. In most homes, energy for heat, hot water and light is the big operating cost factor. As we’ve seen recently in BC, even hydro rates are going up with no end in sight. Plus, household energy use is a huge contributor to GHG’s.
It uses renewable energy for part or all of its requirements. Although it seems we’re swimming in energy right now, it is a given that energy costs will rise. Passive solar heating and natural ventilation cost little to implement but continue to work forever.
Given proper maintenance, it is built to last – with high quality finishes and components, particularly on the exterior envelope.
It can be paid off within a short time period – say 10 years, rather than 25. This may mean being more modest with one’s housing ambitions but it will reduce the time you’ll be most exposed and vulnerable to the vicissitudes of the economy.
It is capable of being productive, whether this means harvesting runoff from the roof for water the garden, or creating energy from sunlight, or earning income, or creating household necessities like clothing or furniture, or growing food (if there are crop failures or transportation costs increase dramatically).
Its design is timeless rather than trendy, so it will be pleasant to live in even if renovations are not affordable or even possible.
Finally, it is connected to its surrounding community for security and support and ideally located to reduce the need for driving, should gas prices get to the levels projected in some scenarios.
Preparing for an uncertain future by becoming more resilient pays off first of all in peace of mind. But it will also show up in a reduced cost of living, and, unlike investing in the Market, you’re guaranteed a return from Day 1. Plus, everything you do to become more energy efficient and self-sufficient reduces your ecological footprint. How great is that?
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