Climbing Mount Sustainability

[Bikepacker67]

Caught this guy on the CBC's "The Hour":


Ray Anderson describes when and how he became aware of the harm his and other industries were doing to the planet. He radically reoriented his company towards environmental sustainability with the goal of becoming a zero emission, fully sustainable enterprise. He likens this journey to a mountain climbing experience and points out that there many faces – all of which are to be scaled if his goal is to be achieved.


Veiw video (http://www.bigpicture.tv/videos/watch/e00da03b6) (well worth the bandwidth)

[bragi]

I wasn't quite sure what his company did, exactly, to lesson its environmental footprint, but he seemed sincere and committed. Maybe more large businesses will follow his lead in the future, if for no other reason than self-interest.

[Platy]

Here's a link to another interesting sustainability project out of Abu Dhabi. It includes a proposal for a carfree city!

Masdar Development Concept (http://www.fosterandpartners.com/News/291/Default.aspx)

"The principle of the Masdar development is a dense walled city to be constructed in an energy efficient two-stage phasing that relies on the creation of a large photovoltaic power plant, which later becomes the site for the city’s second phase, allowing for urban growth yet avoiding low density sprawl. Strategically located for Abu Dhabi’s principal transport infrastructure, Masdar will be linked to surrounding communities, as well as the centre of Abu Dhabi and the international airport, by a network of existing road and new rail and public transport routes.

"Rooted in a zero carbon ambition, the city itself is car free. With a maximum distance of 200m to the nearest transport link and amenities, the compact network of streets encourages walking and is complemented by a personalised rapid transport system. The shaded walkways and narrow streets will create a pedestrian-friendly environment in the context of Abu Dhabi’s extreme climate. It also articulates the tightly planned, compact nature of traditional walled cities. With expansion carefully planned, the surrounding land will contain wind, photovoltaic farms, research fields and plantations, so that the city will be entirely self-sustaining."

(I don't see any reason why the "personalized rapid transport system" shouldn't be bicycles. That's what they are!)