In memory of those lost.

Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to the families of those who lost their lives in the tsunami disaster on Boxing day. We are also very concerned for all those communities affected, particularly the injured, starving and the millions that have been left homeless by this freak act of nature.
The timings of natural disasters are difficult to predict and can be devastating in their consequences. The recent Asian tsunami that has destroyed the coastline and killed so many people in over ten countries seems unprecedented in recent history. Apparently there were calls earlier in 2004 for the implementation of a ‘tsunami early warning system’ for the region (similar to the one operating successfully in the Pacific) but this was not deemed necessary.
Natural disasters do highlight the delicate balance that humankind has with nature and the vulnerability of land that borders the seas and oceans that surround us. Many major cities are built little more than a few feet above sea level and in Britain and elsewhere we continue to create waterside developments that, frankly, may one day become uninsurable.
Predictions for sea level rise vary widely from a few centimetres to well over a metre and in social conversation I often hear people say – “that’s OK. I live well above sea level”. However, what we all forget (except maybe those of us living along the south coast of England) is that the problems arise not just from the sea level itself but from the height of the tide and the prevailing weather conditions. When all three combine – that’s when the trouble starts.
Let’s hope that the disaster relief work that is now well underway takes not only future tsunamis into account when rebuilding the towns and villages that have been devastated along the Indian ocean coastlines, but also the likely consequences of global warming.

This issue of BFF is predominantly built around the theme of low impact building, eco-communities and associated planning issues. We have included articles on earthships (recycled car tyres) and strawbale. Both systems have much in common – they use ‘waste’ resources but when built can be a beauty to behold. For those of you less interested in these two methods of building there are many other subjects discussed.
Most of you cannot fail to have noticed that the 2nd edition of the Green Building Bible has now been published. The main thrust of this new edition has been to make it the most comprehensive and inclusive ‘green building’ reference work available in the UK. I believe we have largely achieved this aim with encouraging reviews already flowing in. I am keen to have your feedback - good or bad! I would also be interested to hear of any novel distribution ideas that you may have. Furthermore, to keep up the momentum that this issue is creating, we are already planning the next edition. If you were not involved with the second edition then please consider coming forward with ideas/input/contributions for the third edition. All are welcome as I have signed up to the philosophy - ‘united we stand divided we fall!’
Finally - the 2006 Building Regulations are almost certain to include a requirement to airtightness test most new buildings, including, for the first time, a random sample of new houses. Many new dwellings currently fail to meet existing Building Regulations requirements for airtightness. The sting in the tail for housebuilders will be that, if a sample house fails an air leakage test, a further two sample houses will have to be tested – at the builder’s expense. From personal experience I know that, even with the knowledge that you have done everything possible to make your building airtight, carrying out a test can help you to finish the job properly and find your detailing weakpoints.
To this end and for a short period only, Green Building Press has teamed up with air leakage specialist, Paul Jennings of Retrotec (Europe), to make self test kits available to a few lucky readers. Building for a Future magazine will sponsor the first few readers to come forward by providing free hire of a Retrotec “door-fan” tool kit for one week. In return we will expect a report on the leakage sites found and the improvements made as a result of the test. If you have a project underway (or you just want to check out your own home), please contact me by e-mail, supplying details of your project.

Keith Hall - editor.

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