Falkenbeg
This day provided a connect-the-dots experience. Falkenberg is a 2nd generation eco-municipality, having been working at this since the mid 1990’s. Throughout the day we were connected with a wide network of different partners, both private and public, that are tied into this eco-municipality. Without exception each person brought energy, and a sincere belief in the concepts of sustainability. And they all smile a lot!
Falkenberg is a municipality of approximately 40,000. Their economy is broad based, with some emphasis on IT, Trade and Commerce, Tourism, and healthcare. Over the course of time of working toward an eco-municipality, their land uses shifted. Since 1966….
~ Large scale farming to small scale farming
~ Maximum output to Optimum output
~ Food is produced for consumption – but also for energy and tourism (agri-tourism)
Specific examples of some of the things they have done…
Eco buses – green vans touring to schools and other functions with educational messages – “mobile lab”
Development of strong networks between the cities within their eco-municipality
Development of Wind parks
Their goal – by 2010 their energy sources will be 100% renewable.
They have within their city staff a Director of Sustainability” who works with all the committees, councils and other staff to ensure consistency in practices and philosophy
They have developed certification programs for schools, churches, etc.
We later toured their energy plant, Falkenberg Energy. Their goals:
~ By 2010 – fossil fuel free
~ Vehicles are 75% renewable energy
~ Use of rapeseed & biogas in district heating
Their efforts have been designed at the same time they are ensuring protecting the River Antran and the salmon. We heard from their naturalist and viewed the components of their systems in place.
We then heard from Berte Qvarn, active entrepreneur and miller – also runs an “Eco-Museum” – he shared a story of his decision of the need to stop using methyl bromide to ride his flours of insects. Over time, he developed a system to heat the grain He tells this story in a wonderfully animated and excited fashion. His eco-museum is filled with antiques and pieces that tell the stories of the many people before us who saw a problem and created tools to address that problem – he feels we need to capture that spirit of problem solving today as we all collectively address the many environmental and social issues we face.
This concept of eco-museums is wonderful - a living museum tied to the environment and culture. The Chequamegon Bay is filled with eco-museum opportuntiies!
And, again, a wonderful dinner of sushi on the shore – ah, more food!
The hostel we stayed in for these past two nights is also considered a part of their eco-museum network. An old farmstead that has been added onto and converted to a hostel. The addition is a berm built house with wonderful features. Much of the food served is grown by the owners. The separation toilets were a wonderful example of making good use of waste!
Falkenberg is a municipality of approximately 40,000. Their economy is broad based, with some emphasis on IT, Trade and Commerce, Tourism, and healthcare. Over the course of time of working toward an eco-municipality, their land uses shifted. Since 1966….
~ Large scale farming to small scale farming
~ Maximum output to Optimum output
~ Food is produced for consumption – but also for energy and tourism (agri-tourism)
Specific examples of some of the things they have done…
Eco buses – green vans touring to schools and other functions with educational messages – “mobile lab”
Development of strong networks between the cities within their eco-municipality
Development of Wind parks
Their goal – by 2010 their energy sources will be 100% renewable.
They have within their city staff a Director of Sustainability” who works with all the committees, councils and other staff to ensure consistency in practices and philosophy
They have developed certification programs for schools, churches, etc.
We later toured their energy plant, Falkenberg Energy. Their goals:
~ By 2010 – fossil fuel free
~ Vehicles are 75% renewable energy
~ Use of rapeseed & biogas in district heating
Their efforts have been designed at the same time they are ensuring protecting the River Antran and the salmon. We heard from their naturalist and viewed the components of their systems in place.
We then heard from Berte Qvarn, active entrepreneur and miller – also runs an “Eco-Museum” – he shared a story of his decision of the need to stop using methyl bromide to ride his flours of insects. Over time, he developed a system to heat the grain He tells this story in a wonderfully animated and excited fashion. His eco-museum is filled with antiques and pieces that tell the stories of the many people before us who saw a problem and created tools to address that problem – he feels we need to capture that spirit of problem solving today as we all collectively address the many environmental and social issues we face.
This concept of eco-museums is wonderful - a living museum tied to the environment and culture. The Chequamegon Bay is filled with eco-museum opportuntiies!
And, again, a wonderful dinner of sushi on the shore – ah, more food!
The hostel we stayed in for these past two nights is also considered a part of their eco-museum network. An old farmstead that has been added onto and converted to a hostel. The addition is a berm built house with wonderful features. Much of the food served is grown by the owners. The separation toilets were a wonderful example of making good use of waste!
posted by pinehurstpair at 12:02 PM
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