Rebuilding the Caribbean- SUSTAINABLY
Introduction
“Saving our planet, lifting people out of poverty, advancing economic growth... these are one and the same fight. We must connect the dots between climate change, water scarcity, energy shortages, global health, food security and women's empowerment. Solutions to one problem must be solutions for all.” Ban Ki Moon Healing Crisis The recent devastation brought by the 2017 hurricane season is one that’s impossible to ignore. It may just be the “wake up call” that the Caribbean has needed for some time now in order to adjust building codes, lessen vulnerability and increase adaptability to suit the current climate which is increased frequency and intensity of natural disasters. In rebuilding this time, our approach MUST be different. The creation of sustainable urban and rural developments that take into consideration the natural environment in which they exist is key. As small islands located directly in the hurricane belt and also subject to earthquakes, it is critical that we now consider flexible infrastructure that can shift with earth tremors to offer earthquake resistance, buffering of our coastlines to mitigate storm surge with flooding and most pertinent and critical to the region- protection against storms and hurricanes. While these are challenges that exist due to our location, there also benefits to be derived from it. We must instead look favourably upon our position in the tropics and the abundance of resources this affords us in building our offices and homes.
Solutions/ Adaptations Utilization of solar power to provide electricity- This has benefits both pre-disaster but even more so after disaster has occurred. It allows faster rebuilding and resettling of damaged communities as electricity is readily available for the use of communication, tools and machinery needed in cleaning and repairing. Rainfall harvesting via catchment systems- By utilizing the generous rainfall available to the island much of the year, underground storage systems provide a ready bank of potable water for use during and after disaster, particularly as municipal water distribution systems are likely to be unavailable during crisis. Utilization of the natural tropical light- With abundant sunlight available year round, houses should not require artificial lighting during the day time. Homes must be designed in a manner to capture much of the light and natural breeze available. Buildings like this have the advantage of reducing energy consumption due to reduced dependence on electricity and for this same reason, they are back up and running in a faster time.
Integrated Sustainable Development- Climate Adaptation Plan While Dominica and other islands have been hard hit, the climate adaptation plan cannot focus on individual islands alone. As small island states, land masses are much too small to truly designate areas of safe shelter on them. On some islands, Hurricanes Irma and Maria left no part untouched. The plan therefore must be undertaken on an integrated level with our regional brothers and sisters and we must truly act as a Caribbean Community aiding in each other’s wellbeing. Climate resistant buildings form part of the plan, however, while affected islands will do all they can to rebuild more sustainably, it is pertinent that a CARICOM Safe Zone (CSZ) be designated to which islanders can be evacuated in times of severe impending disaster. While adapted homes are more likely to stay erect and fare better in these events, we must never forget the force of mother nature is simply beyond our control. At times she will require us to completely get out of her way when she arrives or face certain death.
Thankfully, the President of Guyana has extended an offer inviting and granting Caricom nationals affected by disasters plots of land on which to settle and rebuild a life for themselves. It is our hope that he would welcome the designation of a site for the construction of CSZ shelters built to accommodate persons from other islands seeking refuge from these disasters. Guyana’s location safely out of the hurricane belt with a massive landmass and small population, makes it undoubtedly a prime location for this venture.
Dear Mr. Honorable Roosevelt Skerrit, Our proposal is to rebuild Dominica and other islands more sustainably. This will be done by adhering to Living Building Challenge Framework or LEED to produce homes that can sustain themselves. It is also our proposal to construct shelters in Guyana in cases where total country evacuation is necessary for the imminent disaster. The Green Building Council of Trinidad and Tobago in collaboration with Mega Interior and Construction Ltd. wish to visit Dominica to plan and design a model for rebuilding communities and towns. We will donate ecological products to quickly renovate and reopen damaged schools and government offices. We would like to meet with you to introduce our team and plans that will assist and benefit your country. On our team we have LEED planners, engineers, project managers, and urban designers. We sympathize and express great regret to the people of Dominica and support the country’s dream of being the first climate resilient country in the region as an example for the others to follow. If this seeks your interest, please reply to us so that arrangements can be made to come give a more detailed presentation on our proposal, and free consultation on sustainable and ecological products (samples, & 3D model design).
Sincerest regards,
Mali Quamina Public Relations Officer- Green Building Council TT 1 (868) 794-3877 ceo4mega@gmail.com