Ecovillage
Kibbutz Kramim, the Negev
Identity A pioneering project led by a small
group of Israeli visionaries who choose an alternative way of life, closer
in balance with nature and in a more responsible ecological footprint which
protects the earth's ecological systems and processes. Our firm acts as
the strategic environmental consultant to the project. A project that is
slated for LEED Platinum certification or compatibility, will follow the
European Directive for Energy Performance of Buildings (EU 2002/91), and
the Israeli 'Green' Standard IS 5281, adopt the 10 principles of “One Planet
Living” (UK), and the principle of "One Israel Living" (as opposed to the
10-times-Israel needed for the average Israeli to meet his/her 'needs' today).
More information
on the project.
Organization The Kramim Ecovillage of 100 families, is an
extension of the already established Kibbutz Kramim of 13 families. The
new extension, currently in the preliminary phase, is the first fully integrated
Ecovillage in the Middle East, built entirely based on the concept of sustainability.
The Ecovillage comprises of housing units, units for students and visitors,
public buildings, such as schools and a kintergarten, and a visitors' center
with workshops and a public hall for meetings and events. It is also contain
an energy center, where energy will be produced from the sun and also a
'living machine' or constructed wetlands for the treatment of sewage.
Materials The choice of materials will be based on the Life-Cycle
Analysis of possible materials, found locally, using techniques locally
used. We will investigate the use of earth (adobe bricks), rammed earth,
straw bale, and other possible low-energy and low-emissions materials found
in the vicinity of the project.
'Green' design The Kramim Ecovillage is intended to act as
a showcase for sustainable construction, sustainable living, renewable energy
production and use, renewable technologies, ecological technologies and
materials, water recycling, natural-cycle-based sewage water treatment and
storage, waste recycling and composting, energy conservation, ecological
construction, and an advanced ecological character, rooted in the deep commitment
of the people who intended to live and work in this Ecovillage.
The Ecovillage project is presently in the planning phase, and it is estimated
to start construction in the summer of 2009.
