Whole Systems Approach to Ecological Design

This module will introduce the fundamentals of restoration ecology, ecological footprint of the built environment, regulatory environment, project planning - vision, values and principles, strategic objectives, performance targets (sustainability indicators), design specifications, delivery vehicles and monitoring

Appropriate Technology Water

Natural wastewater treatment systems enhance the forces nature uses to reduce pollution by harnessing the metabolic processes of living ecologies to break down and digest organic wastes in water. Engineered ecologies provide a high degree of biodiversity, resulting in stable and robust processes. These processes involve establishing diverse life forms in new combinations of species within engineered settings to meet specific requirements. Nature is both mother and teacher.

Simple natural treatment technologies and construction methods will be explored, including recycling systems for treated effluent. Process calculations will provide sizing information. More highly engineered systems, which use less land than simple systems, will be explained.

Organic Agriculture and Local Food

This module explores the role of food in community, from the way we relate to the land on which it is produced, to the celebration of life that is eating together. We will discuss and experience different approaches to the production and distribution of food as shared from the experience of participants in the training. We will visit and work on farming and gardening projects in the locality and will cook a meal together for which we will have harvested the vegetables ourselves.

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Appropriate Technology Energy

This module will provide an overview of methods using renewable energy sources and their practical applications and costs. We will compare and contrast renewable sources and conventional sources: costs, installation/running, benefits, disadvantages, pollution, carbon footprint, convenience, availability.

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Appropriate Technology Green Building

This module is an introduction to the principles of ecological building and retrofitting. It will provide enough information so that students will be able to evaluate building materials and methods in terms of environmental standards for energy and resource conservation.

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The EDE is being introduced to the world at this time to complement, correspond with, and assist in setting a standard for the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development 2005-2014.

Michael Shaw's field is ecological design. He is a founding member of The Ecovillage Institute at Findhorn and is a resident trustee of the Findhorn Foundation. He pioneered the Ten Stones ecovillage and cohousing community with others in Vermont, USA. An engineer by training, he has been involved in all phases of the development and implementation of natural wastewater treatment and bioremediation systems including Restorers since 1989 with Ocean Arks International (OAI). With Dr John Todd, founder of OAI, he is the author of two wastewater treatment patents.

Lisa Shaw is an artist, designer and environmental educator. She is a partner in the Ecovillage Institute, an ecological design and engineering company based at Findhorn. She has worked on water restoration projects in India, China, Bolivia, Russia and the UK as part of the Ecovillage Institute team, educating for the restoration and sustainable use of water and soil. She co-founded Lookfar Connections, an environmental education cooperative, and Grasshopper Art and Nature Camp for children in Vermont USA, which she ran for five years. Lisa uses art as an educational tool, bringing people together in a creative and inspirational way.

I experienced the EDE programme in a way that changed my dreams into plans, or should I say my life into something that could be useful. I have now the skill, tools and ideas for starting rebuilding Iraq from the rural areas together with my good people, I hope....
Dr Ali Al-Dabbagh, Phoenix Rising, Iraq

The EDE course in Findhorn was the most comprehensive teaching on integral ecological design I have seen available worldwide. Richness and diversity of teachings, practical techniques, facilitators, and resources as well as a deep respect and honour to both inner and outer dimensions of sustainability. Excellent spirit of participation as well. I hope and wish more people gain this invaluable experience. We desperately need it!
Pymalion Karatzas, Greece

Training fees

Income related price for the first four weeks (Modules 1-4)
£1735 payable by participants with low income
£1925 payable by participants with medium income
£2395 payable by participants with high income

£495/£545/£695 per module according to income

Fees include tuition, accommodation, vegetarian meals and field trips.

Please complete the Application Form and Enrolment Questionnaire

Enquiries by e-mail: bookings@findhorn.org

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Economic Design - Week 2: Oct 20 - Oct 26

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Ecological Design - Week 3: Oct 27 - Nov 2

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Worldview - Week 4: Nov 3 - Nov 9

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Ecovillage Design Curriculum is an official contribution to the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development 2005-2014 and has the endorsement of UNITAR (United Nations Institute for Training and Research).

The EDE is being introduced to the world at this time to complement, correspond with, and assist in setting a standard for the United Nations' Decade of Education for Sustainable Development 2005-2014.

Training fees

Income related price for the first four weeks (Modules 1-4)
£1735 payable by participants with low income
£1925 payable by participants with medium income
£2395 payable by participants with high income

£495/£545/£695 per module according to income

Fees include tuition, accommodation, vegetarian meals and field trips.

Please complete the Application Form and Enrolment Questionnaire

Enquiries by e-mail: admin@findhorncollege.org

Convert to your own currency using The Universal Currency Converter

EDE Participants October 2010

*We want to ensure that our courses are accessible to people with diverse means. When you book, please choose the low, medium or higher price listed for your programme, based on your personal income.

*We do not wish to exclude people with a low income. Limited bursary funds are available towards the cost of participating in our programmes and we encourage those who need help with payment to apply.

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