RESET is an initiative developing training resources in renewable energy technologies and environmentally responsive building designs for disaster-affected communities around the world.
The basic principles of design and construction of buildings that are more responsive to local climates and less energy demanding are taught in only a small number of institutions world wide. Similarly, too few people are aware of the opportunities and advantages that renewable energy technologies may provide.
More funding is becoming available for the expanded use of these technologies or building design concepts but, with limited awareness of their existence, there has been relatively little uptake so far.
Liberia "Last Camp" (2004).
Local construction systems in use at "Last Camp" - so called because people were so tired of moving between different settlements.
Liberia (2004). Maimu 1 IDP Camp.
Familes were given a piece of tarpaulin each (by the UN) and they built their own shelters, using local timber from local forests, and mud (cob) for walls.
Every year hundreds of millions of dollars are spent world-wide to help communities recover from disasters. Enormous resources are poured into shelter programmes to help affected populations rebuild their communities.
The vast majority of these projects do not incorporate either passive building design concepts or renewable energy technologies. These represent an enormous opportunity to introduce viable alternatives to inappropriate and unsustainable practices; especially in the sobering context of climate change and future energy shortages.
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