This post is centred around the impact that I would like to have on the world during my lifetime. It makes me pause for some serious thought. We live in a time when there seems to be no end of portentous events, or so the mainstream media would have you believe. Wars, global warming, financial crises, austerity and everything in between. It would drive you crazy if you listened only to these voices.
I see the time we live in as offering wonderful opportunity. Opportunity to do more with less, to live lives of passion and purpose. Modern communication and technology holds the keys to realising such goals in an inclusive way. I’ve seen examples of this in my time as a builder and developer. In the last 3 years I have seen how we can reduce the carbon emissions of our homes by 90% by applying know-how (scientifically proven) and modern building materials – all at little or no additional cost compared to building a conventional house. These environment friendly homes are more comfortable and healthier than their contemporaries. Its hard to believe that such a win-win is possible.
I’ve been involved in leading this at a small scale but I can see how effective communication and education can lead to this benefit being enjoyed on a national, international and global scale. In fact, its already happening. So, what impact do I want to have in the world ? I want to be a force for bringing the Passive House standard to a wider audience. I want people to enjoy their lives in comfortable, healthy, environmentally friendly homes that enhance their quality of life.
This will mean challenging the status quo. Challenging expectations of what can be achieved. It will also mean enlightening people and setting new basic standards of living. When I am no longer of this world I would like to be remembered as someone who was a force for good. Someone who was generous. Someone who had a positive impact on the lives of the people that he met. Someone who lived a life of integrity and service. Someone who cared for his family and friends and the wider community and showed as much in how he lived.