Art, energy and bicycles

Sometime ago I suggested that it would be a wonderful idea if Wellington looked at the Parisian bike solution.

Well, now London have jumped onto the bandwagon, or should that be bike?

Now we just need dedicated bus lanes (rather than shared). And we might see our transport problems dramatically change like Paris. Of course that would take some courage, but not much more.

Keeping with the London theme, and mindful of our reputation, I wonder if our cities architects will ever consider adding wind turbines into future tower designs? Well, Sydney property developers, keen to reduce the energy consumption of their commercial and residential buildings, wanted too — but a lack of wind meant it was not feasible.

Secure green energy and ample water supply could well be our business destination edge over Sydney.

Lets make it happen!

And speaking of art and creative design. The word is, the mayor has announced that there will be no more funding support for the NZ Art Show. A show estimated to bring 10,000 visitors into our city.

So much for supporting a creative community (and local business)?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2010/jul/18/strata-tower-london-green-architecture, http://www.smh.com.au/environment/energy-smart/windpowered-highrise-living-20100730-10z80.html, http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/jul/29/cycle-hire-scheme-live-updates

Encouraging environmentally sustainable transport

Wellington is full of cafes and restaurants. One wonders how much oil is actually disposed of by all these eateries.

Here’s an idea that is a proven solution from Graz (Austria) that WCC could develop in partnership with businesses. The WCC needs to encourage (and facilitate) the growth of local markets for bio- fuels as a low carbon fuel for Local Authorities and other public sector transport fleets (ie cabs).

Its about leadership and making our public transport enviromentally sustainable.

http://esteast.unep.ch/default.asp?community=est-east&page_id=5A94ED08-0788-405B-8680-C12296ACE3AF

Alternative energy

Solar paint is on its way.

Just think what cost savings could be achieved if Council buildings, community and sports facilities were solar powered.

http:\\news.nationalgeographic.com http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn13424-solarpower-paint-lets-you-generate-as-you-decorate.html http://cleantech.com/news/4094/uk-researchers-simplify-solar-paint