Pooran Desai, founder of BioRegional

Nearly 100 people filled the main chamber at Pelham House, on Sunday night to hear leading environmentalist Pooran Desai speak about a new opportunity for Lewes — 'One Planet Living'.

Pooran had been invited to speak by Lewes Matters, who share the concern of many that developments such as the plans proposed for the Phoenix Industrial Estate, will not incorporate the principles of energy conservation and sustainability that are now available and realistic.

Pooran’s talk described how mankind in general has been consuming far more than the Earth can sustain. In Britain, an eco-footprinting study by WWF shows we would need three planets (and as many as four in SE England!) to sustain our current levels of consumption.

Pooran is co-founder of BioRegional, whose development arm BioRegional Quintain is building many large sites, throughout the UK and in other parts of the world, that incorporate OPL principles with stringent targets for CO2 & waste emissions.
Pooran told the audience it would be possible to reduce our 'footprint' by half, just by changing our own lifestyles. Giving up cars where possible and joining a car-sharing scheme was, he said, the most effective way to reduce carbon emission. This had the side-effect of improving relationships and helping to make people happier. Next best, he said, was to eat locally produced food with minimal packaging.

He went on to describe how Lewes could pioneer flagship eco-building at the 'Phoenix Quarter' site using energy-saving principles to create a 'One Planet Living' development. At the same time the Lewes community could work together to face future resource shortages while saving money.

BioRegional has expressed an interest in the Phoenix site. Pooran said the main factor necessary for future-friendly developments were developers with the right kind of vision together with a supportive Council and Planners.

Councillor John Webber, who attended the talk, said he would take the message back to the other Town and District Councillors.

It is time for each one of us to stand up and be counted in the struggle to keep our planet habitable. So what can you do?

The Local Development Framework is now at the public consultation stage. This will dictate the way Lewes develops over the immediate and medium term future. Crucial years for our town.

Local Authorities across the UK are now adopting “One Planet Living” as a key development strategy.

If you believe that the time for Lewes to join these visionary Councils is now, please visit lewesmatters.co.uk website and sign our petition (coming soon).