Sustainable island living

Caring about the environment and actually doing something meaningful about it - so it benefits people and planet, whilst still maintaining profit - can sometimes seem daunting. One only has to turn on the television, surf the internet or read the associated literature and the flood gates are opened with so many areas and facets to consider. Notwithstanding this, sustainable living in small island developing states, particularly in Antigua & Barbuda, doesn’t have to be such a difficult undertaking. In fact, it’s much easier than one might have previously considered. In fact, the Antiguan, unique way of living is already based on sustainability. So many aspects play into what other countries may now consider for their minimum green building features, such as the vernacular use of the country’s traditional architecture - which still influences modern structures today – and the use of locally available rapid renewable materials such as wattle and locally manufactured primary building blocks.

Thanks to the topography, there is fresh, natural ventilation almost everywhere on the islands, an abundance of beautiful beaches with turquoise waters, low-density living even in city centres, easy access to fresh fruits and vegetables, and the ocean which fosters a biophilic connection with nature.

To prevent damage from natural disasters, a resilient building design is utilised as well as high-pitch roofs, passive features which help to reduce reliance on air conditioning, and the mandatory accommodation of potable water storage. Nowhere is truly far to buy local, and in comparison to most other places where long distances are needed for transportation, as a smallisland nation, Antigua & Barbuda has a minimal carbon footprint. But why drive when there’s an option of taking a cool ride on a bicycle or making a weekend hike to meet the friendly local people to experience phenomenal views in the countryside? There is no doubt Antigua & Barbuda has so much to offer. Thanks to the topography, there is fresh, natural ventilation almost everywhere on the islands, an abundance of beautiful beaches with turquoise waters, low-density living even in city centres, easy access to fresh fruits and vegetables, and the ocean which fosters a biophilic connection with nature. To top it off, there is almost constant sunshine and relatively stable temperatures all year round, providing an enormous opportunity for renewable energy.

By Colin J. Jenkins, CJC + Associates Inc