Sustainable Living: dHomes' Commitment to the Environment

At dHome, we believe that caring for displaced individuals and caring for the environment are not mutually exclusive; they are deeply interconnected. As we strive to provide dignified and supportive housing for displaced people, we also commit to minimising our ecological footprint. Our approach to sustainable living encompasses the materials we use for our village domes, our food and energy sources, and our 'leave no trace' policy. Through our commitments, we aim to position dHome as an ethical, moral, and conscious force for good in both the displaced sector and the fragile ecology of our planet.

Sustainable Materials for Village Domes

The foundation of our villages lies in the innovative design and construction of our geodesic domes. These domes are built using sustainable materials that are not only durable and cost-effective but also incur minimal environmental impact. We prioritise the use of recycled and recyclable materials to reduce waste and resource consumption. The geodesic structure itself is energy-efficient, providing superior insulation and stability with minimal material usage, by design. The components used are CE and ISO certified, and the structures tested and certified by structural engineers.

Furthermore, we take steps wherever possible to select suppliers and materials that are 'Made in Britian' to reduce the inherent production and delivery carbon footprints.

Eco-Friendly Food Sources

Food sustainability is a core component of our community living model. Each dHome village includes communal gardens where residents can grow an appropriate selection of their own vegetables. The gardens not only provide fresh, nutritious food but also promote a sense of responsibility and connection to the environment. Residents work together to tend the gardens, learning valuable skills in sustainable agriculture and fostering a sense of community. Since boredom is an ingredient for discontent, we believe that community gardens will contribute, amongst other activities, toward meaningful occupation and focus.

In addition to the gardens, our food and beverage domes prioritise sourcing locally produced, organic food. By reducing reliance on imported and processed foods, we minimise our carbon impact and support local economies. Communal cooking and shared meals further enhance this sustainable approach, reducing waste and encouraging healthy, balanced diets.

Renewable Energy Solutions

Energy sustainability is another key focus for dHome. Our villages are designed to harness renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and potentially wind turbines, to meet energy needs. By integrating renewable energy into our village infrastructure, we significantly lower our carbon emissions and promote environmental stewardship. This aspect of the village infrastructure supports our policy for minimal load on external resources, and trends toward self-sufficiency in each village.

In addition to renewable energy generation, our domes are equipped with energy-efficient appliances and systems to minimise consumption.

'Leave No Trace' Policy

One of the most significant aspects of dHomes’ environmental commitment is our 'Leave No Trace' policy. Our villages are designed to be temporary and easily relocatable, ensuring that we can set up and dismantle them with minimal impact on the land. When the time arrives to re-locate to a new location, we restore the original site to its natural state, leaving no permanent structures or ecological damage behind. By minimising our environmental footprint we aim that our presence is respectful and considerate to the locale itself.

A Force for Good

dHomes' commitment to sustainability goes beyond providing temporary shelter; it’s about creating a holistic model that respects both people and the planet. By using sustainable materials, promoting eco-friendly food sources, harnessing renewable energy, and adhering to our 'leave no trace' policy, we aim to embody some of the principles of ethical and moral social responsibility. Why wouldn't we! Our vision of a better and more susstainable future starts here. With us.

As we build our first Hamlet and future Villages, we remain dedicated to these values, striving to be a conscious force for good in the displaced sector and the broader environmental landscape. Together, we can create a sustainable future that honours our shared responsibility to care for one another and the world we inhabit.

As a 'not for profit' Community Interest organisation, our focus remains on the important issues that are humanitarian and environment focused. [ PLEASE NOTE: Some components within this article represent dHomes' plans and activities currently in the pipeline. Some of the elements herein represent "where we're heading" more accurately than where we are already. - There is yet much to be done! ]