Kevin McCloud uses web interactivity to shape sustainable development event

Story published 4.11.08

How can we encourage people to share space and property so that they can lead a more sustainable lifestyle? That is the question posed to construction and sustainability professionals by Kevin McCloud, TV presenter and design guru, on a new internet discussion forum set up to provoke debate in advance of a major sustainable development event next month.

Kevin McCloud, who is participating in the One Planet One Day event in London on December 3rd, is one of several high-profile speakers taking part in a series of public pre-event online debates which will be used to shape and inform discussions on the day. Topics being debated online include retrofitting existing homes to zero carbon, and helping developers to see the long term value in sustainable construction.

BioRegional, the sustainability experts hosting One Planet One Day, wanted to try a new approach of combining online interactivity with a real-life event. According to Sue Riddlestone, BioRegional’s Executive Director, "this new approach provides a unique chance to learn from and question those involved in delivering cutting edge sustainability projects, by influencing the debate before the event and posing questions for the speakers to respond to."

Kevin McCloud is certainly enthusiastic about using online debate to inform the real-life event. As he puts it: "Most of these types of events are dull and dry – I know that One Planet One Day will be about awakening the imagination."

The One Planet One Day discussion forum can be found at: http://opal.bioregional.com/
and BioRegional would encourage everyone interested in building sustainable communities and lifestyles to get involved.

The main conference website is www.oneplanetoneday.co.uk