Human endeavour is about converting our own energies into systems that will satisfy the needs of a particular community. We are a highly technological society and rely on many of these systems in every aspect of our life. The plug in type energy that most households have come to expect is reticulated power, water sewerage and waste disposal. Some of these systems we can unplug ourselves from, and at Living Waters we will expect residents to provide their own water by using rainwater tanks, and from the development's own internal water supply, which comes from reliable sources on the common property. By unplugging ourselves from the mindless conventional sewerage systems - both reticulated and septic tanks that don't work - through the use of dry composting toilets, we not only save thousands of litres of water from contamination, and further treatment, but the by-product is a valuable resource of vermicultured human waste - a valuable addition to the land.

Most Australians desire a house of their own, and many would like the option of designing that home. The use of well designed, appropriate building materials will create a comfortable living space with minimum maintenance or cost. Rammed earth, mud brick and straw bale use timber as a feature, not wasted hidden in the structure. Using passive solar design to minimise heat gain in summer, and maximise it in winter, fuel costs are reduced, comfort increased, and the Earth tread that little bit more lightly.

Clay bricks and tiles have to be fired using non-renewable sources of fuel, and transported at great cost to all concerned. Even more costly in environmental terms are steel, aluminium and concrete. It is hard to build without using some of these materials, but they can be used judiciously and to good effect. Glass for example is very costly, and no-one has come up with a good alternative, it can be used to enhance solar radiation, but can waste energy if inappropriately placed.

Considered design can save thousands in construction, and reduce impact on the environment, both in materials used and ongoing energy consumption.

A domestic power supply has become an essential requirement of 21st century living. Photovoltaic panels with large battery banks are expensive, non-renewable, and limiting. We believe that with the advent of "Smart Meters" we can have our cake and eat it too! They enable solar power collected from panels to feed straight into the grid, doing away with batteries and inverters. Power is available when needed, usually when the sun isn't shining! With conscientious use of power, and an array of panels, it will be possible to become net exporters to the grid!

Clustering of dwellings, using small packages of land enables us to save energy in the "connectedness" of the community, both to the world without and within. This then allows land to be used for other common purposes such as dams, gardens, forests, and recreation, creating a whole that is greater than the sum of the parts - a total energy gain!