Building Biology and Ecology Institute

Here's a great initiative, using organic waste and junk technology to create biochar to replenish the soil and capture carbon.

Country Life: Turning brewery gunk and forest junk into something good for the soil Waste hops from a Wellington brewery, cotton offcuts from a New Zealand clothing brand and forestry slash are being turned into so-called "black gold" at a kiln in the heart of the Akatarawa Valley.

The BBE Certificate in Ecological Building and Design is open for 2026 enrolments.

Are you interested in more sustainable, healthy and harmonious buildings? Study online and learn about assessing buildings for health and sustainability, harmonious building and site design, natural building materials, renewable energy and sustainable water use for your own home or your design or building career. It can even suit those pursuing a health career. This course can be taken by students outside of New Zealand.

Intake 1: starts 2 February
Intake 2: starts 6 April
Intake 3: starts 8 June
Intake 4: starts 10 August
Intake 5: starts 12 October

For more information go to:

Certificate in Ecological Building & Design — Building Biology and Ecology InstituteCertificate in Ecological Building & DesignCertificate in Ecological Building & Design This online study programme covers the fundamental concepts of healthy, ecologically regenerative and harmonious building design. The course is designed to challenge and change the way we live and work in the world and nurture a respect for living in harmony with the natural environment. It is a New...

Something powerful is building this November. Join the EBANZ Natural Building Conference 2025 for 3 days of earth building workshops, talks, house tours, and connection. Whether you're a professional or just starting out, this is the place to be for all things natural building. Register now: www.earthbuilding.org.nz/conference

"Parametric architecture is an algorithm-driven design process where features are shaped by parameters and rules that define relationships between design intent and response, allowing for dynamic, complex, and customized solutions."

A positive use of algorithms and an interesting relationship using computers to create organic forms. Check out the other amazing structures. Jørn Utzon, who designed the Sydney Opera house would have been in his element!

How's this for regenerative!

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a groundbreaking 3D-printed living material made of hydrogel infused with cyanobacteria—microorganisms capable of photosynthesis.

These bacteria absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere and convert it into biomass and carbonate minerals (like limestone) when provided with calcium and magnesium.

This process not only removes CO₂ from the air but also strengthens the material over time.

In a 400-day experiment, the material stored about 26 mg of CO₂ per gram, outperforming many other natural carbon-capturing systems.

Importantly, even after the bacteria stop growing, the mineralization process continues, ensuring long-term carbon storage and structural reinforcement.

The researchers envision using this technology for self-healing, carbon-sequestering building facades, turning buildings into active, eco-friendly carbon sinks.

Time to redesign your garden?

👉 How to Become Self-Sufficient on ¼ Acre (or less)... http://www.ecosnippets.com/self-sufficient-backyard/

Here's to finding more places to put in solar panels, in Switzerland they are putting them between railway tracks!

Sun-Ways, from vision to reality Proof of concept September 2023

An earth building workshop in the South Island later this year. For more information on Earth Building go to: https://www.earthbuilding.org.nz/

Some innovative research into a way of making solar panels flexible to fit more organic shapes or to optimise orientation to the sun.

https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2025/02/solar-solutions-bio-inspired-approach-creates-bespoke-photovoltaics?fbclid=IwY2xjawJvkLVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFHdzNYc3JGbkdBR0FUdmV5AR7f3hw2_XTGPqA7euRage9UUQoP8E7m6w_EfUEhmCm9Epxw5mLDxj_IRwnkEw_aem_FV9izr464n2jmvqqFBT7BA

Solar solutions: Bio-inspired approach creates bespoke photovoltaics | Cornell Chronicle An interdisciplinary team of Cornell researchers is developing HelioSkin, an aesthetically appealing solar-collection fabric that is inspired by the biological mechanisms that enable plants to bend toward the sun.

Technology and biomimicry together helping the world ... https://www.livingseawalls.com.au/design

In an innovative effort to rejuvenate marine ecosystems, Sydney has introduced 3D-printed "living seawalls" that emulate natural shoreline habitats such as rock pools and mangroves. These structures offer essential refuges for marine species like kelp, crustaceans, and fish, enhancing biodiversity in urban coastal areas. Traditional seawalls, characterized by their flat surfaces, often fail to support diverse marine life.

By integrating these textured panels, studies have observed a 30% to 40% increase in species variety compared to untreated sections, with over 90 species utilizing the enhanced habitats. Notably, filter feeders such as oysters and barnacles colonize these panels within months, contributing to improved water quality in environments like Sydney Harbour. This eco-engineering approach not only bolsters marine biodiversity but also strengthens coastal resilience against environmental challenges.

The BBE Certificate in Ecological Building and Design is open for 2025 enrolments. Are you ready to learn more about healthy and sustainable building? Intake dates are:

Intake 1: starts 3 February
Intake 2: starts 7 April
Intake 3: starts 9 June
Intake 4: starts 11 August
Intake 5: starts 13 October

Certificate in Ecological Building & Design — Building Biology and Ecology InstituteCertificate in Ecological Building & DesignCertificate in Ecological Building & Design This online study programme covers the fundamental concepts of healthy, ecologically regenerative and harmonious building design. The course is designed to challenge and change the way we live and work in the world and nurture a respect for living in harmony with the natural environment. It is a New...