Introduction: Resilience Through Systems
Resilience emerges when systems are efficient, productive, appropriate, and interconnected. Rainwater harvesting can serve as a cornerstone for resilient properties, offering sustainable solutions for water supply while integrating seamlessly into broader ecological and infrastructural systems.
At A Green Future, our step-by-step approach to rainwater harvesting design includes:
Goal setting and system planning
Site assessment and calculations
Sizing roofs, gutters, downspouts, storage tanks, filtration systems, and pumps
Special considerations for cold climates
While rooftop rainwater systems are essential, we also encourage homeowners to adopt a holistic view by integrating water harvesting into larger property systems. This includes producing energy, growing food, cycling nutrients, and restoring ecosystems for sustainable and resilient living.
Resilient Systems: A Broader Perspective
Resilience is about thriving amid change and disruption. It goes hand in hand with sustainability and involves creating systems that can adapt while maintaining functionality. Whether it's a home, neighborhood, or city, systems should be designed with resilience in mind by incorporating:
Redundancy: Multiple elements to ensure backup and reliability.
Efficiency: Optimized use of resources and energy.
Productivity: Generating tangible benefits like water, food, or energy.
Interconnectedness: Seamless integration of systems to enhance overall performance.
Designing for Resilience
Rainwater harvesting is more than collecting rain; it’s about designing a property to endure and thrive. For example:
Efficient Design: Properly sized gutters and storage tanks to prevent overflow.
Productive Systems: Using harvested rainwater for irrigation and other needs.
Appropriate Choices: Selecting materials and technologies suited for Calgary’s cold climate.
Interconnected Solutions: Combining rainwater systems with energy generation or nutrient cycling for a self-sustaining property.
At A Green Future, we help homeowners in Calgary move beyond basic rainwater systems to create properties that enhance resilience, sustainability, and long-term security.