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F

Trends of Contemporary Architecture

Faculty of Fine Arts

Department of Architecture

Pre -Masters Degree

Presented by:

Tarek Mohamed Tarek

Presented to:

Dr. Mahmoud Teilab

Dr. Iman Osama

Research about:

- Ecology & Ecolabels

- Ecotourism & Ecolodges

- Ecolodges in Egypt (ADRERE AMELLAL ECOLODGE,

SIWA, EGYPT)

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The people have to learn how to keep on the clean air, pure water, and the preservation of the natural, scenic,

historic and aesthetic values of the environment.

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Echology

Ecology was originally defined in the mid-19th century, when biology was a vastly different discipline than it is today. The original definition is from Ernst Haeckel, who defined ecology as the study of the relationship of organisms with their environment. In the intervening century and a half, other definitions of ecology have been proposed to reflect growth of the discipline, to found new specialties, or to mark out disciplinary territory. Contemporary ecology is undergoing a conceptual upheaval because of increased computational power. (Lecture 1-Introduction to Ecology, Smith and Smith)

Evolution of Definitions of Ecology

Ecology = from the Greek root OIKOS, “at home”, and OLOGY, “the study of”

- Haeckle (1870):

“By ecology we mean the body of knowledge concerning the economy of Nature -theinvestigation of the total relations of the animal to its inorganic and organic environment.”

- Burdon-Sanderson (1890s):

Elevated Ecology to one of the three natural divisions of Biology: Physiology Morphology -Ecology

- Elton (1927):

“Scientific natural history”

- Andrewartha (1961):

“The scientific study of the distribution and abundance of organisms”

- Odum (1963):

“The structure and function of Nature”

(Wikibooks)

A) Oxford Definition of ecology

The branch of biology that deals with the relations of organisms to one another and to their physical surroundings. (Ecology) the political movement concerned with protection of the environment. B) Stanford Definition of ecology The science of ecology studies interactions between individual organisms and their environments, including interactions with both conspecifics and members of other species.

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C) Cary Institue of Ecosystem Studies, Definition of ecology The scientific study of the processes influencing the distribution and abundance of organisms, the interactions among organisms, and the interactions between organisms and the transformation and flux of energy and matter. This definition is unique in that it emphasizes several things:

- A starting focus on organisms, aggregations of organisms, or systems incorporating organisms or their by-products

- The bounding of ecology by both the biological and physical sciences - The relationships between organisms and the physical world can be bidirectional,

although different specialties may emphasize the effect of the organisms (and systems containing them) on the physical world, or the effect of the physical world on the organisms

- The disciplinary focus is on "processes", "interactions" and "relations" rather than on the physical entities per se

(Cary Institue of Ecosystem Studies)

Beyond Fundamental Ecology

Applied Ecology: Using ecological principles to maintain conditions necessary for the continuation of present day life on earth. Industrial Ecology: The design of the industrial infrastructure such that it consists of a series of interlocking "technological ecosystems" interfacing with global natural ecosystems. Industrial ecology takes the pattern and processes of natural ecosystems as a design for sustainability. It represents a shift in paradigm from conquering nature to becoming nature. Ecological Engineering: Unlike industrial ecology, the focus of Ecological Engineering is on the manipulation of natural ecosystems by humans for our purposes, using small amounts of supplemental energy to control systems in which the main energy drives are still coming from non-human sources. It is the design of new ecosystems for human purposes, using the self-organizing principles of natural ecosystems. Ecological Economics: Integrating ecology and economics in such a way that economic and environmental policies are reinforcing rather than mutually destructive. Urban ecology: For ecologists, urban ecology is the study of ecology in urban areas, specifically the relationships, interactions, types and numbers of species found in urban habitats. Also, the design of sustainable cities, urban design programs that incorporate political, infrastructure and economic considerations. Restoration Biology: Application of ecosystem ecology to the restoration of deteriorated landscapes in an attempt to bring it back to its original state as much as possible. Landscape Ecology: It is a relatively new branch of ecology, which employs Global Information Systems. The goal is to predict the responses of different organisms to changes in landscape, to ultimately facilitate ecosystem management. (Cary Institue of Ecosystem Studies)

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Ecologists seek to explain:

- Life processes, interactions and adaptations - The movement of materials and energy through living communities - The succession development of ecosystems, and the abundance and distribution

of organisms and biodiversity in the context of the environment Ecology is a young discipline, with many different branches that originated from disparate sciences such as botany, zoology, forestry, mathematics, engineering, and geography. (Cary Institue of Ecosystem Studies)

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Environmental labels and Ecolabels

Why are environmental labels needed?

Environmental labels can be useful tools in the hands of public procurers and

requisitioners to overcome the organizational practices, not as Green procurement,

which is a powerful tool to support the cause of the environment but, like every other

change, it takes time for it to sink in these difficulties.

Labels have been around for three decades now - the first label, the Blue Angel, was

created in 1978 by the German Federal Ministry for Interiors.

Although labels‟ popularity has been on the rise in recent years - in connection with

growing concerns for environmental deterioration and climate change - many

procurement practitioners are still not familiar with the use of green labels in UN

procurement.

The increasing number and differing quality of environmental labels made a challenge:

the growing popularity of environmentally friendly products has caused the

multiplication of consumer facing logos, with very different levels of reliability,

thoroughness and independence.

The risk of misusing labels, or misinterpreting their quality and features is real.

Difference between environmental labels and ecolabels

In the everyday language, we tend to call “ecolabels”, to all

labels relating to the environment, yet this practice is not

always correct. There are many labels and declarations of

environmental performance. This large and composite family

should be referred to as “environmental labels”; ecolabels are

a sub-group and they respond to special criteria of

comprehensiveness, independence and reliability.

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What is an ecolabel? & what is not?

An ecolabel is basically a label which identifies overall environmental

preference of a product or service based on life-cycle considerations.

It is a tool that helps buyers juggle among a number of products and services, often

accompanied by unverified claims about their supposed ecological advantages, and

recognize those that actually offer a better environmental performance.

The following list considers the essential features that trustworthy ecolabelling schemes

must have:

- Participation in the ecolabelling scheme is voluntary. Ecolabels do not aim at

replacing the existing legislation, but they provide recognition (and a competitive

advantage) to products that achieve higher standards of environmental

protection than the minimum level imposed by law. Therefore, participation in

an ecolabelling scheme cannot be imposed upon suppliers. Procurers and

requisitioners must be aware of this aspect, and never require bidders to register

under an ecolabelling scheme without accepting equivalent means of proof.

- The label should clearly communicate that the awarded product has reached

distinction in environmental performance in comparison to average products in the same category.

- A reliable ecolabelling scheme is based on sound scientific evidence.

Ecolabels are aimed at simplifying the transmission of technical information about environmental performance to the broad public; still, the information upon whom the labels are based must respect stringent, measurable and state-of-the-art scientific data.

- Ecolabels are based on life cycle considerations; this means that all aspects

of the “life” of a product, from design, production, operation and maintenance up to disposal are taken into consideration. Taking into account the whole life cycle of a product helps ensuring that the most advantageous offer is identified, revealing costs of resources use that otherwise may not receive proper attention.

- The certifying scheme should be third-party and independent from the

certified company. The credibility of the certification depends from this. The transparency of the certification process differentiates an ecolabel from an environmental logo or an internal company certification, whose accuracy has not been autonomously assessed.

- The objectivity of the ecolabelling scheme is usually guaranteed by a large

participation of stakeholders in the definition of the environmental criteria. Representatives of industry, government, retailers, consumer and environmental associations are usually involved.

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How do ecolabels work? They are an answer to the growing request from consumers (and recently from procurement professionals as well) to be better informed about the impact on environment and health of the products they buy. Ecolabels provide this complex information in a very straightforward way. From this point of view, ecolabels level an information mismatch on the market. Ecolabels are useful because:

- They allow consumers to make an environmentally friendlier choice without being environmental experts.

- They favour the encounter of demand and supply of green products and services.

- They offer a good marketing opportunity to products that stand out from the others because of their green performance.

- They support innovation, encouraging the diffusion of green products on the market

From the perspective of UN procurement practitioners,

- They facilitate the inclusion of green criteria in public tenders. - They offer a guarantee of impartiality, reliability and scientific accuracy

Which products do ecolabels cover? Ecolabels evaluate environmental performance within specific product categories. This is the only acceptable evaluation, as it would not be possible to compare different products in a scientifically sound way. Furthermore, without the competitive advantage of differentiating a product from similar ones on the market, the incentive for companies to develop greener products would be lost. This means that ecolabels cover mainly product groups where a range of alternatives is available. Ecolabels are normally not available for specialist or innovative products. Some product categories – such as food, appliances, housecleaning products, paper products - are particularly rich of ecolabels. How are ecolabels awarded? The process of certification is rather standardised in every country. Applicants present to the ecolabelling organisation all required technical information on the product they wish to certify, usually paying an initial fee. Sometimes the application fees are differentiated according to the dimension of the firm, or they are lower for applicants from developing countries. In some cases the ecolabelling organisation performs/directs inspections, tests or audits to verify compliance, but some other times the applicant declaration is accepted without further controls.

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Many ecolabelling programmes schemes have jointly formed the Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN) that promotes ecolabelling and facilitates access to information regarding ecolabelling standards from around the world. GEN accepts only applications from well-recognized multiple criteria labels, something that procurement professionals can consider when looking for a reliable ecolabel.

Environmental labels classification The International Standards Organisation (ISO) has classified the existing environmental labels into three main typologies – Type I, II and III - & a fourth group “Type I-like”, have specified the preferential principles and procedures for each one of them.

“Type I-like”, has a verification and certification process similar to that of ecolabels but focuses on single issues instead of considering the whole life cycle. Single issue labels focus specifically on one negative environmental impact, therefore cannot be considered ecolabels. A single issue label can be based on a pass/fail criterion, for example setting a maximum level of energy consumption for electric appliances (like the Energy Star label) or guaranteeing a responsible management of the world forests (like the Forest Stewardship Council); other single issue labels assess the performance of the product on a range, for example grading its energy or water efficiency. Even if the overall environmental relevance of ecolabels is more significant as they consider the whole life cycle of products, reliable and third-party single issue labels can be useful to target specific problems.

Type I – Ecolabels (ISO 14024:1999) This group is the most useful from the point of view of a procurement practitioner. Ecolabels are based on ambitious criteria of environmental quality, and they guarantee that the awarded products respect the highest environmental standard in that market segment. The criteria are usually developed through the involvement of a large number of stakeholders and awarded after an independent process of verification. Ecolabels labels take into account all adverse environmental impacts of a product throughout its life cycle, for example energy and water consumption, emissions, disposal, protection, etc.

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Type II – Self-declared environmental claims (ISO 14021:1999) The labels belonging to this group do not share some of the usual characteristics of environmental labels, the main difference being that they are not awarded by an independent authority. These labels are developed internally by companies, and they can take the form of a declaration, a logo, a commercial, etc. referring to one of the company products. Type III – Environmental impact labels (ISO 14025:2006) Type III labels consist in qualified product information based on life cycle impacts. Environmental parameters are fixed by a qualified third party, then companies compile environmental information into the reporting format and these data are independently verified. The environmental impacts are expressed in a way that makes it very easy to compare different products and sets of parameters, for example for public procurement purposes. This type of environmental labels only shows the objective data, and their evaluation is left to the buyer. Type III labels are found in nine countries only and require exhaustive life-cycle data sheets called “environmental product declarations” (EPD).

Ecolabels and life cycle assessment It is often stated that ecolabels are based on life cycle assessments, or that they consider the negative impacts on the environment at every moment of the life cycle of a product. The concept of life cycle is well established in procurement. For most products, the cost of purchase is only one part of the total cost paid by the organisation though time: products need to be run, maintained and disposed of. Life cycle costing (LCC) is the name of the technique used to establish the real cost of ownership, from purchase through usage and maintenance costs to disposal. It is intimately related to the concept of best value for money. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is the application of the concept of life cycle to environmental impacts such as greenhouse gas emissions, water use, air pollution, use of non-renewable resources, chemical emissions and waste amounts. The international Standards Organisation (ISO) has developed requirements and guidelines also for life cycle assessments (ISO 14044:2006 and 14040:2006). The two concepts of LCC and LCA have a connection, as the reduction of environmental impacts leads usually to economic savings in short to medium term. Life cycle costing techniques contribute to expose the hidden costs of ownership that are too often neglected in favour of the investment costs. Purchased products will consume energy, water and other resources, and even the costs of disposal, that are easily forgotten at the moment of purchase, will have to be paid sooner or later. The purchase of a product with reduced energy consumption or other negative environmental impacts has therefore a justification in economic terms.

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How can ecolabels contribute to calculating life cycle costs? Ecolabels base their certification criteria on the whole life cycle of products. The product criteria, available on the labelling scheme websites, can provide useful data on resources consumption, end-of-life and disposal requirements, etc. This information can be used to calculate life cycle costs. The Energy Star (which is a single issue label focused on energy efficiency) offers an on-line calculator (http://www.eu-energystar.org/en/en_calculator.shtml) that facilitates the inclusion of energy consumption in life cycle costing comparison. Ecolabels are nowadays found globally, including developing countries and countries with economies in transition. Developing countries are increasingly using European ecolabels for their export products destined for the European market. Moreover, there are ecolabel schemes in many developing countries. Procurers may consider the following list of reliable ecolabels. Their balanced geographical distribution can be kept in consideration when exploring local market conditions for green products.

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Ecotourism & Ecolodges Ecotourism It is responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people, is one of the most dynamic segments of the international travel industry. The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) defines ecolodges as including three main components: conservation of neighboring lands, benefits to local communities, and interpretation to both local populations and guests. Ecotourism must also: • Conserve and enhance the environment • Educate and informs the visitor • Support conservation and community-based activities • Sustain the social, cultural and financial well-being of local residents, small businesses and communities. Ecotourism ensures that the natural and cultural heritage is maintained and improved, historic and archaeological resources are protected, and the local economy benefits directly (salaries, jobs, and training) from ecotourism revenues.

Ecolodges They are of particular interest to the sustainable development community, because they are small, medium and micro-enterprises that can generate a variety of positive economic development impacts in highly rural, biodiverse areas, where other types of development underway or under consideration are frequently damaging to the environment. The ecolodge was defined as, “tourism accommodation that responds to the highest standard of sustainable architecture and site planning, including: • Implementing current energy and water conservation technologies • Using local design and construction methods • Practicing responsible waste management measures. The ecolodge should guarantee: • Abolition of hazardous materials • Assessment of life-cycle environmental impacts of all building materials and all operations-related purchases • Qualified guest interpretation programs • Significant contributions to local economic development through fair wage practices and use of local suppliers

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WHO ARE ECOTOURISTS? Free and independent travelers are an important and growing market segment for ecolodges. They are of all ages, with a significant component of middle-aged travelers, and tend to be more highly educated professionals with moderate to high income. WHAT ARE THEY LOOKING FOR? In general, ecotourists choose their destinations first, based on desired activities or attractions, and then choose their accommodations, although a few very successful ecolodges have emerged as a primary reason to travel to a specific destination. Activity Preferences: The most important motivations for travel by ecotourists around the world are to enjoy the natural environment, have an “experiential” vacation, and learn while traveling. There is a particularly high interest in admiring scenery, viewing wildlife, hiking and walking, taking guided interpretive tours, and visiting parks and protected areas. In general, wildlife viewing is the primary attraction for ecotourists. Accommodation Preferences: According to the regional experts, consumers want value for their money, and they want to stay in local, more traditional accommodations if there are no easily identifiable facilities that offer a good alternative. Access to the primary attraction or activity is a key factor in choosing accommodation, as are comfort, quality of interpretive guides, friendly service, small group sizes and pricing.

WHERE ARE ECOLODGES LOCATED? There is a high correlation between the location of ecolodges and nature-based lodges, and that of public and private protected areas or other areas of high biodiversity. The authors of the Ecolodge Footprint and Justification for Biodiversity Conservation study mapped the locations of nature-based lodges in 60 countries. The 60 countries were chosen based on their high concentration of nature-based lodges, their developing (or mature) ecotourism industry, and their location in an area of high biodiversity and/or significant natural attractions.

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WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE IMPACTS? Depending on how they are designed, con¬structed and operated, ecolodges can have wide-ranging positive and negative impacts on the surrounding biodi¬versity and local communities. While a well-designed, well-run lodge can have tremendous benefit for local areas, a poorly planned and run lodge can have seri¬ous negative costs for both the environment and local people. POTENTIAL POSITIVE IMPACTS There are two basic ways in which ecolodges can contribute to conservation and community development: one passive and one active. Passive: The mere presence of accommodations in or near natural settings can provide a crucial component for the growth of nature-based tourism and increase incentives and resources for conserving biodiversity and promoting responsible development in an area. Active: Ecolodges can also make proactive direct financial or other types of contributions, such as providing nature guides, using low-impact construction and renewable energy, creating private reserves or developing community infrastructure. Environmental Benefits: The use of eco-efficiency business approaches and materials, including natural construction materials, environmentally friendly insecticides, composting toilets, renewable resources such as solar energy, and efficient and low-polluting boat engines, can benefit a company’s bottom line by lowering construction and operating costs. Ecolodges are also a good way to promote the use of green architectural design and low-impact construction. Community benefits: Ecolodges and ecotourism can also benefit biodiversity indirectly, by giving local people economic alternatives to encroachment in conservation areas. Financing for community projects, employment, and income-generating opportunities for local people can help foster sustainable sources of livelihood for people who live in geographically remote and agriculturally marginal lands. POTENTIAL NEGATIVE IMPACTS If lodges do not follow the principles and sound practices of ecotourism, they can have negative impacts on biodiversity in the surrounding areas, for example, by taming and keeping wild animals in captivity, dumping untreated sewage, neglecting to recycle or properly dispose of waste materials, wasting energy and water resources, and generating air and noise pollution. In some cases, the failure to include local people may lead to conflict or confrontation within communities. Poor employment and management practices can also damage relations between the business and communities.

In conclusion, there is a need for a strategic approach to support the sustainable growth of the ecolodge industry which can only fulfill its potential if strategic investments are made in cooperation with donors, financiers, advisors, ecolodge operators and a range of other stakeholders.

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Ecotourism in Egypt Egypt is well positioned to offer these ecotourism conditions to the environmentally responsible national and international tourist. It is already a popular 4-season nature tourism destination, particularly to the Red Sea and desert environments. However, the abundance of national parks and natural areas, beautiful coastlines, deserts and mountains, can be enjoyed by many ecotourism segments including: • Hiking and backpacking • Bird watching • Photo safaris • Sea kayaking • Visits to tribal villages • Camel trekking • Wildlife viewing and interpretation • Flora and fauna research • ‘Voluntarism.’ Natural environment in Egypt has become subject to many shapes of deteriorations caused by man, as preserved areas suffer from many phenomena that threaten its safety, such as the presence of preserved natural area within the urban context, this was a result of the unplanned urban activities and its close adherence to these preserved areas, this hazardous situation may threat the safety of preserved areas, which could lead to the loss of an environmental and geological heritage. In addition, those preserved areas have been neglected in the planning, process, as urban planning in Egypt usually neglects the influence of those areas on the main development plan of any city. Thus encouraging some urban expansions to grow around some protected. Ecological travel in Egypt, has now become more than just “green travel,” it is also mindful travel; personally fulfilling, challenging, and enlightening. Eco-travel encompasses a wide range of activities from a cultural visit to a heritage site, to visiting a local Bedouin camp, to exploring a national park. It can be the quiet pleasure of sampling unique foods beneath a desert tent, learning how to make Bedouin coffee, or taking a wilderness adventure like sea kayaking, hiking or bird-watching. No matter where tourists go or how they travel in Egypt, they will have an effect on the environment and the people they encounter. However, traveling conscientiously and staying in responsible accommodation can reduce the negative impacts, and in most cases, can help conserve the environment and preserve local and tribal cultures.

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Ecolodge Development Principles It is increasingly obvious that the resort sector has been making a sincere effort to emulate many of the environmental procedures that have long been integrated into the standard ecolodge. The basic requirements of an ecolodge, including: • Use of local construction materials • Employment of local residents to operate and (in some cases) manage the facility • Integration of water and energy conservation technologies • Participation and involvement with local communities in all aspects of visitor services • A portion of profits returned to community and conservation projects • Wastewater treatment and recycling • Various waste management schemes, including composting and recycling • Fresh food, purchased locally and typically organic. Architectural Layout of Facilities The ecolodge is first and foremost an accommodation facility for visitors to Egypt. It must therefore reflect the basic requirements of an efficient and attractive lodging facility including: • Orientation to the most attractive views (sleeping units, restaurant and common areas) • Easy access between the sleeping units and the services • Private outdoor space (patio, veranda) • Attractive and charming rooms • Spacious and appealing eating area Scale of Development Ecotourism and increasing all types of specialty tourism are characterized by their relatively small group sizes. The ecolodge can exceed 50 units, which is larger than a typical ecolodge, good planning and a proper scale of development can ensure that the client experiences the expected level of privacy and exclusivity that is associated with these types of facilities. Interior Ambience Many aspects of the facility and the associated activities define the visitor experience; however the proponent must demonstrate that the interior spaces have been designed to use a minimal amount of resources while still offering a comfortable environment. These require the following considerations: • Natural lighting through proper placement of windows • Natural ventilation and shading • Attractive views • Visual contact with the surroundings and natural resources

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Architectural Motif The architect must demonstrate a clear effort to reflect the local architecture of the region. This may include all expressions from those of the traditional people (e.g. Ababda in the SRS) to a more regional Egyptian style. The motif will be demonstrated in the facilities materials, colours, scale and textures.

Use of Color Muted earth tones that blend with the local environment and reflect light are the best colours for the Egyptian environment. The use of the local materials (sand, wood, clay) provides an opportunity to maintain a palette of natural colors. Double glazed Glass and Overhangs The Ecolodge would not typically have air-conditioning. Solar powered fans are acceptable. Therefore all efforts must be made to reduce heat gain and maintain a relatively cool interior sleeping unit including having all operable double glazed windows, overhangs and shutters. Efficient Design and Layout The design of the facility must demonstrate energy efficiency even as it concerns the efficient movements of guest and staff as they walk around the site. This includes: • Direct relationship between the sleeping units and the common areas • Efficient connection between the components of the food service area Building Materials Use of Local, Natural Building Materials There are many attractive buildings materials that are readily available in Egypt. They include but are not limited to the following: • Stone and sand • Old coral, particularly from excavation sites • Reeds, cotton, and hemp Not only are these materials attractive but also they eliminating the necessity of such energy intensive materials as concrete and metals. Local Vegetation for Landscaping There will be no imported, ornamental plant materials including grasses shrubs and flowers. Instead the site will be landscaped with only local materials from approximately 100km from the site. The plant list will depend upon the exact location. There are nurseries in Egypt that can provide the appropriate materials.

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Recycled Building Materials Recycled building materials and furniture can be brought from outside the local area. The identification and selection of these recycled materials will require an effort in Egypt however it is possible to find both recycled wood and glass. Wood Wood is a desirable material for an ecolodge and will be a favorite of most architects. It is attractive, natural and is available in Egypt. Wood could be imported from outside but only if it is from a certified sustainable forestry operation. Long-life, Low Maintenance Materials The presentation of the materials list by the proponent must demonstrate that selected materials can be used over several years with replacements kept to a minimum. Construction Techniques and Procedures Contractor Experience The proponent must demonstrate that the selected contractor can respect the specific environmental conditions of working in sensitive sites. This includes: • Understanding how to protect local vegetation and ecosystems • Use of low impact and manual construction techniques • Participation of local labor.

Site Resources Protection Measures The proponent must demonstrate how the sites resources will be protected. This will include: • Fencing areas or zones of special importance • Restricting the construction footprint around the building site • Maintaining only one vehicle access corridor within and around the site • Removing all excavation materials to a designated location (to be approved by TDA) or to an appropriate on-site location for the construction of berms • Completely enclosing all vegetation areas with adequate barriers • Use of manual labor instead of equipment. Simple, Local Building Techniques In the more remote locations of Egypt the labor is only semi-skilled. Therefore in order to use local labor the architect and engineer should favor relatively simple building techniques. This could include • The use of local materials and traditional construction techniques that are known and familiar to the area contractors and laborers • The adaptation of traditional tools to meet the requirements of a modern building

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Low-impact Construction Techniques When possible it is preferable to use manual (including animal e.g. mule, camel) labor over standard equipment. The former requires relatively little energy while the latter burns hydrocarbons, causes air pollution, and compacts the soils. Manual labor can be used to: • Dig and prepare trenches • Move light material around the site (mule and cart) • Prepare and construct all trails • Plant vegetation and construct landforms Site Supervision and Resource Protection All equipment and safeguards used to protect the environment can be useless if there is inadequate site supervision. The proponent must demonstrate that there will be continual site supervision over the duration of the construction period. Furthermore the site supervisors must be introduced to the reason for protecting the site resources. Failure to protect the resources could result in penalties to be paid by the proponent or contractor. Energy Conservation Energy Conservation Measures and the Monitoring Plan A professional Energy Conservation Measures (EMC) and Monitoring Plan must accompany all ecolodge proposals This plan will include but not be limited to: • Renewable energy or co-generation schemes, including wind, thermal, fuel cell, etc. • Energy Management Systems • Energy efficient refrigeration • Real time metering and submetering for establishing load profiles throughout the lodge • High efficiency appliances • Solar Energy Systems • High efficiency thermal water heaters and instantaneous/tank less water heaters • Waste Heat/Energy Recovery Systems (air, steam, etc.) • Ground Source Heat Pumps • Efficient Piping design (steam, water and glycol piping) • Efficient florescent lighting Solar and Photovoltaic Panels Solar energy must be considered an essential component to any ecolodge in Egypt. Solar panels will be used to both heat water as well as generate electricity for select appliances such as fans, lights, and kitchen equipment. The EMC will clearly define the type and use of this solar equipment. Depending on the size of the facility, a small solar plant, using a parabolic dish may be considered. Additionally solar equipment such as cookers and ovens, trail lighting, etc should be considered.

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Thermal Hot Water Heaters Thermal or solar water heaters are the most efficient and natural way of heating water. Each sleeping unit and bathroom must have its individual heater. There are many brands on the market. It is also possible for the contractor to build a system on-site using local labor and recycled materials (bottles, hoses, etc.). This approach may be an interesting model for locals to consider and contribute to the overall decrease of energy consumption. Wind turbines and Other Hybrid Power Sources Coastal areas in Egypt provided an excellent source of wind energy. At least some part of the EMC should consider a small wind turbine, if only for research and/or a demonstration of wind power in a smaller lodging facility. For instance the smaller 3Kw to 5Kw systems could generate most of the electrical requirements of the kitchen.

Insulating Hot Water Pipes All pipes associated with the distribution of water are to be insulated to prevent energy loss. Energy Use Awareness Program For the most part the visitors to an ecolodge are environmentally responsible and eager to contribute to the energy conservation initiatives. Therefore an awareness program will both provide an education on opportunities for energy conservation as well as maintain energy use at a minimum. The program may include but not be limited to the following: • Description of renewable energy sources used in the ecolodge • Available energy consumption for each client • Individual methods to conserve energy while at the ecolodge • Results of sub metering (e.g. by accommodation cluster) on a weekly basis • Energy conservation day Water Conservation and Recycling Water Usage and Conservation Plan The proponent must demonstrate that there will be a water conservation plan in place on the opening of the facility The plan should include but not be limited to: • Specify water conservation planning goals and targets • Description of a Water System Profile • Reuse and recycling plan • Preparation of a Demand Forecast by department (kitchen, accommodation, maintenance) • Description of all Water Conservation Measures • Analysis of benefits and costs to proponent • Implementation ‘Water Strategy and Monitoring Plan’

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Grey Water Treatment and Recycling It is important to match the grey water distribution system to the ecolodge output. There are several possible combinations of benefits and drawbacks to the various systems. A common system is the ‘branched drain’ to mulch basins, planting areas or mini-leach fields. It is inexpensive, reliable and requires continuous downhill slope from the points of grey water generation to the points of irrigation need. It is critical that hard-plumbed lines have proper slope (At least 1/4" per foot). Drip Irrigation Drip irrigation is the slow application of water directly to the plant’s root zone using "drippers", which are also referred to as "emitters". Maintaining an optimum moisture level in the soil at all times results in less water lost to the sun and wind. Select advantages for the ecolodge are: No water is wasted on rocky, non-growth areas • The root zone is maintained at its ideal moisture level, combining the proper balance of water and air for a very efficient irrigation system • Low volume irrigation offers some key advantages and benefits to both ecolodge maintenance staff and owners. • Drip irrigation is the precise and slow delivery water to plants' roots • Drip irrigation flow rates are in liters per hour not per minute, because of the low flow from each emitter • Drip emitters are usually rated at 4-8 liters per hour Drip irrigation will target the vegetation around the ecolodge buildings and that used to create a vegetation screen for adjacent resorts. Water Saving Devices HOUSEKEEPING, MAINTENANCE, AND OPERATIONS There are numerous water saving devices available to the lodge and resort sector including low flow restrictor valves and water saving nozzles. The architectural specifications must identify what type will be used in the ongoing operations GUEST ROOMS There are numerous water saving devices available to the lodge and resort sector including low flow restrictor valves, low flow showerheads and water saving nozzles. The architectural specifications must identify what type will be used in the ongoing operations.

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Waste Management and Recycling Waste Management Plan The proponent must demonstrate that a Waste Management Plan will be in place during the construction and ongoing operation of the ecolodge By proactively managing these wastes, the ecolodge can reduce operating costs, preserve local nature attractions such as coral reefs and beaches, and reduce odors and pest infestations. Resorts typically produce more solid waste than all of the local residents. An effective waste management plan ensure the long-term sustainability of fragile coastal and desert ecosystems and preserve the natural beauty of beaches, coral reefs, deserts and wadis. Waste management plan should demonstrate the following benefits: • Reduced manpower requirements for waste handling and disposal • Reduced haulage and landfill tipping revenue from the sale of recyclables • Protection from insect and rodent infestations • Reduction of fire hazards • Improved community relations • Compliance with government regulations and codes • Reduced odors and improved aesthetics and sanitation • Increased guest satisfaction. Reducing Packaging The proponent must demonstrate that the ecolodge will take particular measures to reduce all packaging including: • Negotiating with suppliers • Encouraging guests to reduce what they bring to the ecolodge • Minimizing the purchase of products with excessive packaging and avoiding Styrofoam packaging altogether • Returning boxes, crates, bottles, and containers to suppliers. Separation and Recycling Program The ecolodge will undertake its own separation and recycling program. Materials will be taken to the nearest recuperation centre, usually as backhaul, using suppliers trucks or the ecolodge vehicles. The following items will be recycled: • Metal • Glass and hard plastics • Paper • Cooking oil • Motor oil

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Life-cycle Audit or Assessment for all Purchased Materials A product or service has environmental impacts throughout its life cycle; both before and long after it is purchased and used. A product’s life cycle includes activities associated with raw material acquisition, product manufacturing, packaging and transportation, product use, and ultimate disposal. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a tool used by hotels and resorts to structure a comprehensive analysis of environmental impacts across a product’s entire life cycle, i.e. "from cradle to grave." Even without a commitment to a formal life cycle analysis program, the ecolodge can still apply life cycle thinking to its purchasing and operations decisions. The Audit examines the most significant • Inputs (i.e. energy, water, raw materials, equipment, supplies, finished goods) • Outputs (i.e. products, product use, and non-product outputs); and • Processes (focusing first on those with the largest inputs or outputs). For each, the proponent must consider the direct impacts of the purchase decisions of the ecolodge and then move “upstream” and “downstream” to look at the impact of the actions of the companies (suppliers, vendors) with whom the ecolodge willl do business. Food and Beverage Fresh Organic Foods and Beverages When possible food and beverages should be local, fresh and organic. The restaurant chef should work with individual farmers, producers and suppliers to ensure that the products are organic.

Purchase Local Vegetables, Meat, Fish, and Poultry Many of the ecolodges in Egypt may be situated in relatively remote locations. It is therefore in the interest of the facility to purchase foods locally. However they may also need to assist the suppliers (farmers, fishers) to ensure that the products will be available when needed. The chef will work with local farmers and fishers to guarantee the guests have the highest quality organic products Food Waste All unused food waste can be picked up daily by villages to feed the goats and other animals. Air Quality Smoking Smoking would only be permitted only outside the ecolodge.

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Windows and Ventilation All windows are operable and oriented for maximum ventilation. Operable windows will ensure that the air is always fresh and the guestroom is always ventilated. Allergen-free Rooms De-ionizers should be used if necessary to eliminate allergens, spores, mold, and bacteria Live Plants Because many ecolodge sites will be sandy or rocky, the rooms may be dusty. Natural indoor plants will be used to trap sand

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Siwa Oasis

It is located in the western desert of Egypt that is blessed with a dense landscape of olive and palm trees, numerous natural springs and salt lakes. Historically, Siwa was an important transit route for trade caravans that wove their way through the desert from the Nile Valley in the east to the Mediterranean port of Cyrene (now in Libya) in the West. Siwa was also home to the Oracle of Amun, which led to its being a religious center for many rulers who flocked to Siwa to consult the Oracle. One renowned visitor was Alexander the Great. In 331 B.C., he visited Siwa, tempted by the fame of the Oracle. One of the mountains near Siwa, known as “Gebel Sekundre,” or “Alexander’s Mountain,” was named after Alexander the Great. Belief has it that, from this mountain, Alexander observed the ravens that guided him to the temple. Owing to its geographical isolation, approximately 560 kilometres from Cairo and 70 kilometres from the Libyan border (see maps in Appendix B), Siwans adopted a unique tribal system that allowed leaders to rule Siwa as an independent territory. It was only in 1977 that Egyptian President Anwar El Sadat built several roads that allowed access from Siwa to other parts of Egypt, in an effort to open up the Oasis to the rest of the World.

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ADRERE AMELLAL ECOLODGE, SIWA EGYPT Adrère Amellal, the renowned eco-lodge, lies 17 kilometres from Siwa City, at the foot of the White Mountain that overlooks the large Salt Lake of Siwa, adjacent to a dense cluster of palm trees. The name of eco-lodge means, in Siwan language (one of the Berber dialects), the “White Mountain.” Adrère Amellal is constructed with natural materials using traditional Siwan building methods and techniques that have a negligible effect on the environment.

In 1997, EQI (Environmental Quality International) acquired 75 acres of palm and olive groves at the foot of a mountain's cliff called Adrère Amellal (White Mountain in the native Siwa Berber language) overlooking Lake Siwa. The eco-lodge has been classified as second on Condé Nast Traveler's Green List of Best Resorts for 2005 and was awarded the 2006 Global Vision Award, 2005 Talents du Lux, 2004 Egyptian Ministry of Tourism, and 1999 British Airways awards in recognition of its activities in defending the cultural, ecological and historical treasures of the traveler’s world. Adrere Amellal provides its tourists with a return-to-nature experience in an ecological and cultural context that maintains the Oasis lifestyle. Adrère Amellal employs about 45 community members in servicing its guests, it also provides approximately 85 Siwans with income-generating opportunities each month in fields such as construction, maintenance, transportation, and other tourism-related roles. In addition, renewed interest in building in the Siwan tradition provides job opportunities for craftsmen. The Siwans came to appreciate their traditional ways of building that they had previously thought were outdated and unnecessarily expensive. As a result, Siwans now proudly use more kershef than concrete in their buildings.

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Traditional Architecture

- Long-established Siwan dwellings are renovated to put forward a real “desertfashion” comfort. The walls of the eco-lodge were built using kershef (Kershef means a mixture of sun dried salt rock and mud in the Siwan language), which helps in maintaining a moderate internal temperature throughout the day and which merges well with the socio-cultural and environmental context of Siwa.

- Ceilings are made of palm beams, while entrances, windows and fixtures are

made of olive wood. The furniture is handmade, with traditional Siwan designs, from natural materials.

- There is no electricity in the eco-lodge; beeswax candles & oil lamps are used at

night for lighting and coal filled braziers are used for heating.

- Uses furniture and fixtures are made of palm trunks and fronds, while carpentry and accessories display a variety of the region's indigenous handicraft

- Employs 100 percent Siwan labor that understand the traditional building

techniques.

- Has a minimal impact on the land

- Includes natural ventilation, which takes advantage of the dry desert climate of the area, has been adopted, thereby ruling out the need for expensive energy and maintenance intensive air conditioning.

- Relies on solar and alternative energies

- Recycle the waste and wastewater it produces. Food prepared at the lodge is organically and predominantly locally grown.

Adrère Amellal consists of traditional Siwan kershef houses that

- Have been restored and reconfigured into 39 rooms, the annex, Tamazid, provides an additional 7 rooms.

- Furnishing is simple, but of the highest quality, drawing exclusively on local material and design to reflect Siwa's rugged spirit.

- Solid waste is recycled: food waste is composted on site, and local residents pick up recyclables.

- Wastewater is first settled in self-contained sedimentation tanks, allowing the liquid to flow through perforated pipes into a wetland

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Organic Meals

- Meals include fresh yogurt, thick date syrup, eggs, local bread, fruit and rich coffee (breakfast) which is served in natural rocky grottos at the base of the mountain.

- Lunch is village style in the palm and olive grove and fed by one of the 230 springs in the area,

- Dinner is by candle light and served in the maze of dining rooms, alcoves and bars, their mud walls studded with chards, or slices, of salt (from nearby salt lakes).

ORGANIC AGRICULTURE AND AGRO-CULINARY PRODUCTION After the eco-lodge was built, it became of paramount importance to involve the entire community, including farmers, in the sustainable development project. They initiated the organic agricultural Initiative. The Initiative aimed at promoting organic farming and discouraging the use of chemicals and pesticides. The project presently provides seasonal jobs to about 30 Siwan women and men in its harvest center and benefits around 70 Siwan farmers. Siwan organic agricultural products are now branded and sold to the local Egyptian market, as well as to the international export markets. Indigenous papyrus plants are grown, to complete the biodegradation and waste reduction process. The wetland is completely sealed from the surrounding environment to avoid any possibility of contamination of surface and ground water resources.

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ART PROJECTS: MAN, EAGLE AND EYE IN THE SKY In November 2003, the art projects were financed by an international group of art advocates, in addition to the Prince Klaus Foundation. The event also allowed world travelers to observe and contribute to the unique cultural heritage of the Siwan community. The first art event in Siwa was in 2003 and included Cai Guo Qiang, an internationally celebrated artist, famous for his creative blend of culture and art, in addition to his remarkable use of gunpowder in art. Over 350 school children participated in the first art project, painting and decorating 600 silk kites in the shapes of eyes, eagles, and men. In 2005, the second art event was organized with the famous Russian artist Ilya Kabakov and his wife designing the project. The project brought students from Manchester, journalists and art reviewers from all over the world and integrated them with the Siwan children in a unified art project. The outcome of this project was a boat built by the students from Manchester, with paintings by the Siwan children.

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Observation The Siwan Initiative has used traditional skills and the creativity of the local community in combination with modern know-how to develop the Siwa Oasis into a new comprehensive business model of sustainable development that could inspire other communities around the world. Key points for success of this Initiative include local community engagement in enterprises, the use and respect for natural assets and culture and connectivity with a world-wide audience that can appreciate and engage in the Initiative. Conclusion

- Siwa is great example of a community that has maintained its traditional character while simultaneously opening to the world.

- The isolation of this city (Siwa) from the civilized cities, & the small numbers of population, were the main factors that they could keep on their old traditions, with the priority of protecting the nature (environment) they have.

- Preventing the usage of electricity , had both sides effects to the ecotourists:

Positively: They could have the experience of living in the Mother Nature, a one hard adventurous life, like ancient times. Negatively: They won’t stay more than a few days, since their daily life depends on using electricity in everything thing.

- The ecotourism for this ecolodge was a great unexpected resource for their daily income, due to the very few resources they had in their daily life before.

- Using kershef as a building material, as it is a brilliant way in using the local available materials, it has a weak point , that it dissolves by water , & it happened once , when the rain fell in 1926 , there was a city , it called ( shelli ) , which almost dissolved due to the water from the rain.

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References

Echology definition

- The two meanings of "ecology"

http://www.jacobweiner.dk/site/Publications_files/2meanings.pdf

- Lecture 1-Introduction to Ecology , Smith and Smith Chapter

http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/civil-and-environmental-engineering/1-018j-

ecology-i-the-earth-system-fall-2009/lecture-notes/MIT1_018JF09_Lec01.pdf

- Cary Institue of Ecosystem Studies

http://www.caryinstitute.org/discover-ecology/definition-ecology

- Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecology

- Wikibooks

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Ecology/Introduction

- Oxford Dictionaries

http://oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/ecology

- Stanford Encyclopedia Of Philosophy

http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/ecology/

Environmental labels and Ecolabels

- A GUIDE TO ENVIRONMENTAL LABELS -for Procurement Practitioners of the

United Nations System

http://www.greeningtheblue.org/sites/default/files/Env%20Labels%20Guide_fi

nal_0.pdf

Ecotourism & Ecolodge

- ECOLODGES:EXPLORING OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS

http://www1.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/961d158048855560b66cf66a6515bb18/

Ecolodge_Publication_full.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=961d15804885556

0b66cf66a6515bb18

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Ecotourism in Egypt

- LIFE Red Sea Project

ENHANCING SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IN THE SOUTHERN RED SEA

REGION OF EGYPT

Part 5: Manual for Ecolodge Planning, Design, and Operation

http://epasp.org/documentation/ENHANCING-SUSTAINABLE/Part5.pdf

- Siwa Sustainable Development Initiative

Prepared by • Tarek Hatem (Egypt)

Sector • Ecotourism

Enterprise Class • Local SME

http://growinginclusivemarkets.org/media/cases/Egypt_Siwa_2008.pdf

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Some Pictures From Adrère Amellal , Siwa :

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