Bilfinger Berger Magazine 2/2008

LIVELY NEIGHBORHOODS
Australian trees don’t shed their leaves, but every autumn those dropped by the European sycamore trees on Butler Grove in Melbourne threaten the nearby stream: If too many leaves are swept in, the waterborne organisms are choked. That’s why the neighbors rake up the leaves and deposit them in communal compost bins or use them as garden mulch—one of many initiatives on “Sustainability Street.” All across Australia, residents living on around 200 such “Sustainability Streets” have been getting together to put ecologically sound solutions into practice, by installing solar systems, insulating their houses or using energy saving appliances. “But the biggest problem in Australia is the water shortage,” explains Robyn Woodward- Kron (in the red V-neck sweater). That’s why she collects rainwater to flush the toilet. Other neighbors save the water from their showers to water their gardens. “The social side is important, too,” Robyn continues. When Suzie Hafey moved onto the street a few months ago, the neighbors invited her to a garden party with beer and homegrown vegetables. Before too long Suzie wants to return the favor, to celebrate the arrival of Max: The youngest resident on Butler Grove is just four weeks old.

Text: Bernd Hauser, Photo: Michael Amendolia
Bilfinger Berger Magazine 2/2008