Build it back green

'Build it back Green' is a green initiative pioneered by Green Cross Australia that proposes rebuilding homes, schools and buildings in effected by the Victorian bushfires sustainably through great design, materials, appliances and renewable energy sources. The GBCA is supporting Green Cross Australia in pioneering this initiative.

The February 2009 bushfires in Victoria were vicious. At least 170 people perished, more than 500 were injured, and 100 burn victims were admitted to hospitals around the State.

The bushfires destroyed more than 2,000 homes and 3,500 structures in total. Thousands more were damaged. Entire towns have been destroyed, and over 7,500 people have been left homeless.

Although no individual extreme weather event can be said to be directly attributed to climate change, scientists warn that increasing human induced greenhouse emissions are causing the planet to warm. And they are predicting a pattern of more frequent and more severe significant weather events as a result.

The insurance industry is closely measuring emerging extreme weather trends because higher risks of occurrence have a large impact on the insurance industry worldwide. Insurers are indeed starting to log increasing severe weather trends.

Flowerdale's rebuilding challenge

Like never before, Australia's politicians, businesses and communities have given generously and committed to a major rebuilding effort in response to Black Saturday.

Flowerdale is an inspiring example of a Victorian community pulling together to rebuild their lives, homes, community centres and schools in a more sustainable way.

Follow their journey through emergency relief and recovery to establishing temporary housing while they build the community back green on the HelpFlowerdaleNow Blogspot and fantastic Flickr photostream.

Similar rebuilding efforts are occurring right around the world in the aftermath of big storms, fires and floods. For example, did you know that:

• Hurricane Katrina redevelopment involves rebuilding between 87,000 and 125,000 housing units
• During Cyclone Larry in Innesfail up to 10,000 houses were damaged
• In Brisbane's recent urban storm at The Gap, 145,000 houses and businesses lost power, 10,000 SES calls were made, 4,000 houses were damaged, and 30 were destroyed.
• Greensburg Kansas is rebuilding green after being hit by a tornado. Watch their progress on YouTube.

Learn more about 'Build it back green'.