Eco-Living in Dominica: An Interview With Richard Newton, Director of Green Building Systems

Category: Dominica Created on Thursday, 09 February 2012 04:50 Written by Terri Henry

solar panels in school
With the diminishing resources of fossil fuels and high energy prices many people around the world are looking towards renewable energy sources. Similarly there is a small but gradually increasing trend towards green building techniques which can range from LEED certified skyscrapers to humble eco-cottages. One man in Dominica who is at the forefront of the green revolution is Richard Newton, a green building and renewable energy specialist. I was intrigued at the scope of his work and went to meet him on site at a project he is currently working on – a 25 solar panel electricity system for the Community High School just outside of Roseau Dominica. Here is our interview:

Terri Henry: Hi Richard, lovely to meet you. Can you explain what is currently happening at the Community High School in Roseau?

Richard Newton: Well right now I am working on this project managed by Sustainable Earth and installing 25 solar panels on the roof of the school and wiring up the various components to make it a workable system capable of generating electricity. The solar panels feed electricity into the breaker box which then transfers it to the charge controller and then battery. From the batteries the current runs through an inverter to make the direct current into AC 240 which can then be used by the school. It’s taken about 2 weeks and is almost complete.

TH: It sounds very impressive, technical and a positive move for the school. Is this the type of project you always work on? Can you tell us more about the work you do?

RN: This project is not my own. Most of the time I work on my own business ‘Green Building Systems’ We create natural buildings, renewable energy system design and installations and renewable energy electrical and plumbing installations.

TH: How did you get into this business?

RN: I started working at 3 Rivers Eco Lodge over 9 years ago. At that time I knew very little about this way of life and my eyes were wide open to it all. There I learned many different techniques to harness renewable energy and the cost cutting techniques of being green. I embraced it totally and in 2006 I took a short course in St Vincent. 2 years ago I decided to work independently to explore the vision I had for creating more natural buildings with renewable energy. I love this work; it is my way of life.

TH: So your house is all natural too?

RN: Definitely! My own home is made totally from local untreated wood – even the roof. I also use organic methods to grow food in the garden.

TH: Tell us more about the types of buildings you create.

RN: I specialize in tree houses made from local wood, bamboo and vertiver. I use natural resources in a sustainable way. The last few houses I’ve built are between 10ft x 15ft and 25ft x 30ft. I can create natural roofs too with bamboo and wood but I find most people still like galvanize roofing.

TH: What would something like that cost?

RN: Well the 25ft x 30ft would cost about EC$130,000 which would include all materials and labour.

TH: And you also do grey water systems?

RN: Yes. I install the entire plumbing system for grey water with grease traps, black water systems with septic tank. I have to do the whole concept rather than parts because it is an integrated design. These systems effectively recycle and reuse water around the house. They are hygienic and avoid unnecessary waste of water which is a precious resource.

TH: And what renewable energy systems do you do?

RN: I can install solar, hydro and wind systems. If a person is interested in a renewable energy system we have to go on-site to assess what would be the best method for them. If a person has a river close-by we can’t just get any hydro power kit. We have to study the river, take measurements and compare the flow during wet and dry seasons. I make sure that we get the exact right system so there are no problems further into the future. With solar we look at the path of the sun and optimal placing of the panels or tank. I can install both solar hot water heaters and solar electrical systems. Wind systems are also valuable in certain parts of the island. It is totally possible to be self sufficient in energy needs in Dominica and the rest of the Caribbean. The systems may be costly to set-up initially but they give you back the money within a few years and then you have free energy.

TH: So basically you can create an entire green building start to finish?

RN: Yes definitely. When someone asks me to do a project I am very thorough. I will do a site visit where we will plan out the site according to planning laws and environmental health restrictions. I map out the entire landscape and make a design based on what the customer wants and the regulations before it goes to the planning department. I know that when I do things the right way the customer has no headaches and no fear that they will not get what they want.

TH: So what has been the response so far to your new business?

RN: Well those who have experienced my work are very satisfied. But honestly I have to say that very few local people are interested. Most of them are looking for block houses with mains electricity and water systems. It is hard to get people to understand the need to be more environmentally aware. Most of my buildings and installations so far have been for foreigners moving here who want to embrace a totally natural lifestyle. I encourage people to be aware of what will happen in the future and start building in the right way now.

TH: So how is business for you now and what are your future plans?

RN: Right now I see my business growing. As soon as I finish with this solar installation I have another project to build a large wooden home and other contracts keep coming in. I’ve been at this for 2 years and only now am I starting with marketing by creating my business cards and getting the word out a little more. I have about 7 people that work with me who all really understand this concept. My nephew working with me on this job has just completed an electrical engineering program in Trinidad. I eventually want to have an office from which the business can be effectively managed.

I love this work and being in the field on projects. I’m not the kind of guy who wants to relax, I love to build. I want to be at the forefront of renewable energy and green design and also spread the word to others. I’ll be happy to teach and train others and encourage them to start new businesses. I just want to see this industry growing and people getting to live more naturally. The motto of my business is ‘We love our island, we build natural.’

TH: Do you have any training courses planned in the near future?

RN: I am involved in a variety of training workshops at 3 Rivers that are being taught once a month starting from March 3rd. [More information can be found at http://www.3riversdominica.com/eco_life__greenday.php]

TH: Thank-you so much for this inspiring interview Richard and I wish you all the best. I’m saving your business card for when I am ready to build my own eco-house!

Richard Newton is the Director of Green Building Systems in Dominica and can be contacted at (767) 265 5446 or 612 6439 or by email greenbuildingdominica (at) gmail (dot) com

The solar electrical system being installed at the Community High School in Roseau is part of the schools commitment to promoting sustainable ways of living. The school specializes in agricultural science training and has a small farm with livestock on the property. As well as being a cost-cutting venture, the solar electrical system will be used as a teaching tool for students learning about renewable energy systems and a practical example for them and their parents of alternative methods of generating energy. The system was funded by the United Nations Small Grants Program. For more information contact the school at (767) 448 2344.