Following his success in removing 1,500 tons of rubbish from Antarctica and with the foresight and support of the Russian Antarctic Division, Robert Swan stood at the Bellingshausen Russian base on King George Island looking down on the beach that had been cleaned. From that moment he believed that an education station in Antarctica, where the world could see the beauty of this incredible continent, would inspire and educate people around the world about climate change and play a crucial role in promoting renewable energy, preservation and conservation for future generations.
Following many years of partnering with Dr Lukin and his team at AARI, Robert has taken over 20 teachers from different nations to Antarctica and they in turn have created the 2041 curriculum to inspire and educate young people and bring Antarctica back to the classroom. The 2008 ‘E-Base Goes Live’ project will also create educational dispatches from the field that will demonstrate renewable energy and sustainable living in one of the harshest environments on earth.
The E-Base is a sustainable green building operated in an environmental and resource efficient manner. The materials which were very carefully selected include recycled and renewable resources. It is believed that a cornerstone of sustainable design is to retain as many resources as possible within a community however, there are no building materials produced or indigenous supplies available in Antarctica. All of the building materials chosen are sustainable products and include, structurally insulated panels from WinterPanel, 100 percent post consumer recycled rubber interior flooring from EcoSurfaces and an energy star watertight blanket with low VOCs for the roof and siding from Metacrylics.
During the ceremonial opening of the E-Base in February 2007 (coinciding with the International Polar Year), and with the co-operation of the Russian Antarctic Division, Robert Swan pledged to use the E-Base to inspire people to create extraordinary results in preserving our environment.
“Here at our 2041 E-Base we are using green, innovative and sustainable materials and applying them to the cleanest, coldest place on earth. The E-Base will serve as a model globally and locally.”
E-Base Goes Live
In March 2008, Robert Swan will embark on a pioneering Antarctic project ‘E-Base Goes Live’, where he will live solely off renewable energy (solar, wind, thermal) for 2 weeks at the newly launched E-Base in Bellingshausen on King George Island, which is Antarctica’s first dedicated educational base. Robert will share his daily experiences with the world through a cutting-edge interactive website, reporting from the field via exciting daily video dispatches, photographs and live text and video chats. Robert and the 2041 team aim to bring the message of preserving Antarctica, promoting sustainable lifestyles and combating climate change to a wider web audience, including business, universities and schools around the globe, the media and greater public.
The realization of the E-Base has been made possible due to the experience and support of the Russian Antarctic Division. It has been their generosity towards Robert and 2041 has allowed many people to witness Antarctica and join our mission in preserving its future.
