The E-Base

Following his success in removing 1,500 tons of rubbish from Antarctica, 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.

Since that time 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) Robert Swan pledged to use the E-Base to inspire people to create extraordinary results in preserving our environment.

E-Base Goes Live: 1-18 March 2008

In March 2008, Robert Swan will embark on a pioneering Antarctic project ‘E-Base Goes Live’, where he will rely solely on renewable energy (solar, wind, thermal) for two 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 an interactive website, reporting from the field via exciting daily video dispatches, photographs, 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.