Ebases as learning hubs for sustainable living

After Ladakh and Madhya Pradesh, sustainable buildings that serve as models for educational, environmental and energy issues could be opened in various places in the country.
Powered entirely by renewable energy, these educational bases (Ebases), are green buildings open to a range of activities ranging from testing of latest solar technologies to learning about the climate change in different parts of the world by researchers, explorers and adventurers as well as local people.
The initiative is part of apparel and footwear brand Woodland, which is partnering with bodies like Unicef and WWF to build the ebases in eight locations across the country.

"The first two Ebases in the country were commissioned by explorer Robert Swan at Ladakh and in the Pencha Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh. These buildings are made of eco-friendly materials and powered by solar energy," says Managing Director of Woodland, Harkirat Singh.
Singh says the bases, designed to cater to the needs of adventurers and explorers from various parts of the world will also be a repository of information and content that can be accessed by locals living around the bases.
"Ladakh is a hub of adventure explored by foreign tourists as well as Indians. People from all over the world can come and look at the way locals live a sustainable life. At the same time it is also a way for the local people to connect with the outside world," says another official from the company.

Fitted with computers, Internet connections and Wi-Fi enabled, the Ebases are open to the local people "to come and find out about sustainable living options in other parts of the world and on the need to promote renewable energy, preservation and conservation practices."
"The buildings are stocked with books on nature and adventure and all through the year we have various groups coming in to hold workshops and other activities. A project with schools that the WWF is doing has seen participants with students," says Singh.
Singh says his company is open to partnering with other companies for the Ebases.