Peter Harper trained in biology and worked in the civil and university sectors, mostly in the UK (he is British) but also in Japan, the USA, Australia and Iran – where he became particularly interested in the use of thermal mass to modulate the internal environment in buildings.
He originated the concept of ‘Alternative Technology’ and was able to explore its applications during a long tenure at the Centre for Alternative Technology, an environmental NGO in Wales. Eventually the notion evolved into a ‘meta-industrial principle’ where a low-tech/low-energy/low-emission base (such as earth) is complemented with ‘industrial vitamins’ (such as wiring) to guarantee functionality while minimising environmental impacts.
He was part of team that produced the Zero-Carbon Britain reports, showing the steps required to achieve what is now a national target, without major changes of lifestyle. It can be done. The UK government has now adopted a similar approach, albeit ten years later.
Net Zero cannot be achieved without carbon sequestration, and a recent line of enquiry is whether massive buildings can be used to sequester carbon. They can, but perhaps not enough to make a serious difference. Much scope for further discussion.
Peter Harper is now based at the University of Bath and teaches environmental sustainability. Along with colleagues at Bath, he is currently organising a series of workshops around the theme of ‘fault-lines’, major schisms in the sustainability movement that prevent resolute action.