I am an engineer with a professional background in hydrology and hydraulics. Recently, I began working at a new company that is involved in a variety of water conservation projects throughout California. Several of my coworkers have taken permaculture courses. At first, I wrote off permaculture as a bit “fluffy.” However, the more I learned about it, the more interested I became in the concept. So I began watching permaculture videos on YouTube. I finally came across the Verge Permaculture YouTube channel, which is run by Rob Avis. His approach to permaculture and design really resonated with me.
Although I cannot say that I am now a permaculture expert after reading and watching YouTube, I believe I have learned enough to provide a few thoughts on the subject. It took the perspective of another engineer (Rob Avis) to get me on board with permaculture, so maybe I can sway some other civil engineers to start incorporating permaculture principles into their designs.
What is Permaculture?
The Permaculture Design Institute defines permaculture as the practice of “integrating land, resources, people and the environment through mutually beneficial synergies – imitating the no waste, closed-loop systems seen in diverse natural systems.” Permaculture was developed by Bill Mollinson and David Holmgren in Australia during the late 1970s.
When many people think of permaculture, they think of a small farm or a garden. However, permaculture is a way of thinking that seeks to optimize the design of all human environments (not just gardens or farms). In this way, permaculture is more of a mindset than a body of technical knowledge. The permaculture mindset involves bringing together several disciplines (e.g., engineering, horticulture, agriculture, energy) to design environments that build resilience by making food, water, and energy more easily accessible. Rob Avis, the founder of Verge Permaculture, often says “work is a flaw in design.” This means that no matter where you work or live, permaculture is for you! The world needs permaculture-informed designs in every industry whether it be architecture, civil engineering, agriculture, technology, medicine, or even Hollywood/entertainment.
As a civil engineer, it is my job to plan and design infrastructure that makes the world a better place for my community, which means permaculture designers and civil engineers are seeking to achieve very similar goals!
12 Permaculture Principles
As previously mentioned, I would describe permaculture as a mindset rather than a body of independent technical knowledge. As such, it is important to understand the basic principles associated with permaculture. The following list describes the 12 principles of permaculture. These principles were developed by David Holmgren, who is the co-originator of the permaculture concept (along with the late Bill Mollison).
- Observe and Interact – This principle encourages people to take the time to observe a situation before attempting to implement a solution. Learn what you can from your surroundings, nature, and the people in your life.
- Catch and Store Energy – Design your landscape, home, and structures to maximize energy capture. Some examples of applying this principle include growing your own food and passive solar energy.
- Obtain a Yield – This principle means that your system provides benefits. In other words, make sure your work is useful. Do not do work just for the sake of doing work.
- Apply Self-Regulation and Feedback – It is important to evaluate the results of your work. Make an effort to understand what is working well and what is not working well.
- Use and Value Renewables – A common principle in permaculture is that there is abundance in nature. If possible, use the biological and environmental resources in your surroundings.
- Produce No Waste – Permaculture designers make a significant effort to reuse their waste for a beneficial purpose. Some examples of applying this principle include composting your food waste and using greywater to irrigate your landscaping.
- Design from Pattern to Details – This principle illustrates the importance of what is known as “zoning” in the permaculture world. Some examples of zones in a permaculture design would be the home (zone 1) and an herb garden maintained daily (zone 2). This idea of zoning helps keep the designer focused on the big picture rather than getting bogged down in details.
- Integrate Don’t Segregate – This principle involves incorporating elements into your design in a way that promotes community and relationship.
- Use Small, Slow Solutions – This principle involves implementing many small solutions rather than attempting to develop one large solution. In other words, do not take on too much too quickly as you are likely to be overwhelmed.
- Use and Value Diversity – Diversity is advantageous for a well-designed system because it’s “nature’s way of building resilience and ensuring that all of its creatures have an abundance of what they require to keep them healthy and continue the cycle of life.”
- Use Edges and Value the Marginal – The idea is that the interface between two systems is where things become the most interesting.
- Creatively Use and Respond to Change – Change is inevitable. As such, it’s important to design systems for the future.
Although permaculture thinking is not often discussed in the civil engineering world, I believe the permaculture principles listed above generally align well with many engineers’ values (e.g., efficiency, creativity, and usefulness). Based on what I have read/studied about permaculture, it does seem like permaculture designers put more emphasis on smaller gardening and earthworks projects. However, I think there is a huge opportunity for civil engineers, particularly those who specialize in stormwater or landscape architecture, to apply permaculture principles to their projects in a cost-effective way.
In many places throughout California, there is funding available for water conservation projects. Building projects that include permaculture-type elements such as rainwater harvesting, infiltration stormwater BMPs, and greywater reuse will make California communities more drought resilient.
Permaculture Design Certification Course (PDC)
A Permaculture Design Certification Course (PDC) is a 72-hour course that covers a specific curriculum. The certificate earned at such a course is internationally-recognized. Many people have found PDCs to be a life-changing experience. Unfortunately, these courses are often very expensive and require students to take time off of work. So is it worth it?
Based on my research, I would say taking an official PDC is worth it if you are actively involved in a permaculture project or want to start a permaculture business. There are PDC teachers who admit most of the content presented in their classes is freely available online and in inexpensive books. The true value of a PDC course is the coaching from experienced permaculture designers.
If you cannot afford an expensive permaculture class, it might be worth looking into classes available at your local community college. Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, California offers an Introduction to Permaculture class through the Horticulture Department.
Can you scale permaculture?
Many people criticize the idea of permaculture because it is difficult to scale. I do believe that permaculture’s strength lies in small to medium-size projects that encourage community. However, I do believe that it is possible to apply permaculture principles on a large scale. For example, there are cities such as Portland, San Diego, and Los Angeles that allow their waste haulers to compost food waste from restaurants and hotels. Another example of large-scale permaculture is a regional stormwater best management practices (BMPs) that allow urban runoff to recharge groundwater. In a similar vein, stormwater capture and reuse can be another example of a large-scale practice that incorporates permaculture principles.