Passive Survivability

Working with Entrepreneurs for Sustainability [E4S] we are well aware of the economic benefits of sustainable systems and buildings. Now comes another benefit -- Passive Survivability. Not only are sustainable buildings an advantage for you economically, they may also help save your life after a severe weather event [cold or hot], a system failure [electric grid or gas pipeline], or a terrorist attack.

Passive survivability works with networks also -- the better your net, the more survivable you, your family, your neighborhood, your region, or your country. The right connections create resilience -- your network does not fall apart in times of failure or trauma. Weaving your network, and those of the groups you belong to, obviously helps economically but it may also make the difference of whether you survive or not.

What's the difference between a person down on their luck and
1) getting help and assistance both formally and informally, or
2) living on the street?

The person living on the street has no connections that care enough to help. The person with connections has passive survivability -- better than an insurance policy!

Where are you in the network continuity mapped above?

An isolate, connected in a small group, or in the "thick of things"?

Originally posted July 17, 2006