A sustainability expert who built one of the world's first off-grid inner-city homes is selling his property and moving to a remote coastal location, citing fears of societal collapse due to climate change within three to five years.
Michael Mobbs, 69, a former environmental lawyer, converted his 19th-century Sydney terrace in Chippendale into a self-sufficient home in 1996. The four-bedroom property, purchased for A$23,500 in 1978 and now valued at A$2.2 million, saves a family of four less than A$300 (about £160) annually in water and energy bills, compared to typical costs of around A$3,500 (£1,900).
The home operates entirely off-grid: solar panels and battery storage provide electricity; rainwater is filtered and stored in an underground tank for drinking; and an aerated waste treatment system recycles all grey and blackwater, with no raw sewage leaving the premises in 23 years. The property also features two resident chickens and edible verge gardens.
Mobbs is partnering with Fairweather Homes and 24 Hour Solar Power to build a prototype prefabricated, bushfire-proof, fully sustainable home using recycled materials, due for completion in December. He plans to relocate to either south-west Western Australia or Bermagui on the New South Wales south coast, chosen for their tree cover and rainfall.
The sale has been challenging, as Mobbs seeks a buyer who will maintain the home's eco-friendly features and continue Saturday morning house tours that have attracted 30,000 visitors. He has yet to acquire the coastal land for his new home.
