The benefits of green roofs have been well documented over the last twenty years and yet their implementation in Australia has been slower than in other developed countries. This paper goes beyond the EDG introductory paper DES 53: Roof and Facade ...

Environmental design is in the broadest sense, the human response to the understanding that we are a part of our environment. This is the design realisation that ecology matters.  This area of human endeavour has undergone a rapid transformation in ...

Although sustaining biodiversity features in the environment policies of BDP members, few EDG notes have addressed the issue directly, yet buildings and associated structures can have a very direct impact on wildlife. Birds are perhaps the best ...

This note outlines a framework to appraise the extent and quality of native vegetation, and identify significant habitats at strategic regional and local levels, namely a Vegetation and Habitat Strategic Framework. The cornerstone of the framework ...

Through the theme Repair, diverse approaches to the repair of environmental, social and cultural issues were presented at the Australian Pavilion for the 2018 Venice Architecture Biennale. This paper discusses three of the exhibited projects, ...

The impetus for this note largely derives from both authors' recent experiences presenting the 'Best Practices in Lighting' seminar series in mid 2004.  Many attendees raised concerns about not having sufficient basic knowledge of lighting (and in ...

This note was reviewed and approved for currency in September 2018.  The use of double-skin facades has increased significantly over the last 10 to 15 years, primarily due to the benefits attributed to them in regard to increased energy efficiency ...

This note was reviewed and approved for currency in November 2018. This note was prepared by Detlev Geard of the Tasmanian Branch of the Australian Solar Energy Society (AuSES). It makes recommendations as to the application of thermal mass in ...

Read time: 29 minutes All buildings should provide a durable enclosure, thermally comfortable interior, good indoor air quality and energy-efficient operation. These measures can largely be met through an airtight building envelope with adequate ...

Water heating accounts for around a quarter of household energy use in Australia. Low-energy water heating systems can reduce energy used for heating water by 60 to 80 per cent – or more – depending on the system type and location. This paper ...