Issue 04 September 2024  Read time: 34 minutes Abstract The buildings that we design, build and occupy can be evaluated and benchmarked with regard to sustainable design, construction and performance outcomes. This sustainable building rating ...

Wood products are a staple of the construction sector, and are important in delivering environmentally preferable projects. However the sustainability of many wood products remains difficult to assess.  This note overviews key issues and considers ...

This note was prepared by Robert McGregor of the Tasmanian Branch of the Australian Solar Energy Society (AuSES). It outlines the appropriate detailing for Tasmania’s cool temperate climate, and covers cold bridging, reverse brick veneer, ...

This note was reviewed and approved for currency in November 2018. While architects and planners don’t seek to disadvantage communities, the incremental impacts of the way towns and cities are designed is having exactly that effect when it comes to ...

This note has been written to show firstly, where lighting design fits into the overall sustainability context, and secondly, to show how lighting design forms an integral part of that sustainable context. It does not detail design techniques or ...

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 ...

A summary update has been provided for this note in June 2023. This summary reflects updates to this topic on the National Construction Code 2022 bushfire protection provisions. The climate is changing. In the past decade Australia has experienced ...

Regular data collection of a building's energy and water use provides building owners/operators with a real understanding and insight into the actual operation of their buildings. Building owners can then use this knowledge to achieve a range of ...

The CSIRO's Energy Centre at Newcastle has many innovative energy saving and renewable energy generation systems.  The Centre explores new methods of using a mix of natural ventilation and low-energy air conditioning to provide comfortable ...

This note follows on from the note: The environmental impact of building materials. It outlines Australian and international responses to materials sustainability, reviews what a sustainable material is, and the role of design. It reviews recent ...