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 and BASIX. This Note provides an introductory review of the energy use and climate and resource impacts ...

This is one of three companion papers taken from a study that assesses the comparative costs of urban redevelopment with the costs of greenfield development. The first paper, The costs of urban sprawl – infrastructure and transportation, shows that ...

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 ...

Sustainable water systems will meet water service needs at the lowest cost to society and with the lowest environmental impact through maximising water use efficiency first, then maximising water use effectiveness, optimally matching the quality of ...

This note was reviewed and retained for legacy in August 2018. In hot arid climates, cooling is the dominant need in order to attain comfort. In this paper, architect Emilis Prelgauskas highlights the natural forces (wind, solar gain, moisture) that ...

This note was reviewed and retained for legacy in November 2018 in the context of its publication date, with the qualification that some references and examples are now superseded. This paper builds an argument that is developed more fully in the ...

This note was reviewed in September 2018 and has been retained for legacy. This article describes the upgrade of an existing government building, 55 St Andrews Place in Melbourne’s Treasury Reserve, utilising an unconventional design process and ...

Innovation in ventilation systems is becoming an increasingly popular and targeted topic of architectural discourse. Architects, consultants and contractors are introducing new products and proposing new systems, subject to client requests for an ...

This note was reviewed and approved for currency in November 2018. The design of the Prasad house renovation evolved from a fusion of the owners’ commitment to green design, the needs of the occupants, and a staged experimental approach to ...

This note, originally published in 1997, was reviewed by John Gelder in October 2002. This Note reviews a number of issues which arise out of consideration of the natural environment and human health, and which affect the content of National Master ...