On architects, engineers and the Amy Winehouse principle The Fifth Estate - our view News from the front desk Issue 469: From local councils, state governments and the architecture and engineering professions, there is a new sense of urgent momentum for change. This week… 2
How access to land plus a participation income could change the world Samuel Alexander, University of Melbourne and Alex Baumann, University of Western Sydney We’ve spent enough time criticising our broken system characterised by overconsumption and inequality so here’s a solution that should appeal to both sides of the political divide. 4
Infrastructure Australia steers a sustainable direction It might be a sign of changing times or Romilly Madew’s green pedigree coming through, but climate adaption and response projects topped Infrastructure Australia’s priority list for 2020. Ms Madew,… Infrastructure Australia steers a sustainable direction Poppy Johnston It might be a sign of changing times or Romilly Madew’s green pedigree coming through, but climate adaption and response projects topped Infrastructure Australia’s priority list for 2020. Ms Madew,…
On architects, engineers and the Amy Winehouse principle News from the front desk Issue 469: From local councils, state governments and the architecture and engineering professions, there is a new sense of urgent momentum for change. This week… On architects, engineers and the Amy Winehouse principle The Fifth Estate - our view News from the front desk Issue 469: From local councils, state governments and the architecture and engineering professions, there is a new sense of urgent momentum for change. This week…
Quality concerns still plaguing Sydney’s residential market Sydney home buyers are still wary about the quality of new apartments, with the market for houses bouncing back much faster than the high-volume unit market in Sydney’s western suburbs. Quality concerns still plaguing Sydney’s residential market Poppy Johnston Sydney home buyers are still wary about the quality of new apartments, with the market for houses bouncing back much faster than the high-volume unit market in Sydney’s western suburbs.
How access to land plus a participation income could change the world We’ve spent enough time criticising our broken system characterised by overconsumption and inequality so here’s a solution that should appeal to both sides of the political divide. How access to land plus a participation income could change the world Samuel Alexander, University of Melbourne and Alex Baumann, University of Western Sydney We’ve spent enough time criticising our broken system characterised by overconsumption and inequality so here’s a solution that should appeal to both sides of the political divide.
Why our driest state leads the way on water OXYGEN FILES: South Australian Water is collaborating with Sydney Water, researchers and the NSW Smart Sensing Network on water saving technologies. Funny that the driest place in the country, South Australia, is pretty savvy on H2O. Why our driest state leads the way on water Willow Aliento OXYGEN FILES: South Australian Water is collaborating with Sydney Water, researchers and the NSW Smart Sensing Network on water saving technologies. Funny that the driest place in the country, South Australia, is pretty savvy on H2O.
Infrastructure Australia steers a sustainable direction Poppy Johnston It might be a sign of changing times or Romilly Madew’s green pedigree coming through, but climate adaption and response projects topped Infrastructure Australia’s priority list for 2020. Ms Madew,… 1
On architects, engineers and the Amy Winehouse principle The Fifth Estate - our view News from the front desk Issue 469: From local councils, state governments and the architecture and engineering professions, there is a new sense of urgent momentum for change. This week… 2
Quality concerns still plaguing Sydney’s residential market Poppy Johnston Sydney home buyers are still wary about the quality of new apartments, with the market for houses bouncing back much faster than the high-volume unit market in Sydney’s western suburbs.
How access to land plus a participation income could change the world Samuel Alexander, University of Melbourne and Alex Baumann, University of Western Sydney We’ve spent enough time criticising our broken system characterised by overconsumption and inequality so here’s a solution that should appeal to both sides of the political divide. 4
Why our driest state leads the way on water Willow Aliento OXYGEN FILES: South Australian Water is collaborating with Sydney Water, researchers and the NSW Smart Sensing Network on water saving technologies. Funny that the driest place in the country, South Australia, is pretty savvy on H2O.
ISPT tops NABERS Indoor Environment charts Poppy Johnston Quality air and daylight is no longer a nice-to-have for office workers, according to ISPT’s Alicia Maynard, who says tenants now expect health and wellness in the workplace. Maynard, who…
New digital library helps financiers dig deeper into sustainability Wendy Frew There has been plenty of talk recently about a sea change in attitudes regarding climate-related financial risks but making the business case for sustainable finance isn’t always easy.
Let’s ditch multiple “powder rooms” and return to the days of the thunder box Russell Hall Throne rooms, powder rooms, the WC… let’s talk basics. Australian homes are being built with too many toilets and its wasting precious resources. 6
Lendlease and Monash taking the carbon footprint out of building buildings Poppy Johnston The process of construction – transporting materials, pumping concrete up several floors and trucking away waste – is a source of greenhouse gas emissions that’s often overlooked. 6
A council-owned energy retailer and other big ideas from Victorian councils Poppy Johnston Imagine a renewable energy retailer owned by all Victorian councils that would result in 100 per cent renewable energy for their communities, with profits funding climate change projects by local governments. 1
Is your job to make healthy places in NSW? If so take this survey Sponsored: Professor Nicky Morrison, Western Sydney University It’s been well documented by The Fifth Estate that where you live and work shapes how easy it is to buy healthy food, use active transport, and make social connections. The evidence is clear. But how do we make places that improve the health and wellbeing outcomes for all?
Perth faces a drought of action over water use Stewart Dallas, Greywater & Wastewater Industry Group Perth’s water managers have declared that the city will be a leading “waterwise” city by 2030 but there is a lot of work to do to reach that goal, given that Perth has the second-highest per capita water consumption of any Australian capital city.
Be careful with these claims - however, agree with your sentiments. But referencing the person with the sprained ankle, you never know when physical d…Jane Bringolf on Let’s ditch multiple “powder rooms” and return to the days of the thunder box
Excellent piece. Yes an alternate housing economy with significant benefit to many people makes a lot of sense. -Decentralisation -Self sufficient …Damian Cudmore on How access to land plus a participation income could change the world
To some extent I agree with this; however, when I badly sprained my ankle, not having a toilet on the ground floor was a nightmare; and little kids go…/anne... on Let’s ditch multiple “powder rooms” and return to the days of the thunder box
Excellent article on a number of fronts. -Euphemism, for starters. What’s wrong with Spade=Spade? -Resort Obsession. Why this push for every livin…Damian Cudmore on Let’s ditch multiple “powder rooms” and return to the days of the thunder box
TGL news: How to deal with our waste and who should pay The Waste Contractors and Recyclers Association says worldwide demand for recyclables had plummeted since China’s ban but the cost of processing plastics and other materials has soared because buyers want much lower rates of contamination in the products.
How access to land plus a participation income could change the world Samuel Alexander, University of Melbourne and Alex Baumann, University of Western Sydney 4
Why we must pull financial levers to build for a changing climate Suzanne Toumbourou, Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council
Governance Institute of Australia launches new handbook to help companies disclose climate change risks
Building & Energy Consultants Australia: ESD / Commercial Sustainability Consultant Advertisement Building & Energy Consultants Australia is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced ESD/Commercial Sustainability Consultant.
Jobs and business news: Aurecon; WA government; Arup The Fifth Estate Job ads for housing and construction sectors are still on the decline but are forecasted to pick back up again in line with rising building approvals, according to the latest SEEK employment report.
Jobs and business news: International Living Future Institute; Cbus Property; TCorp The head of Frasers Property Australia’s green energy business, Paolo Bevilacqua, has been named the new vice chair of the International Living Future Institute’s (ILFI) board of directors. Mr Bevilacqua…
A movement that stands up for nature is in growth mode Poppy Johnston Environmental organisations are ramping up their activities in the wake of the recent fires, The Wilderness Society among them. TWS is planning to tap consumer sentiment to choose the right…
Jobs news: Westfield, National Water Grid Authority, GHD and more The Fifth Estate Engineers worried about the state of the job market in Australia will be relieved to know job vacancies are expected to pick up again after they declined in 2019. A…
What’s on the cards for engineering jobs Poppy Johnston MARKET PULSE: A flagging Australian economy saw engineering job vacancies flag in 2019 with NSW hit the hardest.
AECOM: Sustainability and Resilience Consultant Advertisement AECOM seeking a Graduate/Professional level consultant to join their team of diverse, supportive, industry leading professionals.
Fed and NSW gas agreement looks like a load of hot air Willow Aliento OXYGEN FILES: While the rest of the world is turning to biogas to meet energy and environmental requirements, Australia is ramping up production of natural gas.
What will Boris Johnson’s landslide Tory government do about climate change? David Thorpe Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s new Conservative Party is starting to govern the UK this week with 109 new MPs. Many of these are younger people who perhaps never expected to be elected. What action can we expect to protect the climate from this government?
Stockland offering discounted solar installations to residents Residents of Stockland homes may be able to snag a discount on their rooftop solar thanks to a new national scheme recently launched by the developer.
Solar plans not enough to heat up NT’s renewable energy profile The Northern Territory is embarking on a huge investment in solar energy but the government needs to reconsider its fossil fuel plans, and recognise the role its Indigenous people play in controlling carbon.
Massive Melbourne PPA plus other green opportunities Cbus Property, ISPT Property, Fulton Hogan, RMIT University, Deakin University, Citywide Asphalt and Mondelez International have put a collective tender out to 16 energy retailers seeking a renewable energy Power Purchase Agreement.
Government must connect to a renewable future Federal energy minister Angus Taylor has finally called the Council of Australian Governments Energy Council meeting this weekend. Let’s hope the meeting is not in vain.
Not all energy efficiency is equal – so which watt’s worth saving more? How do we make sure our energy efficiency decisions reflect more than just how many watts were saved?
New digital library helps financiers dig deeper into sustainability Wendy Frew There has been plenty of talk recently about a sea change in attitudes regarding climate-related financial risks but making the business case for sustainable finance isn’t always easy.
Green Gigs: Brisbane Metro, energy-efficiency, cycle safety and new silica dust research Willow Aliento Brisbane Metro makes tracks Brisbane is one step closer to joining Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra as low-carbon transport fans, with the $944 million Brisbane Metro project gaining momentum. The tender…
Why we must pull financial levers to build for a changing climate Climate change is expensive business. The recent bushfires are estimated to have cost Australia $100 billion – so far. The big hailstorm that struck NSW and the ACT in January cost around $1.36 billion.
GREEN GIGS: Gov office hunts, cladding help, Tassie eco tourism and renewable rescue Sydney Water TENDERS AND OTHER WORK: There’s something to tantalise all spirits this week in tenders and other Green Gigs, from new office buildings for the government in Melbourne and Adelaide to renewables to help out Sydney Water and a new eco tourism project in lovely Tassie.
New year has some good news and strong challenges for property, says Paolo Bevilacqua New vice chair of International Living Future Paolo Bevilacqua says there is some strong positive optimism around sustainability in the property sector as the year unfolds. But there’s room, too, for more action to match the ambition.
Royal commission spawns a new style of mortgage broker Fed up with the major financial institutions in the wake of the royal commission, Samuel Philipos left his job at one of the big four banks to set up NSW’s “first and only” social enterprise mortgage broking business.
GREEN GIGS: Geelong arts centre, Murray-Darling, Darwin and Geelong farming TENDERS AND OTHER OPPORTUNITIES: Build an arts centre in Geelong and make it sustainable, beautiful, not iconic. 1
Why our driest state leads the way on water Willow Aliento OXYGEN FILES: South Australian Water is collaborating with Sydney Water, researchers and the NSW Smart Sensing Network on water saving technologies. Funny that the driest place in the country, South Australia, is pretty savvy on H2O.
A council-owned energy retailer and other big ideas from Victorian councils Poppy Johnston Imagine a renewable energy retailer owned by all Victorian councils that would result in 100 per cent renewable energy for their communities, with profits funding climate change projects by local governments. 1
Is your job to make healthy places in NSW? If so take this survey It’s been well documented by The Fifth Estate that where you live and work shapes how easy it is to buy healthy food, use active transport, and make social connections. The evidence is clear. But how do we make places that improve the health and wellbeing outcomes for all?
Perth faces a drought of action over water use Perth’s water managers have declared that the city will be a leading “waterwise” city by 2030 but there is a lot of work to do to reach that goal, given that Perth has the second-highest per capita water consumption of any Australian capital city.
Sydney Olympic Park hasn’t lost its edge as a green high achiever Thanks to sustainable foundations at the site of the first ever “green games”, Sydney Olympic Park has managed to achieve a 6 Star Green Star Communities rating.
First National Climate Emergency Summit gathers the big names along with anger, hope and mobilisation Speakers at the first-ever National Climate Emergency Summit came from all walks of life and industries that just a few years ago, you’d have been surprised to see at such an event.
Bushfire rebuild: to rise from the ashes – or not? OXYGEN FILES: Yes, some of the communities devasted by bushfires are in high-risk zones but that’s no reason to not rebuild. We didn’t stop flying, driving or swimming because they are risky, “Instead we manage the risk through the most effective tools available; education, innovation, safety systems, warning systems, engineering, regulation.” 1
Infrastructure Australia steers a sustainable direction Poppy Johnston It might be a sign of changing times or Romilly Madew’s green pedigree coming through, but climate adaption and response projects topped Infrastructure Australia’s priority list for 2020. Ms Madew,… 1
Quality concerns still plaguing Sydney’s residential market Poppy Johnston Sydney home buyers are still wary about the quality of new apartments, with the market for houses bouncing back much faster than the high-volume unit market in Sydney’s western suburbs.
ISPT tops NABERS Indoor Environment charts Quality air and daylight is no longer a nice-to-have for office workers, according to ISPT’s Alicia Maynard, who says tenants now expect health and wellness in the workplace. Maynard, who…
Let’s ditch multiple “powder rooms” and return to the days of the thunder box Throne rooms, powder rooms, the WC… let’s talk basics. Australian homes are being built with too many toilets and its wasting precious resources. 6
Lendlease and Monash taking the carbon footprint out of building buildings The process of construction – transporting materials, pumping concrete up several floors and trucking away waste – is a source of greenhouse gas emissions that’s often overlooked. 6
Sydney Olympic Park hasn’t lost its edge as a green high achiever Thanks to sustainable foundations at the site of the first ever “green games”, Sydney Olympic Park has managed to achieve a 6 Star Green Star Communities rating.
Cost savings of energy efficient buildings not lost on Adelaide tenants Energy prices might be going down in Adelaide but many tenants are still looking for office space with high energy efficiency ratings according to Nick Mavropsi, director, real estate management at Colliers.
On architects, engineers and the Amy Winehouse principle The Fifth Estate - our view News from the front desk Issue 469: From local councils, state governments and the architecture and engineering professions, there is a new sense of urgent momentum for change. This week… 2
How access to land plus a participation income could change the world Samuel Alexander, University of Melbourne and Alex Baumann, University of Western Sydney We’ve spent enough time criticising our broken system characterised by overconsumption and inequality so here’s a solution that should appeal to both sides of the political divide. 4
Let’s ditch multiple “powder rooms” and return to the days of the thunder box Throne rooms, powder rooms, the WC… let’s talk basics. Australian homes are being built with too many toilets and its wasting precious resources. 6
Perth faces a drought of action over water use Perth’s water managers have declared that the city will be a leading “waterwise” city by 2030 but there is a lot of work to do to reach that goal, given that Perth has the second-highest per capita water consumption of any Australian capital city.
Why we must pull financial levers to build for a changing climate Climate change is expensive business. The recent bushfires are estimated to have cost Australia $100 billion – so far. The big hailstorm that struck NSW and the ACT in January cost around $1.36 billion.
On the determination to find blue skies News from the front desk, issue 468: The year started as a beast. It’s still a beast but it’s now creating a fury roaring in another direction, ours.
Europe is shooting for Nearly Zero Energy Buildings; leaving Oz behind The European Union has mandated that all new buildings be NZEBs from the 31st of December 2020. But look at how Aussie’s energy consumption compares. Here’s a hint: not good.
A council-owned energy retailer and other big ideas from Victorian councils Poppy Johnston Imagine a renewable energy retailer owned by all Victorian councils that would result in 100 per cent renewable energy for their communities, with profits funding climate change projects by local governments.
Built environment winners in this year’s Australia Day awards The Fifth Estate The University of Sydney’s leading academic in thermal research, Professor Richard de Dear, has been honoured as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) at the Australia Day Honours awards 2020.
Book review: Ecopiety: Green Media and the Dilemma of Environmental Virtue Poppy Johnston This book dives into what it means to be a consumer at the heart of two conflicting narratives – buying stuff is good for the economy, and consuming resources is bad for the environment.
Book Review: Finding the Heart of the Nation by Thomas Mayor Willow Aliento Finding the Heart of the Nation: The Journey of the Uluru Statement towards Voice, Treaty and Truth is an opportunity to sit in stillness and listen to the voices of the oldest human culture on this planet. 1
New energy performance book should be mandatory reading for architects and policy-makers Architects love to design buildings but how many are taking responsibility for energy performance? A new book published in the UK goes head to head with the facts.
Bren Smith: Eat Like a Fish Many like to call themselves disruptors but Eat Like A Fish author Bren Smith is absolutely not the standard corporate disruptor-type who presents well in a suit.
2040: A Handbook for the Regeneration It can be hard to feel hopeful about the future of life on earth some days, particularly in the current political climate in most English-speaking nations.
A pathway to One Planet cities Our UK based correspondent David Thorpe has written what’s quickly gaining acclaim as a stunning book that offers a holistic solution to the sustainability crisis on our hands… not that we’re biased of course. Here’s our resident book reviewer Willow Aliento’s take.
Problems and Where to Find them by James Murray-Parkes Some books defy easy description or the usual glib reviewer phrases, and Problems and Where to Find them is just such a book. 3
Infrastructure Australia steers a sustainable direction Poppy Johnston It might be a sign of changing times or Romilly Madew’s green pedigree coming through, but climate adaption and response projects topped Infrastructure Australia’s priority list for 2020. Ms Madew,… 1
On architects, engineers and the Amy Winehouse principle The Fifth Estate - our view News from the front desk Issue 469: From local councils, state governments and the architecture and engineering professions, there is a new sense of urgent momentum for change. This week… 2
Quality concerns still plaguing Sydney’s residential market Poppy Johnston Sydney home buyers are still wary about the quality of new apartments, with the market for houses bouncing back much faster than the high-volume unit market in Sydney’s western suburbs.
How access to land plus a participation income could change the world Samuel Alexander, University of Melbourne and Alex Baumann, University of Western Sydney We’ve spent enough time criticising our broken system characterised by overconsumption and inequality so here’s a solution that should appeal to both sides of the political divide. 4
Why our driest state leads the way on water Willow Aliento OXYGEN FILES: South Australian Water is collaborating with Sydney Water, researchers and the NSW Smart Sensing Network on water saving technologies. Funny that the driest place in the country, South Australia, is pretty savvy on H2O.
ISPT tops NABERS Indoor Environment charts Poppy Johnston Quality air and daylight is no longer a nice-to-have for office workers, according to ISPT’s Alicia Maynard, who says tenants now expect health and wellness in the workplace. Maynard, who…
New digital library helps financiers dig deeper into sustainability Wendy Frew There has been plenty of talk recently about a sea change in attitudes regarding climate-related financial risks but making the business case for sustainable finance isn’t always easy.
Let’s ditch multiple “powder rooms” and return to the days of the thunder box Russell Hall Throne rooms, powder rooms, the WC… let’s talk basics. Australian homes are being built with too many toilets and its wasting precious resources. 6
Lendlease and Monash taking the carbon footprint out of building buildings Poppy Johnston The process of construction – transporting materials, pumping concrete up several floors and trucking away waste – is a source of greenhouse gas emissions that’s often overlooked. 6
A council-owned energy retailer and other big ideas from Victorian councils Poppy Johnston Imagine a renewable energy retailer owned by all Victorian councils that would result in 100 per cent renewable energy for their communities, with profits funding climate change projects by local governments. 1
Is your job to make healthy places in NSW? If so take this survey Sponsored: Professor Nicky Morrison, Western Sydney University It’s been well documented by The Fifth Estate that where you live and work shapes how easy it is to buy healthy food, use active transport, and make social connections. The evidence is clear. But how do we make places that improve the health and wellbeing outcomes for all?
Perth faces a drought of action over water use Stewart Dallas, Greywater & Wastewater Industry Group Perth’s water managers have declared that the city will be a leading “waterwise” city by 2030 but there is a lot of work to do to reach that goal, given that Perth has the second-highest per capita water consumption of any Australian capital city.
Building & Energy Consultants Australia: ESD / Commercial Sustainability Consultant Advertisement Building & Energy Consultants Australia is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced ESD/Commercial Sustainability Consultant.
Jobs and business news: Aurecon; WA government; Arup The Fifth Estate Job ads for housing and construction sectors are still on the decline but are forecasted to pick back up again in line with rising building approvals, according to the latest SEEK employment report.
Jobs and business news: International Living Future Institute; Cbus Property; TCorp The head of Frasers Property Australia’s green energy business, Paolo Bevilacqua, has been named the new vice chair of the International Living Future Institute’s (ILFI) board of directors. Mr Bevilacqua…
A movement that stands up for nature is in growth mode Poppy Johnston Environmental organisations are ramping up their activities in the wake of the recent fires, The Wilderness Society among them. TWS is planning to tap consumer sentiment to choose the right…
Jobs news: Westfield, National Water Grid Authority, GHD and more The Fifth Estate Engineers worried about the state of the job market in Australia will be relieved to know job vacancies are expected to pick up again after they declined in 2019. A…
What’s on the cards for engineering jobs Poppy Johnston MARKET PULSE: A flagging Australian economy saw engineering job vacancies flag in 2019 with NSW hit the hardest.
AECOM: Sustainability and Resilience Consultant Advertisement AECOM seeking a Graduate/Professional level consultant to join their team of diverse, supportive, industry leading professionals.
TGL news: How to deal with our waste and who should pay The Waste Contractors and Recyclers Association says worldwide demand for recyclables had plummeted since China’s ban but the cost of processing plastics and other materials has soared because buyers want much lower rates of contamination in the products.
