On how Google and AI could get smarter than smart The Fifth Estate – our view At a Sydney dinner this week, a few people started shooting the breeze, wondering what the bright new world of technology and data mining would bring and how it will change our worlds. As you do.
The case for passive homes as a national standard Nick Lane, Passive Place The energy policies and building standards that govern our homes need to keep us comfortable and limit global warming. Passive house, a rigorous building standard for ultra-low energy buildings, ticks these boxes. 14
Romilly Madew – the exit interview When Madew took over the Green Building Council of Australia 13 years ago it was a fledgling thing. Big idea but the journey was still tamping around the base. Romilly Madew – the exit interview Tina Perinotto When Madew took over the Green Building Council of Australia 13 years ago it was a fledgling thing. Big idea but the journey was still tamping around the base.
Australia’s sustainable finance transition simmering below the surface The European Union has had a bit of a head start on Australia on greening its financial services sector. Australia’s sustainable finance transition simmering below the surface Poppy Johnston The European Union has had a bit of a head start on Australia on greening its financial services sector.
We used to have deep rivers and expansive wetlands – now we’ve got a water crisis Water has been a topic at the top of mind all summer, but beyond the headlines around mismanagement of the Murray Darling, threats to the Great Artesian Basin, dramatic flood photos and Sydney desalination plant being switched on are some issues that cut to the crux of how we live in this country. We used to have deep rivers and expansive wetlands – now we’ve got a water crisis Willow Aliento - Oxygen Files Water has been a topic at the top of mind all summer, but beyond the headlines around mismanagement of the Murray Darling, threats to the Great Artesian Basin, dramatic flood photos and Sydney desalination plant being switched on are some issues that cut to the crux of how we live in this country.
The case for passive homes as a national standard The energy policies and building standards that govern our homes need to keep us comfortable and limit global warming. Passive house, a rigorous building standard for ultra-low energy buildings, ticks these boxes. The case for passive homes as a national standard Nick Lane, Passive Place The energy policies and building standards that govern our homes need to keep us comfortable and limit global warming. Passive house, a rigorous building standard for ultra-low energy buildings, ticks these boxes.
We need all hands on deck to restore trust in the building industry Government and industry to take joint responsibility and act together to restore trust in the building industry. We need all hands on deck to restore trust in the building industry Richard Choy, NATSPEC Government and industry to take joint responsibility and act together to restore trust in the building industry.
On how Google and AI could get smarter than smart The Fifth Estate – our view At a Sydney dinner this week, a few people started shooting the breeze, wondering what the bright new world of technology and data mining would bring and how it will change our worlds. As you do.
Romilly Madew – the exit interview Tina Perinotto When Madew took over the Green Building Council of Australia 13 years ago it was a fledgling thing. Big idea but the journey was still tamping around the base.
Australia’s sustainable finance transition simmering below the surface Poppy Johnston The European Union has had a bit of a head start on Australia on greening its financial services sector.
We used to have deep rivers and expansive wetlands – now we’ve got a water crisis Willow Aliento - Oxygen Files Water has been a topic at the top of mind all summer, but beyond the headlines around mismanagement of the Murray Darling, threats to the Great Artesian Basin, dramatic flood photos and Sydney desalination plant being switched on are some issues that cut to the crux of how we live in this country.
The case for passive homes as a national standard Nick Lane, Passive Place The energy policies and building standards that govern our homes need to keep us comfortable and limit global warming. Passive house, a rigorous building standard for ultra-low energy buildings, ticks these boxes. 14
We need all hands on deck to restore trust in the building industry Richard Choy, NATSPEC Government and industry to take joint responsibility and act together to restore trust in the building industry.
The future of farming is up in the air David Thorpe Food that’s grown in the air instead of soil could soon appear on plates in Britain and other parts of the world. A new investment deal worth $1.8 million to… 1
Bamboo, hempcrete, recycled plastic and aggregates: welcome to the new eco-building materials David Thorpe The market for environmentally sound building materials is changing. If you think bamboo can just be used to grow beans up in your garden, think again. 2
How Sydney is getting its night time mojo back Poppy Johnston Sydney’s nightlife has suffered dreadful and high profile setbacks after the lockout laws came into play, but the NSW government and councils are now pulling out all stops to revive it. Integral to this campaign is reorienting the night time economy so that it’s about more than just drinking and nightclubbing. 1
Better energy performance in homes gets green light from ministers Willow Aliento One bright note from last week’s Building Ministers Forum was an agreement to progress work to increase the energy performance requirements for residential construction under the National Construction Code for the planned 2022 iteration. 6
This lopsided lurch towards better buildings: do we have progress or slowgress? Willow Aliento NSW, we think, is the standout on taking action on dodgy building, but for the rest of the nation…we’re still waiting. 2
Demolishing the arguments against stronger energy performance Suzanne Toumbourou, ASBEC In this stifling summer, we’ve just had a welcome breath of fresh air on energy efficiency. Energy ministers from across Australia have approved a set of recommendations to increase minimum standards for energy performance in new buildings. 3
Is the Chau Chak Wing Museum playing feng shui games with the University of Sydney? Michael Paton It may not be intentional, but both the feng shui uninitiated and experts of the theory seem to agree that the Chau Chak Wing Museum building will have a negative impact on the energy of the iconic Sydney university campus. 3
On why avocados are looking so good The Fifth Estate – our view Passive House as a methodology of construction is about to break out of its boutique box in residential and hit the broader market sectors.
Air tightness in buildings does not exclude openable windows. It allows occupants to choose if they want to shut the building from the ambient environ…joseph cheung on Better energy performance in homes gets green light from ministers
When I moved to Australia in 2012 I estimated Australia was only 30 years behind some of the European Countries in terms of energy efficiency. With th…John O'Sullivan on Better energy performance in homes gets green light from ministers
Study in the Netherlands showing Passive House standard is less robust than other standards in the dimensions of overheating and CO2 emissions. htt…Lawrence on The case for passive homes as a national standard
I'm mindful that discussions about what is the best low-zero energy housing standard can get "pointy" very quickly! But in an attempt to offend the le…sid 2.0 on The case for passive homes as a national standard
Universities and government agencies nationally discover the defit option The combination of commercial removal and storage services with an environmentally and cost effective furniture management program is an attractive proposition for large corporate entities, government departments and universities.
350 hopes to Accelerate an end to climate change Georgia Roach International non-profit 350.org premiered its feature length climate film in Sydney yesterday. The crowd-funded Accelerate shown at the Australian Museum aims to inspire ordinary people into action against fossil fuel by showing change is possible.
Waste crusade wins First State Super top CitySwitch award Poppy Johnston First State Super’s first-ever “war on waste” challenge to teach staff to curb office waste has won the not-for-profit superannuation fund the Signatory of the Year (over 2000 square metres) award at this year’s National CitySwitch Awards.
Thrive hub’s Dominique Hes moving on to further work in modern custodianship Dr Dominque Hes is on a new journey after moving on from the University of Melbourne’s Thrive hub where she has been director for four years. Dr Hes is now in…
Parry-Husbands’ Pollinate expands to Melbourne The Fifth Estate Strategic research consultancy Pollinate has opened a new office in Melbourne and appointed Allan Dib as managing director of the branch as the strategic consultancy continues to grow to meet…
Our pick of the jobs The Fifth Estate Global real estate services firm JLL is seeking a sustainability manager to work on its NSW property portfolio, based in Sydney. The Woollahra Municipal Council need a senior sustainability officer…
NABERS: Project Officer Advertisement This is a rare opportunity to work in a State Government – funded role, on a program with a national reach.
Development Victoria lock down Angela Skandarajah The Fifth Estate Angela Skandarajah is set to head up Development Victoria as the new chief executive officer. She was appointed to the position after acting in the role for 10 months. Ms Skandarajah…
New registrar for NSW Architects Registration Board The Fifth Estate Dr Kirsten Orr has been appointed as registrar of the NSW Architects Registration Board. She was previously professor of architecture and dean of school in the School of Technology, Environments…
Woods Bagot snag international transport star The Fifth Estate Paul Rea has taken on the role as Woods Bagot’s Australia regional leader, rail. Mr Rea’s architecture career spans more than 25 years and includes a number of high-profile rail and…
GHD vies for energy leadership with new recruit The Fifth Estate Professional services firm GHD is adding to capability in renewable energy with the appointment of transmission and distribution specialist Nalin Pahalawatta. Mr Pahalawatta has worked at TransGrid, Australian Energy Market…
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Supply Chain Sustainability School of Australia: Chief Executive Officer Advertisement The Australian Supply Chain Sustainability School, a growing for-purpose organisation, recognises that the market for a more environmentally and socially conscious construction sector is larger than ever. Established in 2015,… 1
Our pick of the jobs and some observations on the jobs market and sustainability jobs from councils Poppy Johnston It’s just a sneaking suspicion but The Fifth Estate thinks there’s been an uptick in the number of sustainability-related positions being advertised by local councils.
Chief Executive Officer: Green Building Council of Australia via People for Purpose Advertisement This is a unique opportunity to drive the transformation of Australia’s built environment to be more healthy, productive and sustainable.
GBCA: Senior Manager- Strategic Projects Advertisement This role offers a unique opportunity to be a key player in delivering on the future direction of the GBCA.
Tim Flannery returns The Fifth Estate Tim Flannery, who headed the Climate Commission when it was controversially axed by former PM Tony Abbott, is back in Australia and in a new climate change role at the…
GBCA: Manager – Market Engagement Advertisement Do you love to work in a role with purpose and enjoy growing your network? Do you want to work with a team who engage nationally with development and sustainability teams as well as engineers, architects, construction and property professionals?
Australia’s wicked energy problem and creative ways to solve it Alan Pears, RMIT University The moving feast that is energy policy continues to bemuse, frustrate and confuse on many fronts.
How cool is cool when it’s natural? National Energy Efficiency Council Sponsored: National Energy Efficiency Conference 2018 Given that the most energy efficient building is one that uses no energy at all, then the star studded Naturally Cool session at the National Energy Efficiency Conference, looks like it just might create new aspirational thinking in “cool” for buildings – in both senses of the word. 3
ICG secures CEFC’s biggest-ever renewables equity investment The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) has committed its largest ever equity investment to the Australian Renewables Income Fund (ARIF) in order to attract more institutional investors to the fast-growing sector.
Dexus signs up to seven years of Snowy Hydro energy Snowy Hydro-owned Red Energy will provide off-site renewable energy to more than 40 Dexus buildings in New South Wales through a new deal signed today (Thursday).
Behaviour rises up the ranks of efficiency trends Human nature and behaviour patterns are increasingly coming to the fore in managing energy efficiency for commercial buildings in particular. Now Johnson Controls has released a report showing it’s a rising trend.
Aged Care portfolio on solar and LED blitz One of Australia’s biggest energy efficiency programs in the energy-intensive aged care sector is underway, with Verdia outfitting 54 Opal Aged Care properties on the easter seaboard with LED lights and solar panels.
Enliten: a formula for an energy transition for Australia General frustration with the largely negative debate in Australia around a clean energy transition has inspired industry expert Jonathan Jutsen to develop a formula for a way forward. He’s interested in collaboration.
Romilly Madew – the exit interview Tina Perinotto When Madew took over the Green Building Council of Australia 13 years ago it was a fledgling thing. Big idea but the journey was still tamping around the base.
Australia’s sustainable finance transition simmering below the surface Poppy Johnston The European Union has had a bit of a head start on Australia on greening its financial services sector.
The future of farming is up in the air Food that’s grown in the air instead of soil could soon appear on plates in Britain and other parts of the world. A new investment deal worth $1.8 million to… 1
Demolishing the arguments against stronger energy performance In this stifling summer, we’ve just had a welcome breath of fresh air on energy efficiency. Energy ministers from across Australia have approved a set of recommendations to increase minimum standards for energy performance in new buildings. 3
Passive House appoints CEO and spreads its wings, beyond residential The Australian Passive House Association’s first chief executive appointment is a signal that this particular way of building highly sustainable houses is about to move to a wider patch, beyond… 5
New app and soaring demand for Office Hub There’s a new app on the way that could shake up the office rental market and residential sales markets alike, but the soaring demand for Office Hub services probably signal things are not all good in corporate land. 2
Robin Mellon stepping down from Supply Chain Sustainability School Robin Mellon, who is chief executive officer of the Supply Chain Sustainability School, always said he’d be in the job two to three years. So after three years in the role he’s decided to step down. 1
We used to have deep rivers and expansive wetlands – now we’ve got a water crisis Willow Aliento - Oxygen Files Water has been a topic at the top of mind all summer, but beyond the headlines around mismanagement of the Murray Darling, threats to the Great Artesian Basin, dramatic flood photos and Sydney desalination plant being switched on are some issues that cut to the crux of how we live in this country.
How Sydney is getting its night time mojo back Poppy Johnston Sydney’s nightlife has suffered dreadful and high profile setbacks after the lockout laws came into play, but the NSW government and councils are now pulling out all stops to revive it. Integral to this campaign is reorienting the night time economy so that it’s about more than just drinking and nightclubbing. 1
Greening message starting to penetrate the cities agenda When the 202020 Vision started in 2013, it set out to achieve 20 per cent canopy cover in Australia’s urban areas by 2020.
Mike Brown: Our urban democracy is broken, time for a Governator? A medieval disdain for evidence… fetid swamps of arrogant stupidity, up from which deranged buffoons now bubble up to be leaders. 2
Celebrity activism ramps up with a call for the pope to go vegan if he wants to save he planet. Thanks to “ Million Vegan” First celebrity couple Beyoncé and Jay Z showed their support for veganism, promising a lifetime supply of free tickets to fans who adopted a plant-based lifestyle. 1
Ten years ago, climate adaptation research was gaining steam. Today, it’s gutted Ten years ago, on February 7, 2009, I sat down in my apartment in central Melbourne to write a job application. All of the blinds were down, and the windows tightly closed. Outside it was 47?. We had no air conditioning. The heat seeped through the walls.
Australians want a say in their communities Australians cherish their neighbourhoods and want a say in how their communities evolve. Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Cities Anthony Albanese believes he has a way to make that happen. 3
The case for passive homes as a national standard Nick Lane, Passive Place The energy policies and building standards that govern our homes need to keep us comfortable and limit global warming. Passive house, a rigorous building standard for ultra-low energy buildings, ticks these boxes. 14
We need all hands on deck to restore trust in the building industry Richard Choy, NATSPEC Government and industry to take joint responsibility and act together to restore trust in the building industry.
Bamboo, hempcrete, recycled plastic and aggregates: welcome to the new eco-building materials The market for environmentally sound building materials is changing. If you think bamboo can just be used to grow beans up in your garden, think again. 2
Better energy performance in homes gets green light from ministers One bright note from last week’s Building Ministers Forum was an agreement to progress work to increase the energy performance requirements for residential construction under the National Construction Code for the planned 2022 iteration. 6
This lopsided lurch towards better buildings: do we have progress or slowgress? NSW, we think, is the standout on taking action on dodgy building, but for the rest of the nation…we’re still waiting. 2
Why the construction industry is underperforming, and what to do about it Clients and their consultants are at the front of the bus, in a broken industry. 3
Low income renters can expect to keep paying higher bills and suffer the consequences as bill is defeated There are many logical and economic reasons to support better energy efficiency in housing especially for low income housing where standards sometimes verge on the appalling, but no, the government says no again.
On how Google and AI could get smarter than smart The Fifth Estate – our view At a Sydney dinner this week, a few people started shooting the breeze, wondering what the bright new world of technology and data mining would bring and how it will change our worlds. As you do.
The case for passive homes as a national standard Nick Lane, Passive Place The energy policies and building standards that govern our homes need to keep us comfortable and limit global warming. Passive house, a rigorous building standard for ultra-low energy buildings, ticks these boxes. 14
We need all hands on deck to restore trust in the building industry Government and industry to take joint responsibility and act together to restore trust in the building industry.
Demolishing the arguments against stronger energy performance In this stifling summer, we’ve just had a welcome breath of fresh air on energy efficiency. Energy ministers from across Australia have approved a set of recommendations to increase minimum standards for energy performance in new buildings. 3
On why avocados are looking so good Passive House as a methodology of construction is about to break out of its boutique box in residential and hit the broader market sectors.
On how to rewrite the political landscape with bi-partisan support for climate action, now underway There’s fresh blood stepping into sustainability positions and the new entrants will come in with vigour. It’s always welcomed with open arms. 2
Dumb buildings won’t make for very smart cities Hobart recently unveiled a “smart bin” trial that could see bins deployed across the city that can advise when they’re full and need emptying outside of the normal schedule. 1
The sustainable summer reading list Willow Aliento Here’s our list of (mostly) relaxing yet educational books to pack into your suitcase this Christmas break. Happy reading.
Tomorrowland 2018 – the ebook The Fifth Estate The Fifth Estate is immensely proud to bring you our latest ebook, Tomorrowland: the urban agenda, based on our Tomorrowland 2018 signature event. 4
No Place Like Home – repairing Australia’s housing crisis BOOK REVIEW: Regular readers of The Fifth Estate who have been following our coverage of housing issues – around affordability, sustainability, homelessness and urban planning are going to love this book.
Jellyfish, capitalism and trees: Perspectives on the human-earth relationship Climate change is not a binary issue of believe or don’t believe, whether it is examined from the perspective of the economic system, disruptions in the marine environment, or the impact on trees. 1
Fiction: For the Greater Good Carolita was hurrying down the path to her apartment when she was intercepted by her neighbour. “Oh! They’ve cut me off for the rest of the month! I went O-D…
Book review: The Long Goodbye – coal, coral and Australia’s climate deadlock Diving into The Long Goodbye, a Quarterly Essay by Anna Krien, means buckling up for a deeply personal, highly analytical and multi-layered tapestry of nature, politics and personalities.
Not just the petrolheads: we all waste energy slaves Canberra-based science communicator Stuart McMillen regularly publishes non-fiction comics about social and environmental issues. We have previously featured his work on The Fifth Estate, including his comics Peak Oil, St…
On how Google and AI could get smarter than smart The Fifth Estate – our view At a Sydney dinner this week, a few people started shooting the breeze, wondering what the bright new world of technology and data mining would bring and how it will change our worlds. As you do.
Romilly Madew – the exit interview Tina Perinotto When Madew took over the Green Building Council of Australia 13 years ago it was a fledgling thing. Big idea but the journey was still tamping around the base.
Australia’s sustainable finance transition simmering below the surface Poppy Johnston The European Union has had a bit of a head start on Australia on greening its financial services sector.
We used to have deep rivers and expansive wetlands – now we’ve got a water crisis Willow Aliento - Oxygen Files Water has been a topic at the top of mind all summer, but beyond the headlines around mismanagement of the Murray Darling, threats to the Great Artesian Basin, dramatic flood photos and Sydney desalination plant being switched on are some issues that cut to the crux of how we live in this country.
The case for passive homes as a national standard Nick Lane, Passive Place The energy policies and building standards that govern our homes need to keep us comfortable and limit global warming. Passive house, a rigorous building standard for ultra-low energy buildings, ticks these boxes. 14
We need all hands on deck to restore trust in the building industry Richard Choy, NATSPEC Government and industry to take joint responsibility and act together to restore trust in the building industry.
The future of farming is up in the air David Thorpe Food that’s grown in the air instead of soil could soon appear on plates in Britain and other parts of the world. A new investment deal worth $1.8 million to… 1
Bamboo, hempcrete, recycled plastic and aggregates: welcome to the new eco-building materials David Thorpe The market for environmentally sound building materials is changing. If you think bamboo can just be used to grow beans up in your garden, think again. 2
How Sydney is getting its night time mojo back Poppy Johnston Sydney’s nightlife has suffered dreadful and high profile setbacks after the lockout laws came into play, but the NSW government and councils are now pulling out all stops to revive it. Integral to this campaign is reorienting the night time economy so that it’s about more than just drinking and nightclubbing. 1
Better energy performance in homes gets green light from ministers Willow Aliento One bright note from last week’s Building Ministers Forum was an agreement to progress work to increase the energy performance requirements for residential construction under the National Construction Code for the planned 2022 iteration. 6
This lopsided lurch towards better buildings: do we have progress or slowgress? Willow Aliento NSW, we think, is the standout on taking action on dodgy building, but for the rest of the nation…we’re still waiting. 2
Demolishing the arguments against stronger energy performance Suzanne Toumbourou, ASBEC In this stifling summer, we’ve just had a welcome breath of fresh air on energy efficiency. Energy ministers from across Australia have approved a set of recommendations to increase minimum standards for energy performance in new buildings. 3
Thrive hub’s Dominique Hes moving on to further work in modern custodianship Dr Dominque Hes is on a new journey after moving on from the University of Melbourne’s Thrive hub where she has been director for four years. Dr Hes is now in…
Parry-Husbands’ Pollinate expands to Melbourne The Fifth Estate Strategic research consultancy Pollinate has opened a new office in Melbourne and appointed Allan Dib as managing director of the branch as the strategic consultancy continues to grow to meet…
Our pick of the jobs The Fifth Estate Global real estate services firm JLL is seeking a sustainability manager to work on its NSW property portfolio, based in Sydney. The Woollahra Municipal Council need a senior sustainability officer…
Universities and government agencies nationally discover the defit option The combination of commercial removal and storage services with an environmentally and cost effective furniture management program is an attractive proposition for large corporate entities, government departments and universities.
