On why the Wentworth by-election is so wild The Fifth Estate The Wentworth by-election on 20 October is an election like no other. Perhaps a chance to unseat a potentially minority government on the climate agenda, many hope.
Zero emissions manufacturing sector: we’re not dreaming Michael Lord, Beyond Zero Emissions As the world grapples with the findings of the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report and its renewed emphasis of our need to rapidly decarbonise, talk will inevitably turn to the challenges of taking action and the merits of delaying the inevitable.
Self-healing plastics one step closer to mainstream use A recent scientific breakthrough could see self-healing polymers – which are able to “heal” like human skin – become viable for manufacture in existing factories in six to 12 months.… Self-healing plastics one step closer to mainstream use Poppy Johnston A recent scientific breakthrough could see self-healing polymers – which are able to “heal” like human skin – become viable for manufacture in existing factories in six to 12 months.…
Sydney’s transport planning fundamentally flawed A highly experienced transport specialist who worked under several state government regimes claims that NSW’s troubled road and rail infrastructure planning is fundamentally flawed. Sydney’s transport planning fundamentally flawed Mick Daley A highly experienced transport specialist who worked under several state government regimes claims that NSW’s troubled road and rail infrastructure planning is fundamentally flawed.
The importance of the small in making great cities We need to focus on the small and adaptive in creating better cities. The importance of the small in making great cities Mike Brown We need to focus on the small and adaptive in creating better cities.
On why the Wentworth by-election is so wild The Wentworth by-election on 20 October is an election like no other. Perhaps a chance to unseat a potentially minority government on the climate agenda, many hope. On why the Wentworth by-election is so wild The Fifth Estate The Wentworth by-election on 20 October is an election like no other. Perhaps a chance to unseat a potentially minority government on the climate agenda, many hope.
Industry, councils leading on climate action despite policy uncertainty Businesses, local government and retail investors are stepping up to the challenge with a range of programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on their own accord. Industry, councils leading on climate action despite policy uncertainty Poppy Johnston Businesses, local government and retail investors are stepping up to the challenge with a range of programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on their own accord.
Self-healing plastics one step closer to mainstream use Poppy Johnston A recent scientific breakthrough could see self-healing polymers – which are able to “heal” like human skin – become viable for manufacture in existing factories in six to 12 months.…
Sydney’s transport planning fundamentally flawed Mick Daley A highly experienced transport specialist who worked under several state government regimes claims that NSW’s troubled road and rail infrastructure planning is fundamentally flawed.
The importance of the small in making great cities Mike Brown We need to focus on the small and adaptive in creating better cities.
On why the Wentworth by-election is so wild The Fifth Estate The Wentworth by-election on 20 October is an election like no other. Perhaps a chance to unseat a potentially minority government on the climate agenda, many hope.
Industry, councils leading on climate action despite policy uncertainty Poppy Johnston Businesses, local government and retail investors are stepping up to the challenge with a range of programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on their own accord. 3
Wood and Grieve merges with Stantec to snare greater opportunities in infrastructure Poppy Johnston Australian engineering firm Wood and Grieve Engineers is merging with global consultancy firm Stantec in a bid to break into New Zealand, Asia Pacific, and other new markets.
Zero emissions manufacturing sector: we’re not dreaming Michael Lord, Beyond Zero Emissions As the world grapples with the findings of the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report and its renewed emphasis of our need to rapidly decarbonise, talk will inevitably turn to the challenges of taking action and the merits of delaying the inevitable.
Alan Tudge: on congestion, infrastructure and population Alan Tudge, federal minister for cities Newly appointed minister for cities Alan Tudge on 9 October in Melbourne delivered a view of the challenges of Australian cities driven largely by rapid population growth, and some of… 1
OXYGEN FILES – NZ wants climate action now, dodgy honey dodgy products and Monsanto Willow Aliento Let us avert our eyes from the festering mess that is the Australian government’s response to the latest IPCC report for a moment and consider instead the position of our… 2
Why there’s a buzz about our native bees Willow Aliento Australia has not so far had the Varroa Mite that’s been decimating bee populations establish itself in our European honeybee colonies, however, according to pollinator expert Professor James Cook, it may only be a matter of time. 1
Impact branding for the urbanising century Sérgio Brodsky Global media and advertising come with a huge environmental footprint. But imagine a world in which brand communications, in right hands and under strong thinking, can become a regenerative force for cities.
Tim Horton joins Land and Environment Court as commissioner at a very interesting time Tina Perinotto It looks like change is underway for architects 2
Our pick of the events this week The Fifth Estate The Living Future Institute of Australia is kindly offering members of The Fifth Estate a 10 per cent discount to the Living Future Symposium to be held this Thursday (11 October) at…
Sustainable cities: a slightly unreliable assessment of Taipei Damian Clarke I recently found myself with a spare day in Taipei while on a recent press junket. All I really knew about Taipei (and Taiwan) came from studying history at school,… 4
Good point Michael and thanks for the feedback. I've edited it now - I'll blame jetlag and exhaustion for the error.Damian Clarke on Sustainable cities: a slightly unreliable assessment of Taipei
Tim will continue to advocate for better design. All the best TimPhilip Graus on Tim Horton joins Land and Environment Court as commissioner at a very interesting time
what is city making ? do you agree with this vision ?Chloe on Questioning the strategic role of architects in city making
Philip's article brilliantly builds on a growing realisation that cities are not things to be 'designed' per se, but moving feasts of power, money, po…Daniel Bennett on Questioning the strategic role of architects in city making
How the Better Buildings Partnership can help reduce waste and costs from your next workplace refurbishment About 400,000 square metres of office space in Sydney is refitted every year. Previously almost 80 per cent of what is stripped out of the space was sent to landfill – that’s 25,000 tonnes of material a year just from Sydney’s CBD; 55,000 tonnes of waste if you include all commercial buildings in Sydney.
The architecture challenge: we can make the city we want Benjamin Driver, Hill Thalis Architecture + Urban Projects 8
Big Business, time to step up on global warming: this is a clarion call Monica Richter, WWF-Australia
Clare Cousins on why architects need to be city shapers Clare Cousins, Australian Institute of Architects 1
Our pick of the events this week The Fifth Estate The Living Future Institute of Australia is kindly offering members of The Fifth Estate a 10 per cent discount to the Living Future Symposium to be held this Thursday (11 October) at…
Green Globe Awards 2018 shine a bright light on winners Poppy Johnson NSW government’s Green Globe Awards on Thursday night last week again proved they are the event of the year on the state’s sustainability calendar. But they performed even more important…
Tim Horton is new commissioner at the NSW Land and Environment Court Architect Tim Horton has been appointed as a commissioner of the NSW Land and Environment Court at a time when it looks like the court wants to deepen its understanding…
Our pick of the recycling and waste jobs this week Recycling jobs in Australia could increase by 50 per cent if stakeholders embrace Australian Council of Recycling’s new plan for “rebooting” the nation’s “stagnant” recycling industry. “Australia is currently ranked…
Investa appoints Robert Houston as new senior facility manager Robert Houston has been appointed as Investa’s new senior facility manager.
Our pick of the jobs – Sustainability Victoria, TasNetworks, AMP Capital, GBCA The Fifth Estate There’s a steady call for sustainability jobs, including at Sustainability Victoria, which now has a long list of sustainability and renewable energy programs to manage for the Victorian government and…
Erandi Samarakoon joins Macquarie Group in environmental management role The Fifth Estate Erandi Samarakoon has left Lendlease.
NSW Planning and Environment promote Amy Kean to renewables director The Fifth Estate Amy Kean has worked her way up the ranks at the NSW Department of Planning and Environment to become the director of the Energy Infrastructure and Emerging Technologies branch. 1
Cityswitch: Sustainability engagement coordinator Advertisement The City of Sydney is looking for a sustainability engagement coordinator to join the CitySwitch Green Office program to accelerate action in the business community towards net zero and beyond.
Market Pulse: Architects on the move The Fifth Estate The top names in architecture are branching into new markets to establish a firmer footing in Australia’s fast-growing capital cities. And they’re continuing to add capability in new disciplines such…
The Department of Planning & Environment: Manager, Program Delivery Advertisement Do you want to be part of NSW’s transition to a modern energy system? We are looking for talented and innovative individuals to assist the government in delivering a range of exciting new clean energy projects to drive NSW towards its commitment to net zero emissions by 2050.
Zero emissions manufacturing sector: we’re not dreaming Michael Lord, Beyond Zero Emissions As the world grapples with the findings of the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report and its renewed emphasis of our need to rapidly decarbonise, talk will inevitably turn to the challenges of taking action and the merits of delaying the inevitable.
Lithium-ion and new frontiers in energy battery storage Poppy Johnston Demand for lithium-ion battery storage is still strong despite the dangers – and expense – of its component parts. Fortunately, there is a growing stable of storage alternatives that could see our dependence on lithium-ion taper off.
OXYGEN FILES: Warwick Johnston, McKibbin, Wilderness Society, Tim Buckley, Engineers Feeling a bit like a frog in a heating pot? If not you’re not paying attention, which is the point really. Read a round up of what needs to gain some oxygen this week, from a boom in solar energy to deforestation, rising emissions and why India won’t need so much coal in future.
PPAs drive where policy fails to steer – how corporates are driving renewables in Oz Australian corporates, such as Telstra, Carlton United Breweries and BlueScope, are driving their own low carbon energy transition. 2
Carbon on the balance sheet: it’s a “stock” in the atmosphere, not an annual flow Lots of companies can show impressive long-term trends of reducing annual emissions, but while they still have emissions, these are accumulating in the atmosphere, slowly increasing the impact of climate change. 1
Fair dinkum power at the polls, Hickory, AREITs, Dick Clarke and population THE OXYGEN FILES – A new column from associate editor Willow Aliento on what’s happening in sustainability this week and why it’s important to give these stories a clean low-carbon airing.
How businesses can temper their appetite for energy consumption (and get away from the “all you can eat” buffet) For anyone who has bought fresh fruit or vegetables from the side of the road, how rewarding was it?
Wood and Grieve merges with Stantec to snare greater opportunities in infrastructure Poppy Johnston Australian engineering firm Wood and Grieve Engineers is merging with global consultancy firm Stantec in a bid to break into New Zealand, Asia Pacific, and other new markets.
Keen investors putting ClearSky Solar Investments on growth trajectory Poppy Johnston According to ClearSky Solar Investments, which took out the biggest honours at the Green Globe Awards in Sydney last week, there is no shortage of retail investors for renewable energy to supply commercial buildings.
The heat in the east: Wentworth goes into fierce battle for climate and democracy The timing couldn’t be worse if you’ve hitched your wagon to the Liberal Party and standing for Malcolm Turnbull’s old seat of Wentworth in Sydney’s east. 2
On why Victoria is picking sustainability as a vote winner and why others should pay attention While the federal government behaves like the perennial loser at the footy finals, cheering on the death throes of the fossil fuel industry with all its dying might – despite the electoral damage – other governments are not so silly. 1
Mini Paris: California dreaming of a net-zero carbon future is getting real There’s a counter force to climate denialism in the US and Australia that’s arguably bigger and more powerful and is on a growth curve. In California last month it showed its muscle.
Throwing stones at BlackRock’s fossil fuel investments One of the world’s largest fund managers, BlackRock which has been proclaiming its high sustainability and ethical values is fighting off a barrage of criticisms that it is in fact one of the worst offenders against the planet.
Consumers warm to green mortgages as European drive expands the market The World Green Building Council has issued a call to action during this month’s Green Building Week to fast track the energy efficiency linked mortgage market, after the results came in from a pilot scheme for homeowners in the sector.
Sydney’s transport planning fundamentally flawed Mick Daley A highly experienced transport specialist who worked under several state government regimes claims that NSW’s troubled road and rail infrastructure planning is fundamentally flawed.
The importance of the small in making great cities Mike Brown We need to focus on the small and adaptive in creating better cities.
Industry, councils leading on climate action despite policy uncertainty Businesses, local government and retail investors are stepping up to the challenge with a range of programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on their own accord. 3
Alan Tudge: on congestion, infrastructure and population Newly appointed minister for cities Alan Tudge on 9 October in Melbourne delivered a view of the challenges of Australian cities driven largely by rapid population growth, and some of… 1
Why there’s a buzz about our native bees Australia has not so far had the Varroa Mite that’s been decimating bee populations establish itself in our European honeybee colonies, however, according to pollinator expert Professor James Cook, it may only be a matter of time. 1
Impact branding for the urbanising century Global media and advertising come with a huge environmental footprint. But imagine a world in which brand communications, in right hands and under strong thinking, can become a regenerative force for cities.
Self-healing plastics one step closer to mainstream use Poppy Johnston A recent scientific breakthrough could see self-healing polymers – which are able to “heal” like human skin – become viable for manufacture in existing factories in six to 12 months.…
Clare Cousins on why architects need to be city shapers Clare Cousins, Australian Institute of Architects The debate on the role of architects just ramped up another notch this week, first with a thought piece by Philip Graus, and now Clare Cousins, national president of the Australian Institute of Architects, has her say. 1
“Alexa, tint the windows please” – second generation smart-tinting glass starts up in Taipei The official opening on Thursday of Kinestral’s new smart-tinting glass factory in Miaoli, south of Taipei, allows for the production of commercial quantities of high-quality smart-tinting window glass for the international market.
NABERS report: Boost for indoor, hospital, and shopping centre ratings The uptake of the NABERS rating system by shopping centres, the indoor environment and hospitals have gone through the roof according to the national Australian rating system’s annual report. 3
Intellectual capital and high performing buildings is money in the bank: stok New research released by real estate services firm Stok on Tuesday unearthed a hidden value of high performance buildings: happier and healthier people. 3
Tide is turning on consumer demand for smart sustainable homes The interplay between sustainability and smart-home technology looks like it’s starting to sell homes.
New report throws light on future of British housing UK National House Building Council report pictures the type of houses that Britons are expected to be living in the future. To what extent is this fantasy? 1
On why the Wentworth by-election is so wild The Fifth Estate The Wentworth by-election on 20 October is an election like no other. Perhaps a chance to unseat a potentially minority government on the climate agenda, many hope.
Zero emissions manufacturing sector: we’re not dreaming Michael Lord, Beyond Zero Emissions As the world grapples with the findings of the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report and its renewed emphasis of our need to rapidly decarbonise, talk will inevitably turn to the challenges of taking action and the merits of delaying the inevitable.
The heat in the east: Wentworth goes into fierce battle for climate and democracy The timing couldn’t be worse if you’ve hitched your wagon to the Liberal Party and standing for Malcolm Turnbull’s old seat of Wentworth in Sydney’s east. 2
The architecture challenge: we can make the city we want Our cities are growing massively but we don’t need tall towers to cope with a rapid rise in housing. Try gentle urbanism instead. A view from Sydney but applicable everywhere. 8
Big Business, time to step up on global warming: this is a clarion call We can’t stop global warming entirely but we can still try to make it safer, the IPCC says, as more than 480 global companies, with a combined market capitalisation of nearly $14 trillion agree.
On why Victoria is picking sustainability as a vote winner and why others should pay attention While the federal government behaves like the perennial loser at the footy finals, cheering on the death throes of the fossil fuel industry with all its dying might – despite the electoral damage – other governments are not so silly. 1
Clare Cousins on why architects need to be city shapers The debate on the role of architects just ramped up another notch this week, first with a thought piece by Philip Graus, and now Clare Cousins, national president of the Australian Institute of Architects, has her say. 1
Jellyfish, capitalism and trees: Perspectives on the human-earth relationship Willow Aliento 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 David Thorpe 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…
Comic: Stuart McMillen on Energy Slaves Cartoonist Stuart McMillen recently shared his comic Energy Slaves on The Fifth Estate, which looked at the human power needed to maintain our lifestyles. Now he has written a series of…
Book review: Positive energy homes – creating passive houses for better living Dr Robin Brimblecombe and Dr Kara Rosemeier’s Positive energy homes will not only be valuable for anyone looking to embrace some or all of the principles of Passive House design, construction and technology, it is also a fantastic primer on the fundamental principles of building physics.
Book review: We do things differently by Mark Stevenson For any of us that have felt deep concern about the lack of vision in government, We do things differently is a timely reminder of the power of grassroots innovation to create solutions to some of the world’s big challenges.
Self-healing plastics one step closer to mainstream use Poppy Johnston A recent scientific breakthrough could see self-healing polymers – which are able to “heal” like human skin – become viable for manufacture in existing factories in six to 12 months.…
Sydney’s transport planning fundamentally flawed Mick Daley A highly experienced transport specialist who worked under several state government regimes claims that NSW’s troubled road and rail infrastructure planning is fundamentally flawed.
The importance of the small in making great cities Mike Brown We need to focus on the small and adaptive in creating better cities.
On why the Wentworth by-election is so wild The Fifth Estate The Wentworth by-election on 20 October is an election like no other. Perhaps a chance to unseat a potentially minority government on the climate agenda, many hope.
Industry, councils leading on climate action despite policy uncertainty Poppy Johnston Businesses, local government and retail investors are stepping up to the challenge with a range of programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on their own accord. 3
Wood and Grieve merges with Stantec to snare greater opportunities in infrastructure Poppy Johnston Australian engineering firm Wood and Grieve Engineers is merging with global consultancy firm Stantec in a bid to break into New Zealand, Asia Pacific, and other new markets.
Zero emissions manufacturing sector: we’re not dreaming Michael Lord, Beyond Zero Emissions As the world grapples with the findings of the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report and its renewed emphasis of our need to rapidly decarbonise, talk will inevitably turn to the challenges of taking action and the merits of delaying the inevitable.
Tim Horton is new commissioner at the NSW Land and Environment Court Architect Tim Horton has been appointed as a commissioner of the NSW Land and Environment Court at a time when it looks like the court wants to deepen its understanding…
Our pick of the recycling and waste jobs this week Recycling jobs in Australia could increase by 50 per cent if stakeholders embrace Australian Council of Recycling’s new plan for “rebooting” the nation’s “stagnant” recycling industry. “Australia is currently ranked…
Investa appoints Robert Houston as new senior facility manager Robert Houston has been appointed as Investa’s new senior facility manager.
Our pick of the jobs – Sustainability Victoria, TasNetworks, AMP Capital, GBCA The Fifth Estate There’s a steady call for sustainability jobs, including at Sustainability Victoria, which now has a long list of sustainability and renewable energy programs to manage for the Victorian government and…
Erandi Samarakoon joins Macquarie Group in environmental management role The Fifth Estate Erandi Samarakoon has left Lendlease.
NSW Planning and Environment promote Amy Kean to renewables director The Fifth Estate Amy Kean has worked her way up the ranks at the NSW Department of Planning and Environment to become the director of the Energy Infrastructure and Emerging Technologies branch. 1
Cityswitch: Sustainability engagement coordinator Advertisement The City of Sydney is looking for a sustainability engagement coordinator to join the CitySwitch Green Office program to accelerate action in the business community towards net zero and beyond.
Market Pulse: Architects on the move The Fifth Estate The top names in architecture are branching into new markets to establish a firmer footing in Australia’s fast-growing capital cities. And they’re continuing to add capability in new disciplines such…
The Department of Planning & Environment: Manager, Program Delivery Advertisement Do you want to be part of NSW’s transition to a modern energy system? We are looking for talented and innovative individuals to assist the government in delivering a range of exciting new clean energy projects to drive NSW towards its commitment to net zero emissions by 2050.
How the Better Buildings Partnership can help reduce waste and costs from your next workplace refurbishment About 400,000 square metres of office space in Sydney is refitted every year. Previously almost 80 per cent of what is stripped out of the space was sent to landfill – that’s 25,000 tonnes of material a year just from Sydney’s CBD; 55,000 tonnes of waste if you include all commercial buildings in Sydney.
