The construction industry needs to get past new toys and business as usual David Chandler, Western Sydney University There is a lot of grief in Australia’s construction industry this week following the demise of Strongbuild. It’s time for some frank realities to be outed from the shadows.
The case for making workplace coffee drinking a mindful exercise Willow Aliento OPINION: Professional services firm PwC is piloting a coffee exchange program that supplies and washes reusable coffee cups for its workers.
The construction industry needs to get past new toys and business as usual There is a lot of grief in Australia’s construction industry this week following the demise of Strongbuild. It’s time for some frank realities to be outed from the shadows. The construction industry needs to get past new toys and business as usual David Chandler, Western Sydney University There is a lot of grief in Australia’s construction industry this week following the demise of Strongbuild. It’s time for some frank realities to be outed from the shadows.
The case for making workplace coffee drinking a mindful exercise OPINION: Professional services firm PwC is piloting a coffee exchange program that supplies and washes reusable coffee cups for its workers. The case for making workplace coffee drinking a mindful exercise Willow Aliento OPINION: Professional services firm PwC is piloting a coffee exchange program that supplies and washes reusable coffee cups for its workers.
On Strongbuild and prefab pioneering NEWS FROM THE FRONT DESK ISSUE NO 413– UPDATED 9.28 PM: The prefab industry is strong despite Strongbuild falling into voluntary administration. But the industry has big challenges. On Strongbuild and prefab pioneering The Fifth Estate – Our View NEWS FROM THE FRONT DESK ISSUE NO 413– UPDATED 9.28 PM: The prefab industry is strong despite Strongbuild falling into voluntary administration. But the industry has big challenges.
Strongbuild falls as Frasers Property pulls the pin on a major deal UPDATED 6:15 pm: Prefabrication and lightweight timber builder Strongbuild was placed into voluntary administration at 9 am on Thursday morning, after Frasers Australia pulled out of a contract just two weeks from commencement leaving a massive $6 million gap in expected earnings. Strongbuild falls as Frasers Property pulls the pin on a major deal Tina Perinotto UPDATED 6:15 pm: Prefabrication and lightweight timber builder Strongbuild was placed into voluntary administration at 9 am on Thursday morning, after Frasers Australia pulled out of a contract just two weeks from commencement leaving a massive $6 million gap in expected earnings.
Urban interests trump reason: Do we need an inquiry? If recent troubling reports in The Fifth Estate and elsewhere on the state of urban planning and governance are to be believed, then a sector-wide inquiry sounds like a good idea. Mike Brown, for one, thinks it’s time to take a good hard look into the state of our urban affairs. Urban interests trump reason: Do we need an inquiry? Mike Brown If recent troubling reports in The Fifth Estate and elsewhere on the state of urban planning and governance are to be believed, then a sector-wide inquiry sounds like a good idea. Mike Brown, for one, thinks it’s time to take a good hard look into the state of our urban affairs.
The construction industry needs to get past new toys and business as usual David Chandler, Western Sydney University There is a lot of grief in Australia’s construction industry this week following the demise of Strongbuild. It’s time for some frank realities to be outed from the shadows.
The case for making workplace coffee drinking a mindful exercise Willow Aliento OPINION: Professional services firm PwC is piloting a coffee exchange program that supplies and washes reusable coffee cups for its workers.
On Strongbuild and prefab pioneering The Fifth Estate – Our View NEWS FROM THE FRONT DESK ISSUE NO 413– UPDATED 9.28 PM: The prefab industry is strong despite Strongbuild falling into voluntary administration. But the industry has big challenges.
Strongbuild falls as Frasers Property pulls the pin on a major deal Tina Perinotto UPDATED 6:15 pm: Prefabrication and lightweight timber builder Strongbuild was placed into voluntary administration at 9 am on Thursday morning, after Frasers Australia pulled out of a contract just two weeks from commencement leaving a massive $6 million gap in expected earnings.
Grinding the truth: Is coffee an environmental disaster or a force for good? Willow Aliento OXYGEN FILES: Would corporate Australia continue to function if climate change compromised coffee harvests to the point it became scarce and therefore unaffordable for most of us? It’s worth thinking…
Striking a balance between smart and sustainable cities David Thorpe The Fifth Estate’s UK correspondent and prolific writer David Thorpe has a new book in the works, which is soon to be released. The following is an extract from his…
Urban interests trump reason: Do we need an inquiry? Mike Brown If recent troubling reports in The Fifth Estate and elsewhere on the state of urban planning and governance are to be believed, then a sector-wide inquiry sounds like a good idea. Mike Brown, for one, thinks it’s time to take a good hard look into the state of our urban affairs. 3
Wellness-focused high-rise taps into opportunities from overwork Poppy Johnston The increasingly demanding working week is taking its toll on people. For residential architects and designers, this means creating spaces for workers to come home to places that genuinely promote wellness and social connection. 1
The Centaur Pod will morph and change shape Poppy Johnston A robotic room that morphs and shifts to accommodate more people and changes in temperature is being designed by the University of New South Wales students and Arup.
If you’re worried about a crashing building market, don’t Willow Aliento The latest Rider Levett Bucknell International report for Q4 2018, for example, predicts that Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide in particular will continue to experience strong demand for building services.
How better planning can save Sydney’s music scene (and its mojo) James Hulme, The Committee for Sydney Good planning and governance has the potential to breathe life back into Sydney’s music scene, writes James Hulme from independent think tank The Committee for Sydney. Sydney should consider dedicated music zones, he says, and think outside the box to keep neighbours of noisy venues happy. 4
Consultancy giants boost sustainability teams Poppy Johnston The big consultancy firms such as KPMG and EY are bolstering their sustainability teams to meet new demand in areas such as climate change risk, modern slavery, carbon farming and sustainable timber verification.
Fantastic TFE reader offer: $200 discount to Certified Passive House Institute Designer course, Perth or Sydney The Fifth Estate Daniel Kress of Smart Plus Homes is offering readers of The Fifth Estate $200 off his Certified Passive House Designer full course package running in Perth from 26 November and in Sydney from 11 March.
NSW TCorp smashes Australian government green bond record Poppy Johnston NSW Treasury Corporation’s first record breaking green bond issued on Friday will go towards low carbon transport and sustainable water projects.
Good luck with gentle mid-rise urbanism in established Sydney. I agree with you, this approach is so much fairer on so many leave. Fair to local cha…Philip on The architecture challenge: we can make the city we want
Mike, thanks for the wrap. Sydney's big recent urban planning mistake are: 1. to pour billions into roads like westconnex (when we should have been…Philip on Urban interests trump reason: Do we need an inquiry?
"The incoming NSW opposition leader has characterised current politics as disreputable and identified “four pillars (of) education and hospitals, ea…Kevin Cobley on Urban interests trump reason: Do we need an inquiry?
We're out of leaders, today's politicians are followers. The very privileged residents of Warringah Shire who regard the beaches as being for their ow…Kevin Cobley on Urban interests trump reason: Do we need an inquiry?
Fantastic TFE reader offer: $200 discount to Certified Passive House Institute Designer course, Perth or Sydney
Food waste to fertiliser and back to food with enrich360 After witnessing devastating soil degradation, Yarra Valley Farms founder Bill Kollatos, started enrich360 to create compost and fertiliser from restaurants and catering food waste.
The construction industry needs to get past new toys and business as usual David Chandler, Western Sydney University
How better planning can save Sydney’s music scene (and its mojo) James Hulme, The Committee for Sydney 4
The Visible City: new voices in urban renewal 5-25 November Sponsored : 2018 DESIGN Canberra Festival How can Canberra’s contemporary urban renewal efforts make visible our city’s distinctive design identity, inclusive processes and the hopes and dreams of our community?
2018 International Urban Design Conference The Fifth Estate The 2018 International Urban Design Conference are kindly offering readers of The Fifth Estate a $100 discount to attend the three-day conference.
Talent Nation: Principal Waste Consultant Advertisement Our client, Encycle Consulting (Encycle) is offering a full-time permanent role to assist staff on a technical basis and provide support by reviewing their work.
David Singleton steps down as ISCA chair after seven years The Fifth Estate Change is in the air at both the Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia (ISCA) and Moreland Energy Foundation Limited (MEFL).
Building Designers Association of Victoria: Executive Officer – TPA Advertisement BDAV is looking for a confident part-time Executive Officer who has initiative and self-drive to provide support to executive level management as well as deliver operational administration requirements.
Momentum Energy appoints Amy Childs as new MD The Fifth Estate Amy Childs has been appointed managing director of Tasmanian-owned energy provider, Momentum Energy. Joining the company in 2016 as general manager sales and marketing, Ms Childs has been acting in…
Malcolm McDowall to head up Arcadis Australia Pacific The Fifth Estate Malcolm McDowall has been appointed Australia Pacific chief executive officer at Arcadis after 18 years with the design and consultancy firm. He replaces Greg Steele, who was recently appointed Asia Pacific group executive…
Our pick of the jobs & life after coal The Fifth Estate As Australia transitions out of coal and into clean energy it’s time to think of the future for the 8000 workers currently employed in Australia’s coal-fired power industry, plus the estimated 18,000 jobs dependent on the sector.
Aurecon appoint Kevin Werksman as water markets leader The Fifth Estate Kevin Werksman joined Aurecon last month as its new global water markets leader.
Department of Environment and Energy: Senior Policy Officers Advertisement The Department of Environment and Energy is looking for Senior Policy Officers who can bring innovative solutions to complex policy issues.
Australian Passive House Association: Chief Executive Officer Advertisement The Australian Passive House Association (APHA) seeks an enthusiastic candidate with excellent leadership and management skills and strong knowledge of Passive House Certification to perform a range of duties that will grow our organisation.
Our pick of the jobs this week The Fifth Estate Sustainability jobs at Aurecon, City of Melbourne, Salini Impregilo and City of Ryde.
BlackRock Real Assets appoints new Asia Pacific renewables investment lead The Fifth Estate Charlie Reid has been appointed as managing director of BlackRock Real Assets Asia Pacific renewable energy franchise. Mr Reid is responsible for sourcing, executing and managing renewable infrastructure assets in…
More Victorian councils pushing for sustainability at planning stage The fifth Estate Victoria’s sustainability crusade continues at the local government level, with six new councils mandating ESD clauses in their planning schemes. 4
The human side of buildings needs to come first – National Energy Efficiency conference 19-20 November Sponsored: Energy Efficiency Council We humans are such variable and fickle creatures. Turns out we’re not that fussed about “perfect” indoor quality, what we want is agency – to have some control over our environments.
How cool is cool when it’s natural? 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
NSW still stuck in the slow lane on renewables, Climate Council says NSW is barely off the starting blocks in the race to transition to renewable energy, with Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory and South Australia leading the pack.
Zero emissions manufacturing sector: we’re not dreaming 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 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.
Consultancy giants boost sustainability teams Poppy Johnston The big consultancy firms such as KPMG and EY are bolstering their sustainability teams to meet new demand in areas such as climate change risk, modern slavery, carbon farming and sustainable timber verification.
NSW TCorp smashes Australian government green bond record Poppy Johnston NSW Treasury Corporation’s first record breaking green bond issued on Friday will go towards low carbon transport and sustainable water projects.
Farmers locking horns with climate change Farmers are starting to agitate for action on climate and they’re getting smarter and more innovative to cope with the challenges it presents. According to young award winning farmer, Anika Molesworth, expect to hear more from this sector.
Green building ratings are part of the drivers for Australia’s green bonds Drought-resistant water infrastructure, green residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) and waste and recycling initiatives are among the future opportunities for Australia’s fledgling green bond market.
Parliamentary report on mould hands down its finding, but there are sceptics Federal member for Robertson and Liberal MP Lucy Wicks knows first hand what mould related issues are like: she’s been sensitised to such an extent she could no longer tolerate shopping centres, meeting rooms – even the then-Prime Minister’s office. But the sceptics are questioning the science. 4
No more playing nice on climate: Canberra, you’re warned – ACF We heard Kelly O’Shanassy would be a force to be reckoned with when she was appointed chief executive officer of the Australian Conservation Foundation in 2015. On Tuesday she showed… 1
British finance sees opportunities in climate change FINANCE: The British banking industry is gearing up to protect itself from the shocks of climate change and take advantage of the opportunities.
Urban interests trump reason: Do we need an inquiry? Mike Brown If recent troubling reports in The Fifth Estate and elsewhere on the state of urban planning and governance are to be believed, then a sector-wide inquiry sounds like a good idea. Mike Brown, for one, thinks it’s time to take a good hard look into the state of our urban affairs. 3
How better planning can save Sydney’s music scene (and its mojo) James Hulme, The Committee for Sydney Good planning and governance has the potential to breathe life back into Sydney’s music scene, writes James Hulme from independent think tank The Committee for Sydney. Sydney should consider dedicated music zones, he says, and think outside the box to keep neighbours of noisy venues happy. 4
Tomorrowland 2018: “We the people” panel – the (long) highlights The Tomorrowland 2018 ebook is just days away from publishing. But how could we resist giving you a great sneak peek at one of the absolute highlights of the day? Following is the long-ish version of the highlights.
Street smarts are crucial to planning our cities The congestion from bikes, dockless bikes, scooters, e-scooters, e-bikes, EV-charging, and even people is making our kerb-side a battleground. We need to think smarter about how these increasing and competing channels can all access the veins of our city. Most roads are still designed for cars first.
On what China is doing with its tech and why we should care China has technology that can scan a billion faces in one second. It’s using that level of technology to plan its cities and transport. It knows that cities are the powerhouses of the economy it wants. 4
QandA with Tamara DiMattina on the New Joneses “if it wanted to, the AFL could stop climate change”. Big call, but this CEO was referring to the power of the AFL to educate and drive positive change.
Why bitcoin is a bit rich for the planet, getting water out of air, Bruce Pascoe and the first urban planners OXYGEN FILES: Researchers are flagging Bitcoin as a possible threat to the two degree warming target, in part due to its energy-intensive data mining process.
The construction industry needs to get past new toys and business as usual David Chandler, Western Sydney University There is a lot of grief in Australia’s construction industry this week following the demise of Strongbuild. It’s time for some frank realities to be outed from the shadows.
On Strongbuild and prefab pioneering The Fifth Estate – Our View NEWS FROM THE FRONT DESK ISSUE NO 413– UPDATED 9.28 PM: The prefab industry is strong despite Strongbuild falling into voluntary administration. But the industry has big challenges.
Strongbuild falls as Frasers Property pulls the pin on a major deal UPDATED 6:15 pm: Prefabrication and lightweight timber builder Strongbuild was placed into voluntary administration at 9 am on Thursday morning, after Frasers Australia pulled out of a contract just two weeks from commencement leaving a massive $6 million gap in expected earnings.
If you’re worried about a crashing building market, don’t The latest Rider Levett Bucknell International report for Q4 2018, for example, predicts that Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide in particular will continue to experience strong demand for building services.
How embracing AI can drastically reduce the number of disputes and claims in the construction industry Complex contractual disputes on numerous infrastructure and construction projects across the supply chain industry will inevitably impact the final out-turn costs on projects, whether they are upstream or downstream claims.
How blockchain could boost pre-fab and green buildings EXCLUSIVE: Blockchain might be the missing ingredient that prefabricated homes need to go mainstream. According to Aurecon’s fourth Buildings of the Future report, provided exclusively to The Fifth Estate, “leapfrog”…
How to create a tribe of smart city thinkers SMART CITIES: Connection, collaboration and the enabling power of technology to create better places for people were key out-takes from Australia’s first Smart Cities Week. 2
The construction industry needs to get past new toys and business as usual David Chandler, Western Sydney University There is a lot of grief in Australia’s construction industry this week following the demise of Strongbuild. It’s time for some frank realities to be outed from the shadows.
The case for making workplace coffee drinking a mindful exercise Willow Aliento OPINION: Professional services firm PwC is piloting a coffee exchange program that supplies and washes reusable coffee cups for its workers.
On Strongbuild and prefab pioneering NEWS FROM THE FRONT DESK ISSUE NO 413– UPDATED 9.28 PM: The prefab industry is strong despite Strongbuild falling into voluntary administration. But the industry has big challenges.
Urban interests trump reason: Do we need an inquiry? If recent troubling reports in The Fifth Estate and elsewhere on the state of urban planning and governance are to be believed, then a sector-wide inquiry sounds like a good idea. Mike Brown, for one, thinks it’s time to take a good hard look into the state of our urban affairs. 3
How better planning can save Sydney’s music scene (and its mojo) Good planning and governance has the potential to breathe life back into Sydney’s music scene, writes James Hulme from independent think tank The Committee for Sydney. Sydney should consider dedicated music zones, he says, and think outside the box to keep neighbours of noisy venues happy. 4
Street smarts are crucial to planning our cities The congestion from bikes, dockless bikes, scooters, e-scooters, e-bikes, EV-charging, and even people is making our kerb-side a battleground. We need to think smarter about how these increasing and competing channels can all access the veins of our city. Most roads are still designed for cars first.
How embracing AI can drastically reduce the number of disputes and claims in the construction industry Complex contractual disputes on numerous infrastructure and construction projects across the supply chain industry will inevitably impact the final out-turn costs on projects, whether they are upstream or downstream claims.
No Place Like Home – repairing Australia’s housing crisis Willow Aliento 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 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 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.
The construction industry needs to get past new toys and business as usual David Chandler, Western Sydney University There is a lot of grief in Australia’s construction industry this week following the demise of Strongbuild. It’s time for some frank realities to be outed from the shadows.
The case for making workplace coffee drinking a mindful exercise Willow Aliento OPINION: Professional services firm PwC is piloting a coffee exchange program that supplies and washes reusable coffee cups for its workers.
On Strongbuild and prefab pioneering The Fifth Estate – Our View NEWS FROM THE FRONT DESK ISSUE NO 413– UPDATED 9.28 PM: The prefab industry is strong despite Strongbuild falling into voluntary administration. But the industry has big challenges.
Strongbuild falls as Frasers Property pulls the pin on a major deal Tina Perinotto UPDATED 6:15 pm: Prefabrication and lightweight timber builder Strongbuild was placed into voluntary administration at 9 am on Thursday morning, after Frasers Australia pulled out of a contract just two weeks from commencement leaving a massive $6 million gap in expected earnings.
Grinding the truth: Is coffee an environmental disaster or a force for good? Willow Aliento OXYGEN FILES: Would corporate Australia continue to function if climate change compromised coffee harvests to the point it became scarce and therefore unaffordable for most of us? It’s worth thinking…
Striking a balance between smart and sustainable cities David Thorpe The Fifth Estate’s UK correspondent and prolific writer David Thorpe has a new book in the works, which is soon to be released. The following is an extract from his…
Urban interests trump reason: Do we need an inquiry? Mike Brown If recent troubling reports in The Fifth Estate and elsewhere on the state of urban planning and governance are to be believed, then a sector-wide inquiry sounds like a good idea. Mike Brown, for one, thinks it’s time to take a good hard look into the state of our urban affairs. 3
Wellness-focused high-rise taps into opportunities from overwork Poppy Johnston The increasingly demanding working week is taking its toll on people. For residential architects and designers, this means creating spaces for workers to come home to places that genuinely promote wellness and social connection. 1
The Centaur Pod will morph and change shape Poppy Johnston A robotic room that morphs and shifts to accommodate more people and changes in temperature is being designed by the University of New South Wales students and Arup.
If you’re worried about a crashing building market, don’t Willow Aliento The latest Rider Levett Bucknell International report for Q4 2018, for example, predicts that Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide in particular will continue to experience strong demand for building services.
How better planning can save Sydney’s music scene (and its mojo) James Hulme, The Committee for Sydney Good planning and governance has the potential to breathe life back into Sydney’s music scene, writes James Hulme from independent think tank The Committee for Sydney. Sydney should consider dedicated music zones, he says, and think outside the box to keep neighbours of noisy venues happy. 4
Consultancy giants boost sustainability teams Poppy Johnston The big consultancy firms such as KPMG and EY are bolstering their sustainability teams to meet new demand in areas such as climate change risk, modern slavery, carbon farming and sustainable timber verification.
Fantastic TFE reader offer: $200 discount to Certified Passive House Institute Designer course, Perth or Sydney
Talent Nation: Principal Waste Consultant Advertisement Our client, Encycle Consulting (Encycle) is offering a full-time permanent role to assist staff on a technical basis and provide support by reviewing their work.
David Singleton steps down as ISCA chair after seven years The Fifth Estate Change is in the air at both the Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia (ISCA) and Moreland Energy Foundation Limited (MEFL).
Building Designers Association of Victoria: Executive Officer – TPA Advertisement BDAV is looking for a confident part-time Executive Officer who has initiative and self-drive to provide support to executive level management as well as deliver operational administration requirements.
Food waste to fertiliser and back to food with enrich360 After witnessing devastating soil degradation, Yarra Valley Farms founder Bill Kollatos, started enrich360 to create compost and fertiliser from restaurants and catering food waste.
