No separation of water powers – what are we losing? Dr Peter Coombes, Urban Water Cycle Solutions & Michael Smit, Kingspan Water and Energy OPINION: Water was once seen as a public good. But over recent decades water utilities have been corporatised and water is now a scarce commodity for sale. These statutory monopolies now primarily aim to maximize their economic performance, with secondary aims to protect the public good and our valuable water eco-systems.
Building crisis: we need a joined up functional system David Chandler, Western Sydney University The traditional professional, trade and governance demarcations in construction are no longer relevant. They are dysfunctional and there are too many cracks that can no longer be papered over. 2
PFAS update & do we need a federal EPA? According to Corrs Chambers Westgarth partner Christine Covington it’s probably time for federal environmental protection agency. And one of its first jobs could be to implement the recommendations of the… PFAS update & do we need a federal EPA? Willow Aliento - Oxygen Files According to Corrs Chambers Westgarth partner Christine Covington it’s probably time for federal environmental protection agency. And one of its first jobs could be to implement the recommendations of the…
No separation of water powers – what are we losing? OPINION: Water was once seen as a public good. But over recent decades water utilities have been corporatised and water is now a scarce commodity for sale. These statutory monopolies now primarily aim to maximize their economic performance, with secondary aims to protect the public good and our valuable water eco-systems. No separation of water powers – what are we losing? Dr Peter Coombes, Urban Water Cycle Solutions & Michael Smit, Kingspan Water and Energy OPINION: Water was once seen as a public good. But over recent decades water utilities have been corporatised and water is now a scarce commodity for sale. These statutory monopolies now primarily aim to maximize their economic performance, with secondary aims to protect the public good and our valuable water eco-systems.
Politicians chasing NSW votes with sustainability promises NSW voters are walking into an election on Saturday and it’s going to be very close with the latest YouGov-Galaxy polling showing the NSW Coalition government and Labor split 50-50 on a two-party preferred basis, with just days to go. Politicians chasing NSW votes with sustainability promises Poppy Johnston NSW voters are walking into an election on Saturday and it’s going to be very close with the latest YouGov-Galaxy polling showing the NSW Coalition government and Labor split 50-50 on a two-party preferred basis, with just days to go.
Ways to finance deep energy retrofits from around the world It’s not possible for the world to just “fuel switch our way out of global climate disruption” according to one construction industry observer. We have to invest significantly in making buildings energy efficient at a rate much greater than we do now. Ways to finance deep energy retrofits from around the world David Thorpe It’s not possible for the world to just “fuel switch our way out of global climate disruption” according to one construction industry observer. We have to invest significantly in making buildings energy efficient at a rate much greater than we do now.
3D printed homes at scale one step closer to reality The Netherlands could soon house what’s touted as the world’s first commercial 3D printed housing project. And might complex construction such as vaulted ceilings or curved walls soon be printed off site on a concrete 3D concrete printer? 3D printed homes at scale one step closer to reality Poppy Johnston The Netherlands could soon house what’s touted as the world’s first commercial 3D printed housing project. And might complex construction such as vaulted ceilings or curved walls soon be printed off site on a concrete 3D concrete printer?
PFAS update & do we need a federal EPA? Willow Aliento - Oxygen Files According to Corrs Chambers Westgarth partner Christine Covington it’s probably time for federal environmental protection agency. And one of its first jobs could be to implement the recommendations of the…
No separation of water powers – what are we losing? Dr Peter Coombes, Urban Water Cycle Solutions & Michael Smit, Kingspan Water and Energy OPINION: Water was once seen as a public good. But over recent decades water utilities have been corporatised and water is now a scarce commodity for sale. These statutory monopolies now primarily aim to maximize their economic performance, with secondary aims to protect the public good and our valuable water eco-systems.
Politicians chasing NSW votes with sustainability promises Poppy Johnston NSW voters are walking into an election on Saturday and it’s going to be very close with the latest YouGov-Galaxy polling showing the NSW Coalition government and Labor split 50-50 on a two-party preferred basis, with just days to go.
Ways to finance deep energy retrofits from around the world David Thorpe It’s not possible for the world to just “fuel switch our way out of global climate disruption” according to one construction industry observer. We have to invest significantly in making buildings energy efficient at a rate much greater than we do now.
3D printed homes at scale one step closer to reality Poppy Johnston The Netherlands could soon house what’s touted as the world’s first commercial 3D printed housing project. And might complex construction such as vaulted ceilings or curved walls soon be printed off site on a concrete 3D concrete printer?
Super power: why the future of Australian capitalism is now in Greg Combet’s hands Danny Davis, La Trobe University Right now Greg Combet is arguably the most powerful man in Australia.
Transform: Facebook and how digital disruption needs more ethics to deliver on sustainability Poppy Johnston Facebook has never been under more scrutiny.
Warragamba Dam: Damned if you do, damned if you don’t Joel Dalberger, McGregor Coxall The proposed raising of the Warragamba Dam pits the interests of the environment and indigenous heritage against flood mitigation for urban development.
What our leaders said about the school climate change strike The Fifth Estate Tens of thousands of students plus some adult supporters (The Fifth Estate included) turned out on Friday, a school day, to protest inaction on climate change. 5
IKEA’s solar power-blockchain Uberisation and Airbnbification of our homes and cities David Thorpe SolarVille is a prototype neighbourhood that combines solar energy and blockchain technology to explore how communities of households could create their own renewable energy network and trade their excess energy directly at below market price.
Labor chases the dream of the hydrogen economy – but can it be caught? David Thorpe The Labor Party has committed to spending $1.1 billion on developing hydrogen fuel networks and an export hub in Gladstone in Queensland if elected. What would this mean for the hydrogen economy?
Justine Clark: A champion for women in architecture Poppy Johnston Justine Clark has observed a huge shift in the way the architectural profession approaches gender equality since she cofounded Parlour seven years ago.
Building crisis: we need a joined up functional system David Chandler, Western Sydney University The traditional professional, trade and governance demarcations in construction are no longer relevant. They are dysfunctional and there are too many cracks that can no longer be papered over. 2
Why we need to plan our cities for the jobs of the future Tim Williams, Arup There are lots of “As” to worry about – like AI and AV. All will have an impact on jobs and places. 4
All I can say is: bring back clerks of works, bring back the site architect! Architects are regulated in all states in Australia, so that regulation …Eric on Building quality fiasco: the fallout rumbles into dangerous zones as governments fail to govern
Tim, Your article makes out that it is an either / or proposition - of having job rich liveable centres or 'redundant' industrial land. This is not t…John Brockhoff on Why we need to plan our cities for the jobs of the future
I agree in principle with the trend and the need for more flexibility for 'mixed uses'. However I think the assertion that existing employment lands a…máire sheehan on Why we need to plan our cities for the jobs of the future
If I had still been a student I would have been there with bells on and would have been agitating for my school mates to come as well. Climate change …Dennis Rutziu on What our leaders said about the school climate change strike
How the world’s oldest living culture can help shape sustainability Old Ways New empowers projects and organisations to draw on the knowledge, strengths and insights of Traditional Owners and Indigenous communities.
No separation of water powers – what are we losing? Dr Peter Coombes, Urban Water Cycle Solutions & Michael Smit, Kingspan Water and Energy
What’s in the Lacrosse VCAT judgement for owners of defective apartments and policy makers? David Chandler, Western Sydney University 4
Transform: Facebook and how digital disruption needs more ethics to deliver on sustainability Poppy Johnston Facebook has never been under more scrutiny.
Win two free tickets for TFE Members & Greenlisters for GBCA’s Transform The Fifth Estate The Fifth Estate has two tickets to GBCA’s Transform to give away, to Fifth Estate members and Greenlisters (Full tickets, valued at $2099 each) Transform is the Green Building Council’s signature event…
Engineers headhunting for talent The Fifth Estate Movements in sustainability engineering continue with Integral managing director Andrew Mather snapping up Rich Palmer from his old firm of WSP where Palmer was director sustainability and Mather previously was chief executive and MD Asia Pacific.
Department of Planning & Environment: Senior Team Leader Advertisement The Department of Planning & Environment is the lead NSW Government agency in planning for a growing NSW. The Department is going through an exciting period of organisational and operational change.
Millennials are taking over the property hierarchies – and our pick of the jobs Tina Perinotto After a golden period of spectacular growth the softening residential market is starting to have an impact on sentiment over the rest of the property industry and putting the brakes on the pay rises we saw last year.
HIP V. HYPE Sustainability waves goodbye to cofounder Peter Steele is moving on to join global energy-tech company Greensync after co-founding boutique sustainability consultancy HIP V. HYPE with Liam Wallis in 2015.
New managing director for Umow Lai The Fifth Estate Engineering consulting services firm Umow Lai has a new managing director, Andrew Oxley.
Department of Family and Community Services: Environmental Sustainability Analyst Advertisement The NSW Department of Family and Community Services is seeking an Environmental Sustainability Analyst.
Chris Melsom joins Urbis The Fifth Estate Chris Melsom has been appointed director of the Urbis National Design team.
HIP V. HYPE Sustainability: Better Cities – Senior Consultant The Better Cities Senior Consultant will apply technical and project management skills and analytical frameworks to support the Better Cities team to provide advice of tangible value in the context of the built environment.
Efficient Living: Commercial ESD Professional Advertisement Leadership role for Efficient Living’s established Commercial Building Simulation and ESD consulting services.
AECOM: Principal Sustainability Consultant Advertisement Lead and be involved in sustainability design on projects, primarily in the building industry, across various sectors.
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…
WA opens door for sustainability retrofits under new strata law reforms Poppy Johnston It’s now far easier to install sustainability features such as solar panels on the roofs of apartment blocks in Western Australia thanks to recent changes to the state’s strata laws. 1
What solar rebates are worth and who’s offering what Poppy Johnston SOLAR ENERGY REBATES REPORT: Politicians are latching on to the vote-winning potential of incentives for solar energy. So what’s on offer now in NSW and federally, and what’s the state of play in the solar market? We talk to Adelaide based solar expert and founder of SolarQuotes, Finn Peacock.
Trading electricity across the grid using blockchain comes to Fremantle with water to follow In what could be a world first, the CRC for Low Carbon Living has brought together energy and infrastructure providers, a land developer and other smaller players to provide true peer-to-peer energy trading across the grid.
New portal to match for large scale renewables is already pumping A new online portal has been launched for organisations looking to buy large-scale off-site wind, solar electricity and battery storage.
Renewables set to soar with disruptive insight systems There’s never been a better time to talk renewables, and the technology around will only speed things up manifold.
New IEA web portal reveals gaps and solutions in buildings efficiency The International Energy Agency (IEA) has created an important new web portal to make innovative technical and market information available to energy and construction professionals.
No-strings solar finds fortune in building partnerships Some UK builders and solar companies are buddying up to slash homeowners’ energy bills even without the government subsidies that are due to end next month.
Politicians chasing NSW votes with sustainability promises Poppy Johnston NSW voters are walking into an election on Saturday and it’s going to be very close with the latest YouGov-Galaxy polling showing the NSW Coalition government and Labor split 50-50 on a two-party preferred basis, with just days to go.
Super power: why the future of Australian capitalism is now in Greg Combet’s hands Danny Davis, La Trobe University Right now Greg Combet is arguably the most powerful man in Australia.
Labor chases the dream of the hydrogen economy – but can it be caught? The Labor Party has committed to spending $1.1 billion on developing hydrogen fuel networks and an export hub in Gladstone in Queensland if elected. What would this mean for the hydrogen economy?
Davina Rooney targets net zero energy and residential property as new head of GBCA The Green Building Council of Australia has done itself an excellent service by picking Davina Rooney as its new chief executive officer.
Michael Bloomberg launching new clean energy campaign Michael Bloomberg has decided not to run for president at the next US election, he says because he believes his energies are better spent pushing for the clean-energy transition outside government. 1
In the news: Julian Burnside, Lacrosse tower ruling and more… Another high-profile individual has become worried enough about climate change and other issues to run for parliament, among other developments.
No separation of water powers – what are we losing? Dr Peter Coombes, Urban Water Cycle Solutions & Michael Smit, Kingspan Water and Energy OPINION: Water was once seen as a public good. But over recent decades water utilities have been corporatised and water is now a scarce commodity for sale. These statutory monopolies now primarily aim to maximize their economic performance, with secondary aims to protect the public good and our valuable water eco-systems.
Warragamba Dam: Damned if you do, damned if you don’t Joel Dalberger, McGregor Coxall The proposed raising of the Warragamba Dam pits the interests of the environment and indigenous heritage against flood mitigation for urban development.
What our leaders said about the school climate change strike Tens of thousands of students plus some adult supporters (The Fifth Estate included) turned out on Friday, a school day, to protest inaction on climate change. 5
Why we need to plan our cities for the jobs of the future There are lots of “As” to worry about – like AI and AV. All will have an impact on jobs and places. 4
On why climate change is a bigger threat to capitalism than the striking kids Just two days after the Reserve Bank of Australia declares the climate emergency is an economic emergency, this propaganda mouthpiece runs a piece of vitriol against children fighting for their future in global protests and school strikes on Friday. 5
RBA warns we need urgent climate action The Reserve Bank of Australia Guy Debelle on Tuesday launched an urgent call to action on climate change. On the eve of two elections, as the entire country seems to…
Gold Coast Ocean Park aims to be a sustainable jewel for state Sustainability is a prime feature of the new “Ocean Park” unveiled for the Gold Coast in Queensland on Sunday with blueprints endorsed by environmental groups.
PFAS update & do we need a federal EPA? Willow Aliento - Oxygen Files According to Corrs Chambers Westgarth partner Christine Covington it’s probably time for federal environmental protection agency. And one of its first jobs could be to implement the recommendations of the…
Ways to finance deep energy retrofits from around the world David Thorpe It’s not possible for the world to just “fuel switch our way out of global climate disruption” according to one construction industry observer. We have to invest significantly in making buildings energy efficient at a rate much greater than we do now.
3D printed homes at scale one step closer to reality The Netherlands could soon house what’s touted as the world’s first commercial 3D printed housing project. And might complex construction such as vaulted ceilings or curved walls soon be printed off site on a concrete 3D concrete printer?
Transform: Facebook and how digital disruption needs more ethics to deliver on sustainability Facebook has never been under more scrutiny.
IKEA’s solar power-blockchain Uberisation and Airbnbification of our homes and cities SolarVille is a prototype neighbourhood that combines solar energy and blockchain technology to explore how communities of households could create their own renewable energy network and trade their excess energy directly at below market price.
Building crisis: we need a joined up functional system The traditional professional, trade and governance demarcations in construction are no longer relevant. They are dysfunctional and there are too many cracks that can no longer be papered over. 2
Bruce Duyshart on why smart building will actually be more intelligent – and sustainable A new crop of smart buildings is soon coming online, according to smart building strategist Bruce Duyshart of Meld Strategies. He thinks we just might be more than a tad surprised at the outcomes. 1
No separation of water powers – what are we losing? Dr Peter Coombes, Urban Water Cycle Solutions & Michael Smit, Kingspan Water and Energy OPINION: Water was once seen as a public good. But over recent decades water utilities have been corporatised and water is now a scarce commodity for sale. These statutory monopolies now primarily aim to maximize their economic performance, with secondary aims to protect the public good and our valuable water eco-systems.
Building crisis: we need a joined up functional system David Chandler, Western Sydney University The traditional professional, trade and governance demarcations in construction are no longer relevant. They are dysfunctional and there are too many cracks that can no longer be papered over. 2
Why we need to plan our cities for the jobs of the future There are lots of “As” to worry about – like AI and AV. All will have an impact on jobs and places. 4
On why climate change is a bigger threat to capitalism than the striking kids Just two days after the Reserve Bank of Australia declares the climate emergency is an economic emergency, this propaganda mouthpiece runs a piece of vitriol against children fighting for their future in global protests and school strikes on Friday. 5
On different ways to meet our gladiator complex The thing about the Allianz Stadium in Sydney is that tearing it down is a massive waste of resources. In an era when the “buy nothing new” campaign threatens (or promises) to morph into a “build nothing new”, that’s a serious thing. 3
What’s in the Lacrosse VCAT judgement for owners of defective apartments and policy makers? Despite the wailing of design consultants about the implications of the Lacrosse judgement and the Opal Tower engineering report, the importance of a viable Design and Construct constructor in these cases has proved critical to a way forward. 4
In the news: Julian Burnside, Lacrosse tower ruling and more… Another high-profile individual has become worried enough about climate change and other issues to run for parliament, among other developments.
Problems and Where to Find them by James Murray-Parkes Willow Aliento – Book Review Some books defy easy description or the usual glib reviewer phrases, and Problems and Where to Find them is just such a book. 3
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 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.
PFAS update & do we need a federal EPA? Willow Aliento - Oxygen Files According to Corrs Chambers Westgarth partner Christine Covington it’s probably time for federal environmental protection agency. And one of its first jobs could be to implement the recommendations of the…
No separation of water powers – what are we losing? Dr Peter Coombes, Urban Water Cycle Solutions & Michael Smit, Kingspan Water and Energy OPINION: Water was once seen as a public good. But over recent decades water utilities have been corporatised and water is now a scarce commodity for sale. These statutory monopolies now primarily aim to maximize their economic performance, with secondary aims to protect the public good and our valuable water eco-systems.
Politicians chasing NSW votes with sustainability promises Poppy Johnston NSW voters are walking into an election on Saturday and it’s going to be very close with the latest YouGov-Galaxy polling showing the NSW Coalition government and Labor split 50-50 on a two-party preferred basis, with just days to go.
Ways to finance deep energy retrofits from around the world David Thorpe It’s not possible for the world to just “fuel switch our way out of global climate disruption” according to one construction industry observer. We have to invest significantly in making buildings energy efficient at a rate much greater than we do now.
3D printed homes at scale one step closer to reality Poppy Johnston The Netherlands could soon house what’s touted as the world’s first commercial 3D printed housing project. And might complex construction such as vaulted ceilings or curved walls soon be printed off site on a concrete 3D concrete printer?
Super power: why the future of Australian capitalism is now in Greg Combet’s hands Danny Davis, La Trobe University Right now Greg Combet is arguably the most powerful man in Australia.
Transform: Facebook and how digital disruption needs more ethics to deliver on sustainability Poppy Johnston Facebook has never been under more scrutiny.
Warragamba Dam: Damned if you do, damned if you don’t Joel Dalberger, McGregor Coxall The proposed raising of the Warragamba Dam pits the interests of the environment and indigenous heritage against flood mitigation for urban development.
What our leaders said about the school climate change strike The Fifth Estate Tens of thousands of students plus some adult supporters (The Fifth Estate included) turned out on Friday, a school day, to protest inaction on climate change. 5
IKEA’s solar power-blockchain Uberisation and Airbnbification of our homes and cities David Thorpe SolarVille is a prototype neighbourhood that combines solar energy and blockchain technology to explore how communities of households could create their own renewable energy network and trade their excess energy directly at below market price.
Labor chases the dream of the hydrogen economy – but can it be caught? David Thorpe The Labor Party has committed to spending $1.1 billion on developing hydrogen fuel networks and an export hub in Gladstone in Queensland if elected. What would this mean for the hydrogen economy?
Justine Clark: A champion for women in architecture Poppy Johnston Justine Clark has observed a huge shift in the way the architectural profession approaches gender equality since she cofounded Parlour seven years ago.
Engineers headhunting for talent The Fifth Estate Movements in sustainability engineering continue with Integral managing director Andrew Mather snapping up Rich Palmer from his old firm of WSP where Palmer was director sustainability and Mather previously was chief executive and MD Asia Pacific.
Department of Planning & Environment: Senior Team Leader Advertisement The Department of Planning & Environment is the lead NSW Government agency in planning for a growing NSW. The Department is going through an exciting period of organisational and operational change.
Millennials are taking over the property hierarchies – and our pick of the jobs Tina Perinotto After a golden period of spectacular growth the softening residential market is starting to have an impact on sentiment over the rest of the property industry and putting the brakes on the pay rises we saw last year.
How the world’s oldest living culture can help shape sustainability Old Ways New empowers projects and organisations to draw on the knowledge, strengths and insights of Traditional Owners and Indigenous communities.
