On why we need a manifesto for artists and loud architects in our cities The Fifth Estate Architects understand artists and how to find the niches among the hard edges of reality in the built environment in which they can insert human dreams and aspirations. So why aren’t they more loud and demanding?
Our transport choices are about more than keeping Sydney moving Jason Packenham, ASPECT Studios and Benjamin Driver, Hill Thalis Architecture + Urban Projects As Sydney continues to grapple with the ever-growing economic, environmental and social costs of its congestion, it is plain to see that Sydney’s historically car-based mobility preferences cannot continue in a city of 8 million people in the future. 3
The heat in the east: Wentworth goes into fierce battle for climate and democracy Anne Susskind | 9 October 2018 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.
Hired guns…better known these days as consultants – and cities Mike Brown | 20 September 2018 The shaping of our cities seems to be an advisory battleground. Expert traffic and economic projections were features of the recent part-sale of WestConnex.
How construction can improve social value David Thorpe | 4 September 2018 A movement is underway in the UK to encourage the construction industry to do more to improve civil society cohesion and ethics. This is steering the direction of Government legislation.
Victoria’s election mode spending focuses on sustainability Willow Aliento | 30 August 2018 The Andrews Government in Victoria is shifting into election mode and announcements are coming thick and fast. They range from big shiny promises to initiatives across affordable and social housing, social infrastructure and low-carbon energy projects.
Canberra falls to the right and it’s all about climate again (but maybe no longer denial) The Fifth Estate | 23 August 2018 The people on the hard right trying to seize our government may not be climate deniers but climate believers who want to control the hatch.
Singapore Green Building Council turns attention to general public Cameron Jewell | 6 August 2018 Singapore Green Building Council (SGBC) is turning its attention to the general public in order to boost demand for green buildings.
Alan Pears: Australia’s missing the boat on energy efficiency Willow Aliento | 30 July 2018 Aside from the ACT, all Australian states and territories are far behind on energy efficiency efforts, according to RMITsenior industry fellow Alan Pears.
How can we make local councils fit for the future? Eamon Waterford, Committee for Sydney | 30 July 2018 Twelve months ago the NSW Government walked back its program of council amalgamations in Sydney, leaving a lopsided local government sector.
When will Australians break up with their cars and consider road-based pricing? Poppy Johnston | 25 July 2018 A “gaping hole” in the Commonwealth’s $11 billion a year fuel exciserevenue caused by an electrified car fleet could shift the political appetite in favour of road-based pricing and other innovative transport reform measures, according to Monash University’s professor Graham Currie.
Liverpool embraces blockchain for its climate positive ambition David Thorpe | 24 July 2018 Liverpool City Council in the UK is set to launch a year-long trial using carbon offsetting and blockchain technology to more than offset its greenhouse gas emissions by the end of 2020 and become what it calls “the world’s first carbon-positive city”
How government schemes transformed the lighting industry Bruce Easton, Ecovantage | 23 July 2018 The happy marriage of state government support for energy efficiency and the coming of age of LED lighting technology has successfully transformed the entire lighting industry.
Will the NEG disrupt carbon accounting? Bruce Precious, Six Capitals Consulting | 17 July 2018 In the rush to reach agreement on the National Energy Guarantee, could all the good work done by individuals and corporations to reduce carbon emissions through energy efficiency and renewable energy investment come undone?
The three things you need to know about the new Modern Slavery legislation Robin Mellon, Supply Chain Sustainability School | 12 July 2018 With modern slavery legislation at federal and state levels being introduced in Australia, and regulations and guidelines under development, here are the three most common questions and answers on this topic to help you build smarter supply chains:
Australia must build for a zero carbon future Suzanne Toumbourou, ASBEC | 3 July 2018 A bright future of low energy, comfortable and resilient buildings with zero carbon emissions awaits – if governments use the National Construction Code to help us get there.
Waverley’s new mayor sets a strong sustainability agenda Poppy Johnston | 28 June 2018 John Wakefield has been mayor at Waverley Council once before so he’s well prepared to tackle stronger sustainability challenges. Councils, he says, need to have grand ideas.
