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
Demolishing the arguments against stronger energy performance Suzanne Toumbourou, ASBEC | 12 February 2019 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.
First city council to achieve renewables-only power Poppy Johnston | 17 January 2019 Melbourne City Council has leapt ahead of the renewables race with its announcement that it will be now be powered by 100 per cent renewable energy.
On why the Vic election comes down to climate and renewables The Fifth Estate – our view | 22 November 2018 At the Property Council Christmas bash in Sydney last night (Wednesday), we just knew we’d strike up a conversation with someone from Melbourne to give us a view on what the Victorian state election on Saturday might bring for sustainability.
Parliamentary report on mould hands down its finding, but there are sceptics Willow Aliento | 1 November 2018 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.
Wentworth: The great defeat, opening up a whole new sea of possibilities Tina Perinotto | 23 October 2018 OPINION: Wentworth was not a by-election to win; it was one to force defeat. The people furious with this government’s climate policy and disgusted by its stance on refugees made…
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”
