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Latest News
AccuRATE V1.1.3.0
The latest version of 2nd Gen BTP
Assessment tools has been released.
DoP agree to a new Pilot to
commence early February 2007.
BASIX (DIY)
Review
ABSA instrumental in securing DoP
DIY Sustainability Tool - DoP Review...not independent but a starting point
Visit the ABSA Site for further
details.
DIY found to lower the standard of
Residential Building BTP in NSW - varies between 200% to 400% below Simulation
Method when compared with NatHERS and far more variation expected to AccuRATE.
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ESD Practice
On the following pages you will find some of the principles that have been
adopted by this practice in its approach to finding solutions to various
urban building designs. Many of
the principles and technologies are able to be implemented in rural areas only
as a result of urban availability of infrastructure whereas these technologies
may not available in rural areas and accordingly can be planned at the early
stages of any project. Where urban
projects are not able to utilise the full array of technological benefits
available this practice has ensured the implementation of practices which ensure
that the final building project embodies the greatest possible benefits to the
client and project in order to maximise ESD benefits and minimise the use
resources which cannot be replaced.
Sustainable Outcomes
Taken from the RAIA Environmental Design
Guide
Environmental Issues/Principle Impacts
- Very early decisions in the design
process often have the greatest impact on the reduction of greenhouse gasses
- Energy issues need to be treated as
often and evaluated in the same way as monetary issues to minimise overall
costs and energy use
Basic Strategies
To maximise the benefits of a
participatory approach to energy efficient design five key strategies should be
followed:
- Inclusion of energy adviser in the
design team
- use of participatory design approach
- Use of life cycle energy and monetary
analysis
- Project team consisting of all
stakeholders; and
- Use of energy targets.
Cutting EDGe Strategies
- Use zero resources charette at
beginning of project
- Energy adviser and advice would cost
in the region of $ 2000 for smaller projects and between $ 10,000.00 - $
15,000.00 for larger projects and typically less than 1% of the cost of the
works
- Whenever a cost or budget decision is
required and energy decision is also required
How does one build in a sustainable
manner, and in harmony with nature??
What can one do differently to design and build buildings which are healthier to
live and work in, that use energy, materials more efficiently and that are more
gentle on the environment??
How can you build this way in a cost effective and common sense manner??
Sustainable, Green or Ecological Architecture
The words 'green', 'sustainable' and 'ecological' are all terms used by
environmentalists to indicate modes of practice. Global economics, household
features are all aimed practices which minimise our impact on the environment
and produce healthier living and working places.
What can we do to heal, augment and regenerate the Earth's ability to bear life.
In architecture there may be many ways a
building can be 'green' and respond to the growing environmental problems of our
planet. Architecture can be 'green' while still responding and maintaining
efficiency, beauty as well as cost effectiveness.
The five basic areas of consideration are building ecology, energy efficiency,
materials, building form and good design.
Ecology:
Many products and systems used to build may be toxic, they may emit unhealthy
gases and substances into the air for years after construction. This can be
greatly diminished if during the design process adjustments and substitutions
are made in the materials used. In addition 'natural air systems' can be
designed to provide maximum levels of fresh air and to minimise levels of mildew
and mould build up.
Energy Efficiency:
By employing proven solar technologies
and solar heating methods, thermal massing and insulation systems energy can be
returned to the local power utility during the hottest and coldest days.
Energy use detectors and reflectivity can be used effectively and lighting and
electrical fixture selection can dramatically reduce the use of conventional
electricity.
Materials:
Many materials are 'harder' on the
earth's environment than others.
Some wood species come from destructive forest practices. Some materials require
extensive processing and produce toxic waste.
Others may be from renewable resources and relatively safe to produce.
Building ecology takes these regional and global factors into consideration - by
consistently using 'low impact' materials we will live 'lighter' on the planet.
Building Form:
The form of a building can respond to
adjacent land form, vegetation and climate patterns. Incorporated into a design
may be recycling, layouts accommodating energy cooperative lifestyles, reduced
flow water fixtures and indoor planting areas - the design itself can
aesthetically reflect local and regional natural features and respond to the
local micro-climate.
Good Design:
Good design is the consideration for
what we are leaving those that will follow us.
Buildings with longevity ease of use reuse and beauty will require less energy
less repair and have more value in the future. Thoughtful design attention to
details and use of quality materials and building systems will be much easier to
sustain in the future that the MASS PRODUCED, cheap and BUILT TO FAIL components
we frequently encounter in the PROJECT BUILDING MARKET.
These approaches comprise a NEW
BUILDING called GREEN or SUSTAINABLE DESIGN. Without using them we leave a poor
legacy for future generations.
With them we hold out the possibility of a regenerated and healthy environment.
The breadth of green building principles
can be defined as:
The
Hannover Principles.
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