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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.
| RAIA ESD PolicyThis practice has adopted the following as reflecting Ecologically Sustainable Development The principles of ESD are described in the following text copied from the RAIA's Environment Design GuideIt summarises a definition of ESD comparable to that used by the architectural practice of Victor Z Yanchenko. ENVIRONMENT DESIGN GUIDEARCHITECTS AND ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE DESIGN: A CLIENT BRIEFINGRAlA Staff This Note is intended to provide information to prospective clients about the role of ecologically sustainable design in minimising the adverse environmental impact of a building project.1.0 WHY CONSIDER ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE DESIGN?Human beings have always had an adverse impact on their surrounding environment and the global ecology. In the relatively recent past we have become more aware of the significant ecological consequences of our actions. While we can make a difference through changes in our individual behaviour, through recycling and composting for example, we can also contribute to reducing ecological impact of the built environment. The construction and operation of buildings consumes large quantities of non- renewable materials and fuel, and contributes to the release of greenhouse gasses and other pollutants. Your building project provides an opportunity to make a difference to the ecology of the planet - your building could use energy and resources more efficiently, produce less waste, less greenhouse gas and less toxic emission. It could contribute to the health and well being of its occupants. The design could take these and other factors into account over the building's entire life.2.0 USING AN ARCHITECT2.1 How can an architect help?Architects have the appropriate training and experience to design, co-ordinate and manage your building project. An RAIA architect must be professionally qualified, registered to practice by the State Registration Boards and is bound by a Code of Ethics established by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects. The RAIA's Environment Policy alerts its members to the aims of ecological and social sustainability. Ecological sustainability is an integral part of the design process and needs to be considered at every stage of the building process. It should not be considered in isolation from other aspects such as aesthetics, cost, choice of materials and end use of the building. Architects with experience in ecologically sustainable design are in a good position to advise you of the appropriate strategies for targeting ecological sustainability in your building. On large scale projects architects are in the best position to lead a co-ordinated team of experts in various areas of ecologically sustainable design.2.2 What are the advantages of using an architect?Good design minimises the ecological impact of the building, and improves the quality of life, thermal comfort, health and safety of the building's occupants. Architects can create an aesthetically pleasing building design which is integral with its surroundings. An architect can enhance the value of your building and may produce significant savings, especially when it comes to operating, occupying and/or tenanting the building. Passive solar design, for example, can achieve a significant decrease in energy consumption over the life of the building.3.0 ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE DESIGN3.1 What is ecologically sustainable design?Ecologically sustainable design is, in short, the use of design principles and strategies which help reduce the ecological impact of buildings - by reducing the consumption of energy and resources, or by minimising disturbances to existing vegetation, for example. A fuller description of these design principles is provided later in this Note. The concept of ecologically sustainable development (ESD) was outlined in Our Common Future, the report of the 1987 United Nation World Commission on the Environment and Development (the Bruntland Commission). It defined ESD as `. . . development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs'. Following the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (the Rio `Earth Summit'), a long term strategic program was developed for achieving sustainability - Agenda 21.3.2 Is ecologically sustainable design mandatory?It is not currently mandatory in Australia. However, in many areas, regulations are being introduced by state and local authorities, imposing specific requirements for the installation of insulation and solar hot water systems, and the use of double glazing etc. The National Home Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) is being introduced in each state and includes suggested strategies for the mandatory achievement of energy efficiency. A national commercial building energy code, to be called the Building Energy Code of Australia (BECA) is currently under development, and will have implications for building design and energy performance for all non- residential buildings.3.3 What are the aims of ecologically sustainable design?The RAIA's Environment Policy sets out some of the aims under 'key principles' 1. Maintain and, where it has been disturbed, restore biodiversity. 2. Minimise the consumption of resources, especially non-renewable resources. 3. Minimise pollution of soil, air and water. 4. Maximise the health, safety and comfort of building users. 5. Increase awareness of environmental issues. In order to work towards ecological sustainability, the building design should consider, but not be restricted to, the following specific principles. However, each project and the relevance of each principle to a particular building may vary4.0 ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE DESIGN PRINCIPLES4.1 The BriefThe quality of your brief - that is, your description of needs and requirements - will determine, in part, the success of the 'design solution'. In considering the ways in which to incorporate ecological sustainability into your building, discuss the cost and ecological implications of your decisions with your architect. Critically review and re-examine your needs and requirements - for example, reducing the size and scope of the building, or rethinking how you use the building or your criteria for thermal comfort may well have cost and ecological benefits.4.2 Site PlanningWhile site factors such as attractive views and pleasing streetscape are desirable, your building's location and design can also take maximum advantage of solar access, natural ventilation, existing landscaping and existing structures and facilities including public amenities. You can also reduce the ecological impact of your building by minimising site excavation, noise and reflection, optimising local ecosystems and respecting conservation issues. On larger sites and when assessing the potential of existing buildings, your architect can arrange for a site evaluation and audit to assess existing features in order to optimise your design choices.4.3 Built formThe function of the building, site conditions, local regulations and the shape of your property (and its setbacks) could determine the form of your building. However, factors such as the building's depth, massing, window design and external shading may affect the energy efficiency of your building and, in turn, it's operating costs and the comfort of the building's occupants.4.4 Internal layoutThe internal arrangement of rooms and spaces should reflect not only the functional relationships between spaces, but also the grouping or zoning of spaces with similar heating, cooling and lighting requirements to help reduce energy consumption.4.5 MaterialsThe selection and use of construction materials has a significant ecological impact. Materials selected should be least polluting, and from renewable/sustainable sources, such as plantation timber. Where practical, the use of recycled and recyclable materials should be considered. The use of heavy materials (concrete, brick or stone), appropriately positioned inside a building as thermal mass to store the heat, will improve the energy efficiency of a building by reducing energy consumption for heating and cooling. The building's energy consumption over its entire life may also be reduced by avoiding the excessive use of metals and plastics which have a high embodied energy (energy used in the manufacture and assembly of the material).4.6 InsulationCorrect insulation of walls, roof, and floors and correct sealing of windows and door openings will reduce the amount of winter heat loss and summer heat gain. Reduced operating energy costs for a building may be achieved provided that insulation is considered as part of a thermally balanced design approach.4.7 EnergyThe use of renewable energy sources, passive solar design, solar control (shading of windows), natural ventilation, daylighting, low energy lighting, insulation, energy efficient appliances and energy management systems improve the energy efficiency of the building. This in tum could increase occupants' thermal comfort, reduce operating costs, and contribute to reducing greenhouse gas (C02) emissions.4.8 FinishesThe selection of finishing materials such as floor and wall coverings may have consequences for occupant health (e.g. toxic off-gassing), and will influence the building's embodied energy audit and contribute to a poor thermal performance.4.9 Waste and RecyclingMinimising the amount of waste generated during construction and providing for the recycling of both construction and occupant wastes could reduce both the financial cost and the ecological impact of the building project.4.10 WaterOn-site retention of stormwater and treatment of effluent for re-use (where allowed or required by local authorities), together with water efficient appliances, will conserve water and contribute to lower user costs.4.11 Lifecycle(cradle-to-grave) The design of the building should consider the cost and ecological impact of the building over its entire life - from the extraction and processing of the building materials through to construction and occupation as well as the building's eventual demolition at the end of its useful life. In this context, important factors include running costs, energy efficiency, maintenance requirements and durability of materials, pollution minimisation, the energy embodied in the materials during their manufacture and the buildings potential for re-use or changed uses.
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