Construction

  • CONSTRUCTION NEWS

    Innovative solutions finalists in the Premier’s Sustainability Awards

    Innovative solar solutions, a world-first pilot project using geothermal technology, and an inner-urban community battery are a few of the entrants embracing energy innovation in this year’s Premier’s Susta... more

  • CONSTRUCTION NEWS

    Concrete using recycled tyre rubber hits the road to a circular economy

    Engineers in Melbourne have discovered a way to replace 100% of conventional aggregates in concrete – such as gravel and crushed rock – with rubber from discarded tyres that meets building codes, promising ... more

  • greenwashing

    CONSTRUCTION NEWS

    Targeting greenwashing in Australia’s built sector

    The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) says that with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) recently confirming it will proactively pursue companies making sustainability claims that... more

  • commitment

    CONSTRUCTION NEWS

    Three new parties sign net zero buildings commitment

    The Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment now has a total of 172 signatories, which includes 138 businesses and organisations, 28 cities, and six states and regions. The businesses and organisations signed up to... more

  • Innovative solutions finalists in the Premier’s Sustainability Awards
    12 Aug, 2022
  • Concrete using recycled tyre rubber hits the road to a circular economy
    11 Aug, 2022
  • Targeting greenwashing in Australia’s built sector
    01 Aug, 2022
  • Three new parties sign net zero buildings commitment
    29 Jul, 2022
waste products

Waste products used for bricks can save money and resources

Firing bricks and making mortar and cement is very costly and resource intensive, but organic chemists at Flinders University are working on more sustainable alternatives – focusing on building materials made from waste products. In another move into the circular economy, researchers from the Flinders Chalker Lab have used low-cost feedstocks to make lightweight but durable polymer building blocks which can be bonded together with an adhesive-free chemical reaction. Their latest study tested the strength of these waste products and explored ways they can be reinforced in construction. Matthew Flinders Professor of Chemistry, Justin Chalker, says the need to develop…
reduce energy costs

Six steps building operators can take to reduce energy costs

As Australia accelerates commitments to net zero emissions, there are some steps owners and operators of large commercial buildings can take to improve environmental impact, reduce carbon emissions and reduce energy costs.  With inflation putting many businesses under increasing cost pressure and having flow on effects to consumers, building optimisation and efficiency is a key measure to reduce operational expenditure while boosting the sustainability performance of built assets. David Walsh, founder and CEO of CIM, says improving the energy efficiency of buildings has two possible approaches: capital expenditure and operational improvement. “While both have value, you should always prioritise the…
urban

Report finds growth of Australian cities increases urban heat

Produced every five years by Australia's Federal Government, the 2021 State of the Environment Report confirms that the resilience and sustainability of Australia’s urban environments are being challenged. It has found that the COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected the state of urban environments, highlighting to government, industry and communities the complex and fragile nature of urban ecosystems, the value of the natural environment for citizen wellbeing and the need to plan for greater urban resilience. The report also found that most of Australia’s eight major cities are growing at rates faster than many developed cities internationally. But As these cities expand…
warehouse

With warehouse construction soaring, can we make them sustainable?

Warehouses are growing in popularity as extra shipping centres or business offices. Online shopping grew by 43 per cent in 2020 because of the pandemic, so warehouse demand has increased. With such a boom in business, construction professionals must consider making more sustainable buildings. Why is warehouse construction rising? One of the reasons for this is increased shipping operations. There were rising demands for supplies after the pandemic. Truck drivers and ships couldn't cross borders due to health restrictions, which led to a pent-up market during lockdowns. So, to handle larger orders, more warehouses need to be built. Additionally, there…
The Circle Awards

Australia’s architecture sector invited to enter The Circle Awards

Entries are now open for The Circle Awards AUS & NZ 2022, the preeminent awards celebrating and uniting businesses, organisations, projects and people making a positive environmental and social impact in Australia and New Zealand. Entrants across 14 categories ranging from architecture, transport and local government through to fashion, food and wellbeing, will be judged by a panel of industry leaders, with four special accolade categories including; Judges Choice, People’s Choice, the One to Watch and Shape Shifter. Nick Hoskin, Founder TMRRW™ and The Circle Awards said the inaugural awards last year proved there are plenty of businesses in this…

Research finds how ventilation changes can reduce energy use in offices

An innovative research project has found simple changes to ventilation systems can significantly decrease the transmission of COVID-19 and reduce energy consumption in office buildings. ​The City of Melbourne BREATH pilot tested and evaluated three different ventilation systems in a vacant CBD building over three months: displacement ventilation air conditioning, in-ceiling air filters and natural airflow through open windows. Acting Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece said the research has identified simple but effective changes that can be implemented in office buildings to help workers feel safe, comfortable and protected. “The research findings are publicly available online and free for any organisation to…
WorldGBC

Meet the new influential sustainability leaders at WorldGBC

World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) has announced the newly elected members of its Board of Directors. WorldGBC's Board of Directors are a group of sustainability leaders bringing a wealth of experience, expertise and dedication to support WorldGBC’s mission to scale up decarbonisation and sustainability strategies in the built environment. These individuals are critical enablers for WorldGBC to evolve and deliver global and regional solutions for net zero, resilient, equitable and healthy built environments for everyone, everywhere. Their most pressing objectives over the next three years will be to advise on the development of WorldGBC’s 2023–2025 strategy, supporting the growth of…