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When it rains, stormwater runs down surfaces like streets and parking lots and into drains. Most of the time, we see it as a problem because it can cause floods. Recent storms across eastern Australia created huge amounts of stormwater and flooding.
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The Albanese government can justly claim to have reasserted Commonwealth leadership on housing since its election in 2022. Media attention has focused mainly on the legislative stoush with the Greens over the Housing Australia Future Fund. But that’s only one element of a raft of initiatives from Canberra over this time.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) review and the disability royal commission’s final report both highlighted the crucial role of accessible buildings and homes in ensuring the inclusion of people with disabilities.
With each passing year, there are new innovations in sustainable architecture and design, using cutting-edge technologies and materials. What was once considered specialised and niche is quickly becoming an industry standard, bringing with it a plethora of new products to consider when specifying a build.
“The fact that one of the least populated countries on Earth contains the world’s second most expensive housing is a national calamity, and a stunning failure of public policy,” writes Alan Kohler, in the latest Quarterly Essay.
Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen has announced Australia is “within striking distance” of the government’s 2030 emissions reduction target.
Millions of homes were built before Australia introduced housing energy efficiency standards in 2003. They’re leaky. Gaps around windows, doors and between building materials allow air to move in and out. So people tend to compensate, with more heating and cooling. It’s costly and damaging for the environment.
Logging typically degrades tropical forests. But what if logging is carefully planned and carried out by well-trained workers?
Soaring rents and home prices, increasing mortgage stress, record immigration and a growing population are fuelling a housing crisis and increasing homelessness. In the face of this pressing need, tiny houses offer an alternative housing option.
Pre-fabrication and modular construction are often highlighted as part of the solution to the housing crisis. While this is true, they also deliver benefits in terms of sustainability. Australia is experiencing a housing crisis. Beyond the issue of affordability, we have come to a point where we simply do not have enough homes to accommodate our ever-increasing population.
A new concept – the “grid of grids” – is revolutionising the way we think about energy.
As Australia’s population gets older, more people are confronted with a choice: retire where they are or seek new horizons elsewhere.
