new report from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Sustainable Construction and Building Initiative (SBCI) says that significant gains can be made in the fight against global warming by reducing energy use and improving energy efficiency in buildings. According to the report, the building sector accounts for 30-40 per cent of global energy use. The report was released in March and is entitled ‘Buildings and Climate Change: Status, Challenges and Opportunities.’
Citing the example of Europe, the report says more than one-fifth of present energy consumption and up to 45 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (C02) per year could be saved by 2010 by applying more ambitious standards to new and existing buildings.
It is not just about the structure and materials used in buildings themselves, however, it is also about elements in the usage of the building. Achim Steiner, UN Under-Secretary General and UNEP Executive Director, says, “Several countries, including Australia, Cuba and the European Union are looking to phase out or ban the traditional incandescent light bulb that has been around for well over a century in various forms. The International Energy Agency estimates that a total global switch to compact fluorescent bulbs would, in 2010 deliver C02 savings of 470 million tonnes or slightly over half of the Kyoto reductions.”
Recognising that most energy is consumed when the building is in use, rather than in its construction, the report recommends greater use of existing technologies such as thermal insulation, solar shading and more efficient lighting and electrical appliances. Olivier Luneau, SBCI Chairman and Director for sustainability at Lafarge says, solutions do not necessarily have to be high tech. Rather, the focus should be on smart design, flexible energy solutions and the provision of appropriate information to energy users. "Simple solutions can include sun shading and natural ventilation, improved insulation of the building envelope, use of recycled building materials, adoption of the size and form of the building to its intended use," he says.
These measures are difficult to enforce in isolation however. The report stresses the importance of appropriate government policies on building codes, energy pricing and financial incentives that encourage reductions in energy consumption. Alongside this, stakeholders themselves such as investors, architects, property developers, construction companies, tenants need to support such policies for them to function properly.
According to the report, Australia is dragging its heels in its response to cutting back on emissions. It describes the increase in C02 emissions in Australia and in the US as “exponential.”
However, Janine Nechwatal, the General Manager of Australia’s Housing Industry Association (HIA)’s GreenSmart initiative, says the organisation has noticed a marked increase in interest from Australian home owners who are keen to make their properties green and environmentally acceptable. “This is especially the case among third or fourth home buyers who have more disposable income.” She emphasizes that sustainable homes don’t necessarily have to cost you more, providing you live in the right house in the right block.
Nevertheless, making one’s home more sustainable can still incur additional costs. “Products such as grey or rainwater tanks and solar panels are all capital cost items that usually then go on the mortgage and extend the lifetime of the mortgage. But if you start with the basics of orientating your house, then you are already well progressed, then you can work on increasing your insulation, selecting and placing your windows for energy efficient lighting and so forth.”
Chris Lamont, the Senior Executive Director of Industry Policy at HIA, says a more effective rebate scheme is needed, targeting national or aspiring home owners, and affordable solutions for would be home owners. “Most of the regulation at this point is also fairly and squarely aimed at new homes and the construction of new homes, which pushes the price of new homes up. For a new home, there are compulsory requirements such as fitting grey or rainwater tanks, having a five star energy rating plus water efficient measures. But rebates aren’t effectively targeted, in terms of cost of what is otherwise required to deliver these more efficient energy devices. This is complicating the affordability crisis, as first home buyers make up this segment of the market. It could add $40, 000 to the cost of a home — which is more than a deposit, and probably about seven years to a mortgage. These are strong disincentives,” adds Lamont. “Each year Australia constructs 160, 000 homes, which is less than two per cent of the total stock of housing. If we’re looking at providing energy-efficient and environmental gains, we should be looking at the total stock.”
However, the Green Building Council has positive news to report on Australia’s progress when it comes to stakeholders in the building industry. It has recorded a 200 per cent growth in the number of projects registered and certified under the Green Star environmental rating system for buildings, and growing membership of the Green Building Council of Australia.
The Green Building Council now has 300 member organisations around Australia, and more than 160 projects are now registered for certification under its Green Star environmental rating system — with 26 projects already certified. The state of Victoria continues to have the most number of Green Star certified projects (nine), with a further 34 projects registered for certification, followed by South Australia with seven certified projects and a further 11 registered projects.
As another indicator of industry take-up, the Green Building Council has now trained 3,300 property industry professionals around the country in the use of Green Star (since January 2004).
“Clearly the Australian property industry has embraced green building, and it’s no longer just a niche market — it’s the main game,” says Romilly Madew, Green Building Council of Australia’s chief executive. “Indeed, the question now isn’t whether the move to build green is on, it is how quickly market transformation will take place.” — Serena Tarling
