Sustainability Awards | Architecture & Design

GBCA’s new pathway to guide developers in delivering Green Star-certified apartments

Australian developers will now be able to deliver more sustainable multi-unit residential projects with the release of the new Green Star Buildings – Apartments Pathway by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA). The Apartments Pathway is designed to provide unit-level certification of apartments within Green Star Buildings rated projects.

Paving the way for a circular economy: Knauf Gypsum down cycles 12,000 tonnes of plasterboard waste

Australia's construction sector is transitioning from linear to circular practices, driven by resource scarcity and waste management needs. Initiatives like the National Waste Policy support this shift. Knauf Gypsum is leading by downcycling 12,000 tonnes of plasterboard waste into useful products for agriculture and engineering, aiming for zero waste by 2032 and encouraging broader industry participation in sustainability efforts.

Sustainability Summit #8: Sustainability in transport design & assessing environmental impact

This upcoming panel, Sustainability in Transport Design & Assessing Environmental Impact, will explore the sustainability initiatives at the heart of transport design. This discussion will highlight the crucial role of sustainable practices in transportation infrastructure for both environmental stewardship and urban liveability.

Autex Acoustics: Pioneering a sustainable soundscape

Autex Acoustics has been a quiet force in sustainable building practices for decades, since long before "green" became a buzzword. Needing little introduction, the New Zealand-based company has long been renowned for its innovative acoustic solutions and has woven a commitment to environmental responsibility into the very fabric of its operations.

Sustainability Summit #10: What comes next in workplace design?

This upcoming panel, "What Comes Next In Workplace Design?" will address the evolving landscape of the commercial sector in the wake of the pandemic. As hybrid working models reshape vacancy rates and demand for office space, there is much to debate regarding the future of commercial architecture.

Q&A with Richard Hamber, General Manager at DECO Australia

Richard Hamber, General Manager of DECO Australia, emphasizes sustainability shaped by his industrial design background. Under his leadership, DECO has adopted lower-carbon materials and expanded renewable energy use. The company focuses on four sustainability areas aligned with UN goals: energy, materials, water, and community. DECO aspires to achieve net-zero emissions while fostering critical discussions on comprehensive sustainability in product development and lifecycle management.

The whole package: Nero Tapware's holistic approach to sustainability

Australian manufacturers, spurred by government regulations and consumer demand for sustainability, are evolving their practices. The tapware industry exemplifies this shift, with companies like Nero Tapware leading the way. They prioritise eco-friendly materials, water efficiency, and recyclable packaging, achieving 100% recyclability. As consumer expectations rise, Nero aims for net-zero emissions and continuous innovation, setting a benchmark for sustainable manufacturing.

Sustainability Summit #9: Data-driven design: Leveraging technology for sustainable housing solutions

This upcoming panel, "Data-Driven Design: Leveraging Technology For Sustainable Housing Solutions," will examine the role of digitalisation in sustainable architecture. Data-driven design has become a powerful tool, enabling architects and designers to make informed decisions grounded in data and analytics.

Crafted for conscience, designed for life: Nero Tapware's Zen Collection redefines sustainable tapware design

As environmental concerns grow in the built environment, architects and designers seek solutions that combine beauty, sustainability, and performance. Nero Tapware’s Zen Collection exemplifies this with its minimalist design and durable 316L stainless steel, which is recyclable and lead-free. This collection not only meets new health standards but also emphasises longevity and water efficiency, showcasing that luxury and responsibility can coexist harmoniously.

Sustainability Summit #7: Are we truly ready to pivot to transport-oriented development?

This upcoming panel discussion will examine the housing manifesto recently introduced by the NSW government. While the policy has sparked discourse, the primary concern lies in the pushback from local councils and NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) sentiments. Join us as we explore the critical question: Can Sydney overcome opposition to embrace a new era of transport-oriented development?

Visible solutions for invisible threats: How architects and designers can champion VOC-free interiors

The focus on planetary health is reshaping architecture and design, emphasizing the importance of indoor environments for occupant well-being. With people spending 90% of their time indoors, air quality—affected by volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—is crucial. Using non-VOC materials like DECO's aluminium products can enhance air quality and sustainability, creating healthier spaces for everyone.

Sustainability Summit Panel #6: The evolution and adaptation of green roofs

With a rapidly growing global population that is becoming increasingly urbanised, competition for space and resources in our cities is fierce. This panel represents some of the most accomplished leaders in the sustainability field who will explain the current climate of the green roof industry and plant the seeds to help the next generation achieve a much more diverse and sustainable future.