Sustainability Awards | Architecture & Design

On the science of sustainability, with Dion Mataira of Timberlink

We sit down with Timberlink’s Sustainability and Certifications Manager to talk about the importance of science in Timberlink’s approach to sustainability, initiatives Dion has been involved with since starting with the company, and deep dive into exciting product releases scheduled for this year.

Following Sika’s all-encompassing sustainability journey

Sustainability has grown exponentially as a focus in the architecture and construction industries. Seen very much as a ‘nice to have’ in the past, it is now seen as a fundamental aspect of business operations; sewn into the business’s very fabric. Sika is one such company. With an expansive view of the meaning of sustainability that encapsulates everything from the products they create to the happiness of their workforce, this leading construction chemicals company is undoubtedly an innovator in the space.

DECO's switch to LocAl® Green Aluminium sets a sustainable standard for the building industry

In the era of escalating environmental consciousness, businesses within the architecture and design sector are taking proactive measures to curtail their carbon footprint and embrace sustainable practices. DECO Australia, a leading specialist supplier of architectural aluminium building products and finishes, has long been at the forefront of these efforts, and their recent resolution further cements their commitment to environmental agenda.

Bondor Metecno’s commitment to sustainability: Certified, marked and declared

In a time where greenwashing has become so prevalent that the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has had to launch a crackdown and impose fines on many businesses, the need for certified sustainability credentials has never been greater. Across the architecture and design industries, certifications have become a means of third-party verification that a company, product, or process actually does what it says it does.

Low energy, low condensation: Sustainability from the ground up with Bondor Metecno

The drive towards greater sustainability across the architecture and construction industries is increasingly becoming codified in legislation, guidelines, and the National Construction Code. It’s important to note that, for the most part, businesses have taken up the challenge unilaterally; pursuing better sustainable outcomes because they make business and environmental sense, not just out of fear of reprimand.

A simple, sustainable solution to an age-old problem: Stormtech’s 120SCS drain

The 120SCS Shower Screen Support drain ticks all these boxes and more. Designed and manufactured by drainage innovators and leading sustainability thinkers, Stormtech, this new product builds on Stormtech’s signature linear drainage systems. Central to the drain’s design, is the concept of water shedding.

Sustainability trends in hospitality and tourism

While a push towards sustainability is (thankfully) high on the agenda in many industries across the world, perhaps nowhere is it felt more strongly than in hospitality and tourism. From the local to the global, these industries thrive and survive on their ability to capitalise on, and contribute to, their environments - whether built, natural, or social.

From idea to reality: A more sustainable industry with Bondor Metecno

While sustainability is undoubtedly a central focus across the architecture and construction industries these days, it wasn’t always so. Even as recently as a few years ago, many businesses were struggling to find the balance between the ideological (and practical) need to be more environmentally conscious, and the costs of doing so.

Sustainability trends in small sustainable practice

When it comes to sustainable architecture, it’s easy to be wowed by the big end of town. Large firms with large-scale projects that are pushing the boundaries of engineering and offering ever-more adaptive and innovative use of sustainable technologies are plentiful. But, arguably, the quiet achievers are tucked away in our cities and suburbs, making incremental differences with the resourcefulness that only comes from the smaller firm.

Editor's Choice: What does it take to impress our Editor?

Last year’s Editor’s Choice award saw NBRS and Donovan Payne Architects’ Bay Pavilions Arts + Aquatic (pictured top) centre named the inaugural winner of the category.

The latest trends in green building materials and products

There are a great many decisions that architects and designers need to make when creating a sustainable building or structure. Everything from form, to orientation, to intensive light calculations, can have significant impacts on the efficiency and sustainability profile of the project. But perhaps none of these decisions is as important as choosing what to build with.

Sustainability trends in landscapes and urban projects

When we look around our cities these days, it’s far more common to see lush, green spaces that break up the backdrop of concrete and glass than it was, say 50 years ago. Similarly, when public facilities or structures are created, they’re imbued with thought for functionality, aesthetics, and minimal environmental impact. For many years now the greening of our cities (in both a botanical, and sustainable sense) has been a high priority for urban planners and architects alike.