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Drivers to – and benefits of – change
Better-informed and climate conscious consumers increasingly understand the benefits of – and are seeking to achieve – the following in the design process:
Cost Savings: Innovative design, considered material selection and harnessing renewable energy all contribute to significant reductions in energy consumption and lower utility bills. Access to government and commercial grants may also reduce the implementation costs of energy-efficient options.
Increased Property Value: Properties with sustainable features often command higher market values and attract environmentally conscious buyers or tenants, enhancing marketability and potential resale value.
Enhanced Comfort and Health: Sustainable buildings prioritise indoor environmental quality, incorporating natural light, improved air quality, and non-toxic materials, leading to better health outcomes and overall improved quality of life for occupants.
Future proofing: Sustainable buildings are designed to be more resilient to climate change impacts and comply with evolving regulations, ensuring long-term viability and compliance.
Compliance with government policies: Government has introduced policy and regulatory requirements that inter alia mandate energy efficiency requirements and encourage the adoption of sustainable construction practices.
To satisfy changing demand, industry will be required to adapt – including to design for our changing climate, embrace sustainable building materials, and adopt more efficient construction methods. In doing so, it’s worth considering whether government incentives may also assist in further driving down costs.
Designing for our climate
Brisbane's subtropical climate – characterised by warm, humid summers and mild winters – necessitates architectural designs that optimise natural ventilation and shading, and considered material selection that promotes comfort and energy efficiency.
On the design front, the local vernacular promotes light roofs, deep verandas and the incorporation of green infrastructure like green roofs and rooftop gardens. But as climate change drives more extreme weather patterns, and government policies and regulations mandate increasingly stringent energy efficiency and thermal performance standards, consideration should also be given to adopting more rigorous design approaches such as the Passive House Standards.
Passive House is a voluntary standard for energy efficiency in buildings. Aiming to significantly reduce ecological footprints, it emphasises maintaining comfortable indoor climates with minimal energy consumption. This is achieved through the incorporation of a range of design principles such as:
Airtight construction: ensuring the building envelope is airtight minimises uncontrolled air leakage, which enhances energy efficiency and prevents moisture-related issues.
Thorough insulation: applying high levels of insulation to walls, roofs, and floors reduces heat transfer, maintaining consistent indoor temperatures regardless of external conditions.
High-performance windows: utilising triple-glazed or similarly efficient windows maximizes natural light and heat, while contributing to energy savings.
Thermal bridge-free design: eliminating thermal bridges prevents cooling and heat loss through structural elements, ensuring uniform insulation and reducing energy demand.
Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery (MVHR): implementing MVHR systems provides continuous fresh air which is cooled or heated by reusing thermal energy from exhaust air. This enhances indoor air quality while improving energy efficiency.
Incorporating these design elements – in addition to harnessing renewable energy – will help to meet clients’ evolving expectations in relation to energy efficiency, enhanced comfort, cost savings and environmental impact, while creating more sustainable and liveable spaces for the future.
Embracing sustainable building materials
In line with this trend, the construction industry is witnessing a gradual shift towards the use of more sustainable materials. This sector continues to evolve, with new materials continually hitting the market. Recent examples include:
Engineered timber products, e.g. cross-laminated timber (CLT), which are gaining popularity due to their reduced carbon footprint and structural benefits. The use of mass timber products offers advantages over traditional materials like concrete and steel, being lightweight, strong, and suitable for off-site construction, which reduces waste and emissions.
Zeoboard, which is made from re-purposed natural waste streams without the use of any petroleum products or other toxins. This biodegradable material is currently available in 400mm x 400mm panels which are well-suited for kitchens, ceilings, flooring etc.; with plans afoot to also produce 2400mm x 1200mm boards for broader architectural and industrial use.
Coffee and wood-based biochar. Using a technique developed by RMIT, organic waste – including spent coffee grounds and woodchips – are used to make concrete up to 30% stronger. The product not only presents an appealing building material, but helps to reduce the amount of organic waste going to landfill, which contributes 3% of greenhouse gas emissions.
Hempcrete, which is a lightweight but durable building material composed of the inner woody core of the hemp plant combined with a lime-based binder and water. Hempcrete offers a range of attractive properties including: excellent thermal insulation (contributing to energy-efficient buildings); moisture regulation (enhancing indoor air quality); and natural fire and pest resistance (adding a layer of safety to structures). Hempcrete also acts as a carbon sink, absorbing CO₂ during both the growth of hemp plants and the curing process of the material.
Smart glass technology. Also known as dynamic glass, this is an innovative material that alters its light transmission properties in response to external stimuli such as electrical currents, light or heat. This adaptability allows the glass to transition between transparent, translucent or opaque states. In addition to offering enhanced control over light and privacy within a space, smart glass also reduces the need for artificial cooling and lighting by controlling solar heat gain – with additional cost savings benefits.
In addition, the construction industry is increasingly adopting recycled materials to enhance sustainability and reduce environmental impact. All manner of materials – including concrete, wood and timber, metals, plastic-based materials, glass, textiles and more – can be given a second life. In facilitation of this, the concept of material banks is gaining traction. These banks catalogue materials for future reuse, promoting a circular economy in construction.
Choosing efficient construction approaches
The integration of advanced materials and construction methods is also pivotal in advancing sustainable architecture. On the construction front, notable developments include:
Prefabricated construction: Local firms are increasingly offering high quality, architecturally-refined prefabricated solutions for traditionally site-based builds. These custom solutions deliver contemporary designs with meticulous attention to detail, build quality and affordability – often within shorter construction timelines. At the same time, factory-controlled manufacturing allows for precise material usage, minimising waste compared to on-site construction. Excess materials are often recycled within the facility, further enhancing sustainability.
Construction for circular use: The future also holds more circular construction solutions. By thinking ahead and designing buildings with materials that can easily be dismantled, recycled or up-cycled at the end of the building’s life, a range of materials don’t have to ultimately end up in landfill.
Implementing new building methodologies and standards requires more from architects up front, and it is often beneficial to outsource early for specialist knowledge.
Taking advantage of government incentives
Government has introduced a range of initiatives to promote sustainable construction. To further reduce costs, it’s worthwhile considering how to approach your project to take advantage of these. Relevant policies and incentives include:
Brisbane Green Buildings Incentive Policy: Offers financial incentives for residential and commercial buildings that achieve specific sustainability criteria, encouraging the adoption of green building practices.
Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES): The SRES encourages households and small businesses to install renewable energy systems such as solar panels, wind, hydro systems, and solar water heaters. Eligible installations earn Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), which can be sold to offset installation costs, effectively providing a subsidy for adopting renewable technologies.
Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC): Provides over $10 billion in finance for renewable energy, energy efficiency, and low-emission projects, demonstrating the country's commitment to sustainable methods and technologies.
How we can help you
At SIX x SIXTY Architects, we specialise in energy efficient, environmentally friendly architectural solutions that foster sustainable, healthy environments. Drawing on our design ethos, technical expertise and innovation, we create well-crafted, quality developments that are designed for a better future.
By partnering with us, our clients can realise innovative, sustainable designs that are advantageous to owners, occupants and the broader community while having a positive environmental impact. We’d love to hear from you to discuss your next project.
