The Art of Sustainable Building Design

Sustainable building practices are among the most important and often overlooked aspects of sustainability. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has estimated that buildings are responsible for as much as one third of total greenhouse emissions globally.

Sustainable Living Tasmania and the Tasmanian Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects (the Institute) have brought together a panel of experts in sustainable design and construction to answer critical questions that will help you design or redesign your sustainable home.

“We’re excited to be able to offer a chance to ask questions of this esteemed panel at the Sustainable Living Festival and explore positive and practical solutions, which you can implement in your home,” said the Festival Director, Lissa Villeneuve.

“It is amazing how much difference good design and planning can make in the long-term running costs and comfort of your home. If you are considering renovating or building, we would love to help you find answers to the more difficult questions you’re facing,” Ms Villeneuve said.

“The panel will cover a variety of topics, including insulation, thermal mass and glazing; solar hot water, passive and active solar heating; and site selection,” said architect and member of the Institute’s Sustainability Committee, Detlev Geard.

Anyone looking at building or renovating is urged to submit their design questions before October 15h, by email to joanne.hickman@architecture.com.au. Then come along to the Festival to have your questions answered by the panel 2pm Sunday, 1 November.

What: Call for Sustainable Building Design Questions

When: Question taken until 15th October

Questions will be answered at the Sustainable Building Design discussion, which is part of the Sustainable Living Festival, Princes Wharf 1, 31st Oct & 1st Nov

Sustainable Building Design: Sunday 1st November, 2pm – 3.30pm

Panellists:
• Hugh Maguire, architect – site selection
• Dr Mark Dewsbury, UTAS lecturer – building fabric and construction
• Detlev Geard, architect – solar heating systems and case studies
• Dan Le Fevre, Apricus Australia – solar hot water
Michele Matthews