Building a sustainable future

A FORUM championing environmentally sustainable architecture will be held at the Mercure next month.

Targeted at builders, developers, policy-makers, and planners, Building Better Homes for the Future will be hosted by Ballarat Renewable Energy and Zero Emissions.

Innovation and development in sustainable design and building will be discussed, alongside related environmentally friendly alterations expected to be made to the City of Ballarat’s construction policies.

BREAZE board member and forum coordinator Sally Missing said it’s an important issue as new housing in the local area is expected to grow by nearly 25 per cent before 2036.

“It’s time to get the conversation going. This forum is an opportunity for learning and discussion about how we can build better, affordable, more sustainable homes in Ballarat,” she said.

“We’re taking the recent upgrade of building regulations to seven-star requirements as an opportunity to discuss practical ideas about how to meet these new industry challenges.

“With the right choices we can build houses that are more comfortable, warmer in winter, cooler in summer and cheaper to run. This is also way better for the environment.”

Speakers booked are honorary principal fellow at the University of Melbourne School of Architecture and Building, Paul Haar, director of Hygge Property, Joseph van Dyk, and the City of Ballarat’s director of development and growth Natalie Robertson.

Ms Missing said the construction industry produces 40 percent of the world’s emissions and homes within Victoria have the highest Australian carbon intensity.

“The average Victorian home has a carbon footprint of 8.8 tonnes per annum, compared to the Australian average of 7.0 tonnes per annum.

“Good design is key to more energy efficient homes, and this is where we believe local developers, builders and planners can help in driving the low energy homes we need to achieve a net zero emissions future,” she said.

Set for Wednesday, 5 October, BREAZE will co-host the event in partnership with the City of Ballarat and Committee for Ballarat.

BREAZE president Mary Debrett said embracing environmentally sustainable design will be key to the region achieving net zero emissions by 2030.

“BREAZE has long been committed to helping the people across the region reduce their greenhouse gas emissions; it’s central to our mission,” she said.

“The Building Better Homes Forum, aimed at lifting awareness of the many benefits of environmentally sustainable design, expands on our ongoing support for sustainable living.”