Solar Progress, August 2008 ~ Australian and New Zealnad Solar Energy Society

8/9/2019 Solar Progress, August 2008 ~ Australian and New Zealnad Solar Energy Society

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DisclaimerStatementsoffactandopinionarethoseoftheauthors.Whilsteveryeffortismadetocheckauthenticityandaccuracy,neithertheEditornortheAustralianandNewZealandSolarEnergySocietyisresponsibleforanyinaccuracies.

Inthisissue:TheBuiltEnvironment

ComputerSimulationofAustralianOfficeBuildings (p3)

GoingBetterandBeyond:ExcellentSustainableDesign (p8)

TwentiethcenturyplanningaliveandwellinCanberra? (p12)

ACalifornianLocalGovernmentleads (p15)

The90:90:90ruleputintopractise (p17)

Renovationofa1942,timberframed,houseinAdelaide (p21)

NewGreenrenovationguide(p23)

PositiveDevelopment (p25)

ClimateReadyProgram (p29)

Intersolar2008 (p30)Societynews (p32)

August

2008TheBuiltEnvironmentIn this edition, various contributors have

provided different insights into sustainablebuilding and its future. One acid test of

sustainability is the actual energyconsumption in practice as compared, for

example, to modelling during the design phase.

It is not always easy or practical to obtain this

information but it is important that buildingperformance claims are both realistic and

within the law (Trade Practises Act 1974(especially Sections 52 and 53). I received a

media release recently suggesting that aparticular sky lighting product could reduce

business energy costs by up to 90%. Falseand misleading? It is not easy to determine,

but the implication is clear that this productwas capable of delivering big savings and thepurchaser would have no means of knowing

how much energy would be saved. Thepractise of making unrealistic environmental

claims about consumer products is known asgreenwash. Be re-assured. The Sydney

based Total Environment Centre incollaboration with the Australian Association

of National Advertisers is taking an interest ingreenwash.

Weneedawarongreenwash.Environmentalclaimsand

brandsshouldinspireandencourageconsumers,notdupe

themintothinkingtheyaredoingtheirpartforthe

environment,whentheyarenot.Itsessentialthatgreen

productsbecamemainstream,thenormalproductstobuy,

butforthistohappenconsumersmustbeconfidentabout

theenvironmentalclaims,saidJeffAngel,DirectorofTotal

EnvironmentCentre(TEC).

WhiletheACCCmustcontinuetheirimportantregulatory

work,wehopethattheworkbyTECandtheAANAwill

cometogethertopreventgreenwashemerginginthefirstplace,saidMr.Angel.


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TEChasbeencampaigningtoinformindustryaboutgreenwashandhowtoensuregreenmarketingisclear

andsubstantiated,andwellcertainlybetalkingtotheAANA.

TECwillbereleasingTheEndofGreenwashhowtounlocktheconsumerpotentialforsustainability and

TheGreenCredChecklistateventstobeheldinSydneyandMelbourneinthelastweekofAugust,tohelp

industrydevelopgreenmarketingstrategies,freeofgreenwashandinformNGOs,regulatorsandconsumers

abouttheissueandwayforwardseewww.greencapital.org.au

The TEC and AANA are not alone of course the ACCC is proactive in the area.

One of the issues is the poor standard of journalism the lack of critical evaluation ofclaims made in the area of energy are disturbing. It is one thing to depend on an energy

ratinglabel on a washing machine, but quite another to understand exactly what marketing

terms like smartpower or greenpower mean in terms of what the consumer isactually achieving. Smartpower in Western Australia is synonymous with

environmental benefit in the consumers mind, but all its does in fact is load shifting by

charging less for electricity at night.

However, in case you thought things were moving the right way, we publish a strongcritique of a sub-division in Canberra. A design concept that does not appear to

consider the sun.Bill Parker
http://www.greencapital.org.au/http://www.greencapital.org.au/http://www.greencapital.org.au/


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By Annie EganBE(Mech) BA BIT MEngScMSc(Renewable Energy) GDipEd DipHort

Increasingly building simulation packagesare being used to substantiate the expected

energy efficiency of building designs. TheBuilding Code of Australia, Australian

Greenhouse Building Rating and GreenStar

Rating systems all have provision forbuilding simulation to be used in the

verification of the energy efficiency ofbuildings. In the commercial sector office

buildings are currently the largest

greenhouse gas emitters. If new buildingshave higher levels of energy consumptionthan predicted in the design process, their

larger greenhouse gas emissions will

continue for the life of the building.

Building simulation uses computer-basedmodels to evaluate all energy flows in a

building and their

interactions over atypical weather year.

The typical

meteorological year(TMY) used in buildingsimulation is a collation

of weather data for alocation; Australian

TMYs are generally

based upon data from the 1980s. Simulationallows hourly calculations of heating and

cooling loads and all energy used bybuilding lighting and equipment, as well as

the indoor temperature and humidity

conditions. The simulation program requiresthe input of detailed information about thebuilding fabric and geometry, as well as full

specification of the heating, ventilation andair conditioning (HVAC) systems used in

the building.

The purpose of my research is to improve

the capacity of computer simulation toaccurately predict the energy efficiency of

Australian office buildings.

The first stage of my work involves field

validation of simulation through detailed casestudies of five office buildings, one of which

will be discussed below. The buildings selectedfor these case stidies have highly energy

efficient designs by current standards with ananticipated performance of 4 star ABGR or

better. I am currently in the process ofgenerating computer models of each building

and comparing the modeled outcomes of these

with the actual recorded energy use.Discrepancies between the actual and modeled

energy use are being investigated using data

logging, surveys and site visits.

The modeling of the buildings uses thebuilding simulation software, EnergyPlus.

EnergyPlus is an open source softwarepackage developed by the US Department of

Energy.

Figure 1 shows the drawing generated by

EnergyPlus for Building Two in my study.This building is a medium sized office block

with a total covered floor area ofapproximately 2,950m and a net lettable area

of approximately 2,600m. It has a single floor

at ground level and is located in a major urbancentre. For privacy reasons the building will

not be identified.

The air conditioning system in this building is

comprised of several variable refrigerant flow(VRF) heat pump units which provide both

heating and cooling as required. The intake airis preconditioned by a heat recovery system on

the exhaust air. The building uses electricityonly and has no connection to natural gas.

ComputerSimulationasaPredictoroftheEnergy

PerformanceofAustralianOfficeBuildings

Figure1:BuildingTwo.


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Building Two is single glazed withPilkington SolarE S4 Green glass. The

external walls are metal clad with R1.75insulation and the ceiling and roof have a

total added insulation of R3.5.

The computer model generated for Building

Two used Australian Building GreenhouseRating (ABGR) simulation protocol valuesfor lighting, tenant

equipment andoccupancy. These are

default valuescommonly used in

simulation.

This building has two

separate electricitymeters, typical of

Australian office: The base

building meter -this measures

the power used

by the heatingand air

conditioning, carpark ventilation, exterior lights and

lighting in non-tenanted parts of thebuilding, such as plant rooms. This

power is paid for by the buildingowner.

The tenancy meter this measuresthe power used by lighting and

equipment in the space occupied bythe tenant. It also includes the use of

tenant controlled supplementary air

conditioning as used in meetingrooms. This power is paid for by the

tenant.

In exploring the differences between the

simulated energy consumption and theactual recorded energy consumption this

separate metering of the base building andtenant components provides a good

indication of the sources of differences.Electricity data available from the retailer

of both the tenant and building owner

accounts gives a breakdown of electricityusage in fifteen minute intervals.

Figure 2 shows the modeled base building

electricity consumption compared with the

actual base building consumption for a year.

Overall the actual base building electricityconsumed was approximately double the

modeled base building electricity. Particularly

in the winter months the actual electricityused by the base building services was very

much higher than the amount predicted by themodeling.

A major source of disparity is apparent from

comparing the pattern of actual and modeledbase electricity use over one day as shown in

Figure 3 below (Note the hour of the day

shown on the horizontal axis is solar hour anddoes allow for daylight saving). The actualconsumption for 6thJune shows the greatestconsumption of electricity between 11:00pm

and 8:00am, and this seemed to be typical ofthe daily winter pattern of electricity use for

building services in this building in winter.After several enquiries to the building owner

and building services maintenance contractor,

it was found that the building had beenrunning its heating overnight without the

tenant or owner knowing. This appeared to bedue to an overreaction by the maintenance

contractor to complaints from occupants whoarrived early in the morning and felt that the

building was cold.

4

Another possible source of difference betweenactual and modeled usage may have arisen

from the EnergyPlus software having nospecific modules to model a VRF system. An

!

Figure2:Comparisonofactual

andmodeledbasebuilding

electricityconsumption.


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approximate equivalent system was devised

using a direct expansion system withaltered part-load efficiencies. The close

match of the modeled early February data

with actual data indicates that thisapproximation has been accurate, and isunlikely to have contributed to the

differences.

The tenant meter in this building measures

approximately 75% of all energy used in thebuilding. The tenant proportion is higher

than usual for an office building because thebuilding contains a small computer server

room. The computer equipment and

dedicated cooling units in this room

consumed approximately 20% of thetenants metered energy. The tenant datadiscussed below includes the server room

consumption.

Theactual

tenantenergy

use,shown in Figure 4,(next page) is

approximately 31% higher than that assumed

by the modeling. This may indicate that thetenant equipment and lighting had been

underestimated for the simulation.Alternatively the contribution of the server

room equipment and cooling may have beenunderestimated. The difference between

actual and modeled tenant consumption is

least during the months November to Januarywhen occupants could be expected to be on

holidays, suggesting the cause is equipmentover which occupants have control, for

example, personal computers, rather than theserver room equipment. An inventory of the

server room equipment was completed toverify the load assumptions in the simulation

(it is very difficult to determine what exactproportion of the equipment is operating at

full rated power).

!Figure3:Basebuildingelectricity

patternofconsumptionall

Wednesdays


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The daily pattern of

tenant energy use shownin Figure 5 gives an

indication of possiblesources of discrepancies.

In February, the actual

t e n a n t l i g h t a n dequipment load starts tor i s e e a r l i e r t h a n

a s s u m e d i n t h esimulation and in both

February and June, the

loads remain higheruntil later in the day

than the simulationa s s u m e d . B e t w e e n

8:00pm and 6:00amwhen the building is

u n o c c u p i e d , t h e a v e r a g e d l o a d i sapproximately 60% above that assumed by the

modeling; during the day however this

difference is reduced to approximately 5%.This indicates that in this building much more

of the office light and equipment is left on

overnight than assumed for simulation inaccordance with the ABGR protocol. It also

indicates that the source of the discrepancy isnot likely to be the server room as this load

would be expected to be fairly uniformthroughout the course of the day.

Building simulation also considers thecontribution of human occupants to the heat

generated in the building and consequently

assumed occupancy levels form part of the

input data. As this building had only one main

entrance, it was possible to check arrivals anddepartures and so calculate the number of

occupants in the building. The outcome of amorning and an evening check is shown in

Figure 6. The green area shown in this graphshows how the level of assumed occupancy

from the ABGR protocol for simulationpurposes was substantially greater than the

actual occupancy level over the whole day.

!

Figure4:Electricityusedfortenantlightandpower

!

Figure5:TenantelectricitydailypatternofuseallWednesdays


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Clearly this is a single case study and my

research is in its early stages. My purpose herehas not been to draw conclusions but to

demonstrate some of the issues arising withthe use of building simulation to predict the

energy efficiency of office buildings. Thesources of difference between modeled and

actual building performance include, forexample, unusual time settings of HVAC

controls, and inaccurate estimations of

occupancy and tenant light and officeequipment usage patterns. My research will

continue to explore which of these and otherdifferences make energy efficient design

appear better or worse relative to energyinefficient design.

Any comments, thoughts or querieswould be most welcome:[email protected].

Annie Egan is a Research student in the

Faculty of Engineering and InformationTechnology, Australian National University

Her supervisors are : Dr Mike Dennis, Dr Paul

Bannister (Exergy Australia), Dr Keith Lovegrove,

and DrKeithGarzoli

7

!

Figure6:Occupancycheck

morning8/5/08andevening27/5/08
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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A national seminar series of best-practice

building case studies was co-presented by

Garry Baverstock AM, with local

presenters last October. Garry summaries

the lessons to be learnt from the

discussions held with the architects and

other practitioners present.

It was obvious from the tour that the

architectural profession wants to move forwardand adapt their methods and outputs as

architects, to help solve the deadlyconsequences of Global Warming. The aim of

the tour was to excite and challenge attendeesin their Ecologically Sustainable Development

(ESD) journey. Although the climate changeissue may be conveniently seen by some as a

technology or technical problem, the reality is

not that simple. In the seminars, weattempted to clarify that business as usual

with a little bit of tweaking of light globes andair-conditioning systems, is not likely to deliver

success. Global warming is a holistic problem,just like architecture as a discipline has always

been.The attitude and the social philosophy ofarchitects as agents of change, needs to be

comprehensively addressed. Many of thespeakers obviously realised that fact during

the tour, as did many in the audiences. Theway forward is just as much about culture

change as it is a technical competence problem.

Architects need to come up to speed and fast.Overwhelmingly, throughout the country there

was an expressed desire to change the role ofarchitects and divert from the ambivalence of

many in the architectural profession that has

been clearly evident over the last 20 years, toone of rapid change. The result must be to

make our profession more of a leader and bemore effective in supporting and encouraging

the next generation of architects.

BrisbaneDonWatson,Queensland

DepartmentofWorks

Brisbane and Queensland had many decades ofneglect of ESD influences in the built

environment generally. For instance, the use of

orientation it would seem hasbeen very spasmodically applied.

The use of natural ventilation hasceased to be a basic principle in

housing and the use of air-conditioning has rapidly expanded

Queenslands ecological footprint over recentyears. Don Watson imparted the basics of

orientation, natural lighting maximisation and

ventilation principles. He made a call for aback to basics approach; and for architects to

regain the effective technical knowledge andrules of thumb that were an integral part of the

architects education after WWII.

NewcastleToneWheeler,EnvironaStudio

The workshop session was energetic and alively discourse resulted, in which it was felt

that regulatory compliance for architects

needed to be made easier, to allow for thecomplexity that the rating systems do not

accommodate well at present. More sciencewas considered necessary as part of the

architecture schools education, and thepracticing members felt that architects need

ongoing monitoring and evaluation of theirbuilt examples.

SydneyToneWheeler,EnvironaStudioTone Wheelers presentation placed energy

efficiency and solar design in residentialsettings into perspective. His criticisms of so-

called sustainable developments were

highlighted as examples of what not to do.

Tones case study fitted the street architecture

and urban setting as well as giving thehomeowner the opportunity to operate and live

a climatically connected lifestyle, within thepractical design of a courtyard house on a

small block. Integration with the courtyardlifestyle meant that a culture/lifestyle changeoccurred which has energy and water

conservation consequences beyond that whichthe technical design could achieve.

MelbourneProf.RobAdamsAM,Melbourne

CityCouncil

Innovation as shown in the CH2 buildingdemonstrates that the public sector has a highlevel of responsibility to the community and

recognises that risk capital for such projectswill be very rarely supplied by the commercial

GoingBetterandBeyond:

ExcellentSustainableDesign


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sector. Apart from the expected analysis of

what went right and what did not go so right,the strengths and some of the weaknesses were

discussed. This building has opened up a sourceof knowledge to future architects, builders and

developers who have a goal of establishing ESD

as mainstream thinking.

CanberraKevinMiller,CollardClarkeJackson

Kevin Miller explained how he used a verydetailed brief to produce a visually interesting,

recycling of a 1980s building. It focussed onreuse of as many materials as possible as well

as water conservation and enhancement ofnatural light, night-ventilation, insulation, and

shading, to enhance the energy efficiency andminimise air-conditioning. The use of opening

windows completed a clever, practical

commercial retrofit.

HobartDetlevGeardarchitect

Detlev Geard reinforced the need for solar

design in all new houses and additions, and forenergy efficiency to become mainstream in

Hobart. He showed a number of his detachedhouses that were good examples of passive

solar design that works. All of his houses eithereliminated the need for artificial heating or

cooling, or reduced it to minimal levels. Hisanalysis of the use of thermal mass for

Tasmania was particularly educational.

DarwinGregMcNamara,Troppo

Architects

This local presenter was very focused oneliminating the need for air-conditioning inresidential buildings. The passive techniques oforientation, shade and cross/attic ventilationwere solid principles applied to his

architectural case studies, which included arefit and conversion of a Kerry Hill designedbuilding to become an exhibition/arts complex.

AdelaideChrisWatkins,Hassell

A major high-rise building recently awarded a5 Star Green Star rating by the GreenBuilding Council was the case study. The use ofdouble-glazed smart windows on its largelyun-shaded facades was a technical way ofachieving the rating, albeit not necessarily the

cheapest or the most architecturally pleasing.It was refreshing to hear Chris discuss how

they engaged the client and led them in anESD direction, by convincing them that it wascommercially sensible. It was calculated thatthe rental returns on the building would behigher for longer if the building addressed theconcerns of tenants way into the future.

PerthDominicSnellgrove,CameronChisholm

&Nicol

In WA the hectic speed with whichdevelopment occurs and the domination of thepolitical agenda by many wealthy fast moneyentrepreneurs has made it difficult forarchitects to apply ESD principles. Theunfortunate perception is that no one has thetime to do it right.

Dominic Snellgroves presentation of a

relatively small enterprise for his firm wasvery significant, one of leadership and takingresponsibility for our commercial future; theirsystematic thinking and process was just asimportant as the solutions offered andimplemented.

ConclusionsThis tour represented a positive start to newapproaches and an ongoing long-termcommitment to excellence in architecture and

the built environment generally.There is always a risk that such a programwill result in a perception of preaching to theconverted however, this was certainly not theintention. Interest in ESD that will truly solveour drastic ecological and climate problemswill not be enough in itself. It will needmainstream action, that is: a change indirection, a paradigm shift, a journey ofdiscovery and one that keeps the lines ofenquiry open. Then we may increase the speed

of evolution in delivery of outcomes that savewater and energy, preserve our natural worldand produce future buildings that become partof our heritage, and contributions to cominggenerations. It is not going to be easy: we willdefinitely make many mistakes, but we needto quickly learn from them, adapt, move onand deliver the outcomes that will help solveour local, national and international ESDchallenges.The path of our Institute in delivering aprogram through 2008 on sustainability must

be applauded and hopefully will stimulate


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more architects to make sustainability a way oflife and design philosophy. As Bawdin said ifwe always see what we have always seen wewill always be what we have always been.We need to embrace a certain future in apresently uncertain world.Following is a list of what was offered at theshort workshop at the end of the session. Thishas been based on notes from the meetings andsummarised from comments made byattendees who contributed to the discussion.The following were thought needed:

Educational

more rigour was sought in architectural coursesfor the science and technology content

up-skilling of the profession will make it moreeffective in improving ESD outcomes

better ongoing education and training forarchitects

more information via web resources organisations like the Australian Institute of

Architects could play a greater role in educatingthe public about ESD

Competency

architects need to be accepted as design experts architects need to 'raise the bar' more information about viable solutions

more coordination with other disciplines

architects are frustrated that their expertise wasoften called upon after the event for damagecontrol

the contents of the Environment Design Guideneeded review to confirm they were up to date

architects need to team with creative builderswho can demonstrate their ESD work in costeffective ways

Media/Communications

better local and national networks for architectsto share information with each other

better networks with industry for sharing ESDknowledge

eco-villages for demonstration purposes in re-urbanisation strategies

it was felt that if the Australian Institute ofArchitects had a larger media profile it couldmore effectively educate the public on the value ofESD

similarily if individual architects had strongermedia profiles they too could aid build publicawareness

government policy might be influenced with

stronger Institute of Architects advocacyimplemented in the political process

increased energy and water prices will increaseinterest in ESD

clients need increased incentives for greateruptake of ESD

tougher legislation was favoured as an economicdriver for improving ESD standards

improved communication with developers

Compliance compliance for architects needs to be made easier compliance systems need review rating systems should allow for greater

complexity of designs

the computer thermal performance modelling

tools need to properly take into account localclimatic conditions

there is scepticism that modelling tools performaccurately for all climates, particularly tropical

climates

better education of assessing agencies about ESD

ResearchandDevelopment

ongoing monitoring and evaluation of our builtexamples is required

more ESD examples are needed from successful

cities in the world

architects very much appreciate state-of-the-artdemonstration

greater incentives or grants should be available

for people who apply ESD principles

ArchitectureAwards

architectural awards should be screened byrecognised ESD experts

all categories in the awards should require a high

level of ESD, which could be assessed over aperiod of, say, 4-5 years

awards for building design should acknowledge

individual climatic zones, and building types, as itseems illogical to have buildings of different typeand climates competing against each other

Adjunct Professor Garry Baverstock AM is apractising architect and manager of the Built

Environment Program of the Research Institutefor Sustainable Energy, (RISE) at MurdochUniversity.

In his tour, Garry presented two project casestudies of his own, along with a case study fromseparate speakers invited for each of the 9

locations.


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Of the projects presented, 2 have beendeveloped into Continuum online continuingprofessional development courses, and 3 have

been developed into the EDG case studiesincluded in this edition.

The programme of lectures, online learning,

and EDG papers was supported with thegenerous assistance of the AustralianGovernment Department of theEnvironment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.

The views expressed herein are not necessarily theviews of the Commonwealth, and theCommonwealth does not accept responsibility for

the information or advice contained herein.Similarly the views expressed above do not

necessarily represent those of the AustralianInstitute of Architects, however current initiativeswithin the Institute address some of the concerns

noted.

Seepage32fordetailsoftheSocietysconstitutionalreview
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


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By Derek Wrigley

Properly considered solar access is critical at

the planning level if we are to combat globalwarming. Such ill-considered proposals as the

one described here must be carefullyscrutinised before being approved. A very

strong, long term stand is needed if we are toresolve the trauma of global warming, fuel cost

increases with high rise developmentmixtures.

The Burnie Court redevelopment proposalrecently released for public comment in the

ACT demonstrates that neither theHindmarsh designers nor the ACT Planning

and Land Authority are putting energy savingmeasures into practice. Instead, it would seem

that short-term economics are receiving ahigher priority than long term sustainability,

ignoring the need to neutralise global warmingand the reduction of pollution from energy

consumption. This redevelopment proposal isyet another lost opportunity that will createshadowed buildings, gloomy and largely

sunless rooms (hence energy consumptive,creating more pollution), and inefficient and

reduced value buildings in the long term.

The fact that this concept plan has developedto this stage shows that the developer and

ACTPLA place little importance on the value

of solar access or has little understanding ofthe relationship between building and roof

forms and the economics of applying solartechnology. This lends much more urgency to

the current demand by ANZSES members inCanberra for Solar Rights legislation to be

enacted in the cool temperate regions.

Was the demolition of the original Burnie

Court housing a sustainable act?

Were the social and management problems ofthe original Burnie Court so large as to cause

the demolition of apparently sound buildingstructures which could have been recycled by

appropriate retrofitting? The demolition was20th century thinking and the redevelopment

is certainly not 21st century thinking.

TheoriginalBurnieCourt(picturecourtesyofthe

NationalLibrary)

The comments here are directed mainly tosolar access issues and in general this 'paper'

planning shows little or no regard to the

maximisation of solar ingress to promote the

wellbeing of the occupants. In reality it maywell be re-creating the same living conditionsand social consequences which caused the

degradation and demolition of the originalhousing.

If a ten storey building (block P) (see over)

must be placed on this site, then from an

urban massing point of view and its shadowpattern, it could be far better placed on a site

at the north end ofblock A(delete block A)

where its shadow would fall on a roadwaywithout seriously affecting block B(Community Facilities) or the Freycinet

apartments. If, however, P stays whereshown, it will shadow block Q practically all

day in winter, which is most undesirable,increasing the energy usage within Q.

12

Twentiethcenturyplanningalive

andwellinCanberra?Adetailedsolarrightscritique


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Seenextpageforadetailedcritique


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Q is a'thick' building with only east, west and

sunless south aspects and prospects from the

apartments and is overshadowed by block P for

most of the day in winter.

Block N appears to have some south facing

apartments with probably no northern aspect at

all. This too, is not good solar optimising design ina solar age.

Blocks A,C,L,K,J,M are almost as bad as Q from a

solar access point of view, maximising east and

west sun penetration and minimising northern sun

access. Surely they could have echoed to advantage

the Freycinet apartments with an east-west axis?

Blocks Q,J,K,L,A exhibit an old 'face the street'

mentality which maximises the internal

penetration of traffic noise and hot, undesirable

eastern sunlight in summer. I appreciate the fall of

the land puts initial economic pressure on N-S axisplanning, but the Freycinet apartments overcame

this problem. The dilemma of energy usage

(pollution) now requires us to reconsider the

holistic, long term consequences.

Blocks D,E,F,G,H are all single storey villas,

needing re-design to make northern solar more

effective. These are considered in more detail:

D - the northern unit looks to be solar effective, but

the southern unit will receive little or no northern

sun, increasing its energy usage.

E - these 11 units are of an inherently non-solar

orientation. Only one has northern exposure to the

sun (at the northern end); the others will be

depressing to live in and cannot be heated by the

sun, with consequently energy consumptive

operation over their lifetimes.

F - narrow end faces north, apparently with

garages/carports blocking 50% of their winter solar

access. (This could be partially rescued by the use

of external reflectors on their south side.)

G - these two units are the best planned units in

the whole complex - their proportions are better for

solar reception, but could be improved with

southern reflectors.Why couldn't this quality of

thinking be carried out over the rest of the site?

H - 6 units have their smallest exposure to the

north. They could be made more effective if turned

90 (or southern reflectors used to obtain more

southern solar gain). The 3 units with their garages

on their north side would be more effective if

reversed to match the 6 units.

Blocks D,F,G,H appear to be suitable for the

economic placement of BIPV (Building Integrated

Photo Voltaic) installations and represent a good

opportunity to demonstrate this logical technology

(no examples yet in Canberra, but available in

Sydney).

In Canberra's winter climate, all newhabitable rooms must now have access to

warming northern sunlight. Another

fundamental principle should be that theplacing of garages should not be regarded as

more valuable than the solar wellbeing of theowners.

This critique lacked access to detailed internal

planning and roof forms in the public release.In future all publication of development

proposals should show these important aspectsso that the potential for assistive solartechnologies can be properly assessed by the

community.

The days of cheap fuels and cheap energy aregone. This planning might have been

acceptable in the past, but global warming,sustainability issues and rising energy prices

are changing all that.It is almost culpable that this re-development

proposal does not contain 21st C thinking.

The fact that our planners are still continuing

with energy consumptive designs such as thissuggests strongly that Solar Rights legislation

has now become absolutely necessary if we areto overcome global warming and give house

buyers value for their money. (The US is theonly country in the world to have enacted

these rights and they are now under

consideration in the ACT government. (Vic.,SA., WA., take note)

The fact that the ACT government has had the

wisdom to enact a 3.88 gross Feed In Tariffshows that solar is now taking its rightful

place in the energy stakes.

Further information

Derek Wrigley OAMLFDIA, FRAIA, ARIBA, DA(Manchester)

Solar architectural [email protected]

14
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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PalmDesert,California

CelebratesPassageOf

EnergyIndependenceAct

Sponsorsunprecedentedstatebill

allowingcitiestoprovidelow

interestloanstoresidentsmaking

energysavingimprovementsto

homesorbusinesses;

strengthenscitywide

commitmenttosolar

energy

Already an innovator in

its efforts to reduce itscarbon footprint, the city

of Palm Desert in Julygot one step closer to

realizing its goal ofreducing citywide

energy consumption by30 percent before 2011.

Governor

Schwarzeneggersigned Assembly Bill

811 into law as anurgency measure, for

the first time allowingcity governments

throughout California toprovide loans to

property ownersplanning home or

business improvements

that will reduce energyconsumption. The bill,

termed locally theEnergy Independence

Act, was written andlobbied for by Palm Deserts civic leaders.

Palm Deserts City Council is working to

formulate a strategy to put the bill into effect

locally as quickly and simply as possibly. Thecity plans to provide loans for as little as

$5,000, with no upper limit, for improvementssuch as efficient air-conditioning systems,

lighting systems, water-heating equipment,

refrigerators, or pool pumps; and installationof solar panels, white roofs, or insulation

anything that will reduce electricityconsumption and is considered a permanent

fixture. The city will provide low-interest loans

requiring no creditchecks or other

qualifications other thana property title. The

loans will be paid backas part of the residents

tax billmeaning if thehome or business is sold,

the loan stays with theproperty.

Two years ago, we set alofty goal of reducing

our energy use by 30percent, and now we

have the means toaccomplish it, said

Councilman JimFerguson, who

spearheaded the

passage of the EnergyIndependence Act.

During the summermonths, when

temperatures regularlyreach over 100 degrees,

Palm Desert residents

can pay up to $1000 amonth for electricity.

This program willempower them to

explore renewableenergy sources and make meaningful changes

for the environment as well as their ownfinances.

Classifying the reduction of a citys energy

consumption and carbon footprint as public

good is a groundbreaking approach, and opensthe door for cities across the state to adopt

ACalifornianLocalGovernmentleads


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similar programs. AB811 updates sections ofCalifornias Streets and Highways Code that

allow cities to set up assessment districts topay for public improvements such as sewers

and roads. Mindful of the far-reachingpossibilities, Palm Desert will work to create a

program that can be easily replicated

elsewhere. Berkeley, Santa Monica and PalmSprings are also researching similar programs,

which will likely be modeled after PalmDeserts Energy Independence Program.

Besides creativity, another major asset in

Palm Desert is sunshine. With 350 days ofsunshine each year and an average of 5.5

hours of high-quality solar insulation per day,the city far outperforms the national average

and is an ideal site for sun-powered energy

systems. Home solar systems last up to 40years, so the Energy Independence Act allows

homeowners to finance systems using thegood credit of the city with long-term loans to

match the long-term benefits of solar.

In a city so dependent on electricity forfeatures such as air conditioning and pool

pumps, energy-efficient improvements

represent a long-term investment and increasethe value of homes and businesses. Palm

Desert aims to begin providing loans by theend of August, and plans to bring funding to

the Energy Independence Program throughthe sale of municipal bondsallowing

investors across the country to bring a newlevel to their socially responsible investment

plans.

The Energy Independence Program is just one

more way Palm Desert is thinking green. In2006, the city introduced a new government

division, the Office of Energy Management,

and unveiled Set to Save: its unprecedentedplan to cut energy consumption by 30 percentor 215 million kilowatt hours of electric

energyin five years. The plan is the most

ambitious of its kind in California andprovides incentives to businesses and residents

engaging in energy-saving behavior. PalmDesert has since then opened 141 energy-

efficient apartments for low- and middle-income families, including several that are

partially fueled by solar energy.

Palm Desert also passed a law requiring all

new construction to surpass state energyrequirements by 10 to 15 percent. Its also

banned drive-through restaurants, waived

permit fees on the installation of photovoltaicsolar systems in homes and businesses and

declared electric golf carts street-legal. Palm

Desert has the only LEED-certified visitorcenter in the United States and opened thecountrys first environmentally sound public

golf course 10 years ago. For moreinformation, visit www.cityofpalmdesert.org.

16
http://www.cityofpalmdesert.org/http://www.cityofpalmdesert.org/http://www.cityofpalmdesert.org/


17/32

By Mahalath Halperin

This house exemplifies our 90:90:90 approachto overall best practice with minimal footprint.

That is, rather than excelling in one area only,we aim to achieve 90% efficiency to 90% of the

project for 90% of the time

The Young-Paul House in Armidale, NSW maynot be leading-edge architecture. Nor is it

necessarily highly innovative with high-techenvironmental solutions. However, it is a net

exporter of energy, it works well and it isaffordable, and after 12 months of running,could be legitimately deemed sustainable.

The brief was for a small and compact yet light

and spacious house, fitting within the

neighbourhood but offering the best possible

solution for a solar passive, energy efficientand environmentally responsible residence

within the constraints of neighbourhood,budget and the clients personal tastes.

The small site required slight angling away

from true north in order to fit the building ontothe site. The small lot size also restricted the

amount of rainwater storage available.

Designing to best-practice principles, withinthe limitations of site and budget, the

resultant house far exceeds minimummandatory requirements for energy, water and

thermal performance.

BASIX produced a water result of 66 (target

40) and energy 76 (target 25). The actualresults are in fact even higher due to BASIXs

inability to recognise some of the innovationand design features in the house. This includes

the solar-heated hydronic heating system

(BASIX only acknowledges gas systems);insulation levels in excess of the BASIXminimum requirement; co-location of plumbing

to reduce wastage; and WELLs ratings in

excess of minimum requirements, to name afew. It also achieved the maximum 5 Star

NatHERS rating,though extrapolating

the actual results ismore like a 7-8 star

rating.

General solar passive

and energy efficientdesign principles

ensured maximumuse and benefit of

solar access,especially critical in a

climate with coldwinters, hot summers

and a diurnal rangein spring and autumn

of 20-25C. The

result is a house thatneeds minimal

heating and negligible cooling, especially whencompared to its contemporaries in the

neighbourhood.

StandardSolarpassivedesignprinciplesincluded

Orientation - maximising northern solar

access for winter to habitable rooms;

Shading / Glazing maximising northern

solar access for winter to habitable rooms

The90:90:90ruleputintopractise:theYoungPaulhouse,ArmidaleNewSouthWalestwelvemonthson


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whilst also limiting it for summer (orientation,eaves and awnings); minimising western and

eastern solar access and negligible southernaccess; Double-glazed composite windows

(metal and timber) to all habitable rooms; Useof glass blocks to bring light into

southern walls without heat loss;Insulation R3.5 bulk batts

plus sarking to ceiling and rakedroof areas; R2.0 bulk batts and

sarking to external walls and towalls between garage and

habitable areas; Styrofoam

insulation under slab;Appropriate blinds/curtains with

pelmets; Door seals to externaldoors and to non-habitable

rooms;Zoning air lock to entry to

prevent winter heat loss; Goodcross ventilation for summer

cooling;

Beyond the standard solar passive designprinciples, the house also includes the

following added features Solar-heated hot water and hydronic heating

system;

Clerestory windows for internal daylighting

and excellent cross ventilation in summer,with appropriate shading for summer and

solar penetration for winter;Light-coloured building materials

to reduce unnecessary heat gain;Composite window systems

powdercoated aluminiumexternally for zero maintenance,

with stained timber on the inside

for thermal benefits andaesthetics, all double-glazed to

habitable rooms;Minimal maintenance (face brick

and Colorbond walls) and use ofMiniorb for eaves lining and

exterior surfaces for minimalmaintenance (no painting);

Appropriate blinds/curtains withpelmets; Door seals to externaldoors and to non-habitable rooms;

Draught excluders to externaldoors;

Grid-connected 2 kW photovoltaicsystem.

Energy efficiencyThe design is solar passive

ensuring a reduced demand forenergy usage, retention of thermal

gain for winter and reduction forsummer. Additionally to those

items listed above, energy use isreduced by -

All appliances are maximum starrated;

Fluorescent and/or compact

fluorescent lighting throughout;Ample daylighting to reduce the

need for artificial lighting;Solatube to internal hallway;

To top this all off, there is a grid-

connected 2 kW photovoltaicsystem on the roof, which

consistently exports more energyinto the grid than the house

imports back. This consists of 12

x 165W panels mounted on the westernhalf of the north-facing roof (the

evacuated tubes are on the eastern halfof the north-facing roof).

Since installation, the system hasexported a net of 2.676 MWh (from


19/32

21-06-07 to 04-07-07). For the period02-10-07 to 02-04-08, total import was

789 kWh with total export 1,226 kWh.The last quarter, however, with the

cooler weather and less daylight (sotherefore pump use for the heater and

more lighting needed) as well as less

daylight (therefore less generation) theimport and export have been equal (436

vs 437). The saving is therefore obviousas overall, this is far less use than the

average house (with an average dailyuse of between 4.1 and 5.2 kWh),

combined with the fact that the netdifference is an export to the grid (1.3

MWh excess generation exported to thegrid since installation to 04-07-08).

There is still some fine tuning to be donewith the heating system the

temperature was originally at 17Cwhich meant it was switching on

unnecessarily during the night, but nowthat has been reduced to 15, it does not

come on till very late evening and thenonly for a short time,

and is staying off the

rest of the night.This should reduce

import usage for thenext quarter. Note

also that curtaininstallation was still

not complete at thecommencement of

winter. And

unfortunately, wehave not resolved

reduction of energy use for the water-bedheater which requires considerable

power to keep the water warm;

Water efficiency has also been consideredCo-location of plumbing to reduce

wastage, minimize pipe runs and

increase hot water efficiency;Poor mans ensuite i.e. only one

bathroom but with access from both Bed1 and the hallway, reducing the need for

unnecessary wet areas (but 2nd WClocated nearby);

Extensive rainwater storage (within the

limitations of a small suburban block) forall irrigation and laundry and toilet use

as well as kitchen sink; Despite some

serious dry spells since completion, the

tanks have not run dry, although mainsbackup is connected just in case (Council

requirement) though has never beenneeded.

Water-friendly garden with climate-

appropriate plants, suitable mulchingand minimal maintenance;

Resource demands

Use of environmentally responsibleproducts e.g. polyester insulation (in lieu

of fibreglass), plantation-only timbers (inlieu of endangered rainforest timbers),

etc; Termimesh protection system in lieuof chemical and inadequate visual

barriers; General non-use of chemicals

throughout;No rainforest or imported timbers;

Materials were sourced locally as a firstpoint of call, then regionally then state-

wide;The site is adjacent to Clients offices,

and walking distance to other nearbyservices.

ESD principlesrather than high-

techThis is not a

particularly high-techhouse. Its success is

more about the overallconsistency of ESD

principles appliedthroughout the project.

However, the solarhydronic heating system does stand out

as one specific item. The heating system

uses solar heated hot water run through

wall radiators throughout the house,including towel rails in the bathroom. Asingle tank provides both hot water to

wet areas as well as heating water. Thesplit-system evacuated tube hot water

allows for mounting of the 2 x 36 tubeson the roof, with the tank located

internally providing the additional

benefit of an airing/drying cupboard.This also ensures the tank is well

insulated away from the cold external

weather. The use of an evacuated tubesystem provides 40% more efficiency

Thehouseisdesignedwithasimple

approachtooverallbest

practicewithminimalfootprintthe90/90/90rule.Thatis,

ratherthanexcellinginone

areaonly,weaimtoachieve

90%efficiencyto90%ofthe


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than a flat-plate system for this climate(up to 10 in winter) and altitude (~985

m).

There is still some fine tuning to be done as

this is the first winter in residence, and thelowering of the thermostat by 2C has already

made a significant difference to the running ofthe pump and the gas usage.

The net effect is far more beneficial than

simply focusing on one aspect at the sacrificeof other areas - and more affordable.

Our philosophy is to firstly reduce demand,

secondly ensure that demand is efficient andthen thirdly source the demand renewably

viz the 2kW system on the roof, the proof beingthe net export of energy from the system.

While no recycled materials were used duringconstruction (although most of the furniturehas been brought along from the last house),

recyclable building practices were

implemented on site. During constructionanything admissible to Councils recycling

services was done so this included plastic,paper, rubble and so on.

Further, design parameters took into accountstandard sizing of materials (eg plasterboard

in 300 mm increments) to reduce unnecessary

off-cuts and wastage.

CostsIn regards to costs, while there were no real

restrictions to this project - the Clientspriorities were to get it right, and willing to

forego things if being environmentallyresponsible cost more up front, but they are

also aware of the long-term cost saving theywill have - this has not been an expensive

project. The Building contract, less

landscaping and PV system, was well under

$300,000 including the heating system making it highly affordable for the return inbenefits, both cost and environmental.

The house is deemed carbon neutral as over

the first year of running it has averaged anexport of energy in excess of import proof

that it works. Its success reinforces that goodenvironmental design is not rocket science,

using low-tech solutions and common sense.

Despite its compact size, the house has afeeling of spaciousness and is full of natural

light and fresh air. It is still effectively a 3bedroom home with double garage and two

toilets. It works both for an Armidale winterand summer, proof in the fact that it is a net

exporter of energy and this with the intangiblefeeling of the residents being comfortable all

the time, no matter what the weather outside.

The house is spacious, light and airy, and

although perhaps not leading-edgearchitecture, it is quality design and reinforces

that environmentally responsible housing doesnot have to look outlandish or unusual, can fit

in with the neighbourhood, is comfortable andhomely, and is highly affordable.

This is an important message to get out to the

public who often falsely equate environmentalwith expensive. This house exemplifies our90/90/90 approach to overall best practice with

minimal footprint. That is, rather thanexcelling in one area only, we aim to achieve

90% efficiency to 90% of the project for 90% ofthe time. The net effect is far more beneficial

than simply focusing on one aspect at the

sacrifice of other areas. This house reinforcesthat message that the public need so urgently

to understand.

20


21/32

By Nat Elliot

Whywerenovated

After living in the house for a year we found

that it was very cold in winter and very warmin summer. Also the internal layout did not

utilise the space well.In winter it was very hard to warm up, our

reasons for this where : no ceiling/wall

insulation, drafts, 6meters of south facingglass and minimal north facing glass for

winter sun.

In the summer it heated up quickly and was

hard to cool, even at night, our reasons for thiswere: no ceiling/wall insulation, sash windowswith fixed top, no good cross ventilation to

utilise gully breeze.

Whatwewantedtoachieve

Better use of space, be warmer in winter andcooler in summer. We also wanted to be

sustainable on rainwater and solar power, i.e.

using the sun and rain that falls on our block.We tried to use natural products which meant

products with low embodied energy, it was

about minimising our footprint,through the building process

and beyond.

Therenovationprocess:

We hired architect JasminePalmer to provide the design

and drawings. This cost around $8,000 but

was well worth it, we constantly changed thedrawings which was a lot cheaper than moving

walls. We wanted thermal mass in the house(for both heating and cooling) and decided that

the best option for us would be mud bricks easy for me to lay, great thermal mass, great

character, very low embodied energy, verynatural product. We

sent the plans off to

Trevor Howe, an

architect with muchmudbrick experience, forhis input, the cost was

minimal and his inputinvaluable.

The main features of ourreno are :

Increased size of house

from 120m to 170m.Larger north facing

windows allow inwinter sun and easy to

shade in summer.Smaller south windows

no winter sun gainonly heat loss.

Minimise east, west

facing windows hardto shade in summer.

North facing clerestory windows to southfacing lounge, kitchen/dining, - for light and

winter heat.Louvre windows for excellent ventilation.

Internal mudbricks in lounge, dining forthermal mass (stores heat beneficially both in

winter and summer).Dry compost toilet to save our precious

rainwater.

Rainwater tanks plumbed to whole house,(plumbed to whole house is critical to

maximise benefits).Water efficient shower head in order to

minimise water usage and justify longershower.

Native garden to bring in native wildlife/birdsplus uses minimal waste, plus looks natural.

Renovationofa1942,timberframed,asbestoscladhouseinEdenHills,Adelaide


22/32

Solar hotwater to reduce electricity use andmaximise suns free energy.

Solar power to use the suns free energy, alsominimises transmission losses.

Radially sawn external timber cladding, it isnatural, durable, minimises wastage, and

trees can be milled younger.

Old red bricks for external/internal wall plusexternal paving for southern fire protection

and rustic charm.Extensive use of recycled timber for pergola,

internal shelves and tables, old timber is

more characterful!.

Mainhurdles

Our biggest issue was with the composttoilet :

The architect found it awkward to place

i.e. It needs 1m ground clearance belowit.

The builder asked us why as it was going tocost $3-4,000 more than just plumbing in a

normal pan and would create ongoingmaintenance. The Mitcham council didnt like

the sound of it basically ignorant. Howeverthe EPA and Dept of Health were supportive of

it and after various letters to various depts wegot the approval and it has been great. We

have 25,000litres of rainwater plumbed into

the house which provides us with 95% of ourwater we used 4,000litres of mains water in

the last year. A big reason for this is we dontflush!

Conclusion

We are very satisfied with our new house, the

layout is much better suited to our way of life,the winters are warmer, the summers are

cooler, when the suns out were making power/

heating water, and when it rains our tanks arefilling life is great!

Our house has been open for the past 2 yearson the sustainable house days and weve had

650 people through.

Further Information

www.greennut.com.au trying to help educatepeople in better ways to use energy and watermore efficiently.
http://www.greennut.com.au/http://www.greennut.com.au/http://www.greennut.com.au/


23/32

Australians can help fight climate change and

reduce their energy bills at home with a newgreen home renovations guide launched by

Environment Minister Peter Garrett on World

Environment Day.

The Your Home Renovators Guide is a new

free resource. The guide will help you to make

your home healthier and more comfortablewith stylish ideas that will save you money

through reduced household energy expenses.As well as helping to reduce our carbon

emissions, transforming your house through

sustainable renovation also has the addedadvantage of increasing the value of your

home.Although theRenovators Guide is designed

primarily to provide environmental homeimprovement ideas for renovations, it also

contains helpful information about a variety ofsubject matter from greening your garden to

sustainable shopping and transport

alternatives.Also recently released is an up-to-date Your

Home Technical Manual which providessmart design ideas for new homes, as well as

cost effective sustainable home improvements.Written by architects, designers and builders,

the Your Home Technical Manual providesinformation on topics such as passive design,

water and energy use, materials selection and

landscaping for biodiversity.Transforming your home by using solar power

and catching water, has the added advantageof helping to reduce your running costs and cut

household bills, which generally increases thevalue of your home, and its level of comfort.

The decisions we make on our homes can havea long-term impact on our environment. If

youre building, designing or renovating, you

can find practical solutions within the YourHome suite of products that will limit the

impact of your home on the Australianenvironment.

Living sustainably is the best weapon we allhave in fighting climate change. Your Home

Renovators Guide and Technical Manual

allow us to do this from the comfort of our

living rooms. They are essential reading for

everyone concerned about climate change.The Your Home Renovators Guide can be

downloaded for free on the Your Homewebsite -www.yourhome.gov.au

TheQ&AWhat is the purpose of the RenovatorsGuide?

The Your Home Renovators Guide isdesigned to assist renovators concerned with

combining value for money, style and

environmental sustainability, by guiding themthrough their home improvements at the startof the renovation process and create awareness

of the benefits of creating a sustainablerenovation.

What information is provided in the

guide?The Your Home Renovators Guide provides

information and tips for planning or designinga renovation. The information will help home

renovators create a healthier and morecomfortable home, save money and help to

save our environment.

Examples of some of these are:

facing living areas to the north for easy solarcontrol by maximising warm winter sun and

minimising hot summer sun;

grouping wet areas together to minimise the

length of hot water piping to save both waterand energy heating the water;

installing less down lights or more efficientlighting to reduce the amount of energy used

when they are turned on; enabling natural ventilation and day

lighting to reduce energy use;

choosing interior products that are healthyfor you and the environment; and

using insulation with a high R value andwhich insulation types work best in what

parts of the home.The guide covers: in the home, in the garden,

choosing food and shopping, and choosingtransport options. It is an important resource

to assist households to improve the

sustainability of their homes.

GREENGUIDEFORHOME

IMPROVEMENTS


24/32

This guide also forms part of the initial

development phase of the Green Loan Programand will be used for extensive research to

ensure the information provided to householdsas part of their home environmental

assessment is practical, effective and

understandable.

How can the general public get a copy ofthis guide?

The guide is available free on the websitewww.yourhome.gov.au

The public can order a printed copy of theguide online at www.yourhome.gov.au

Copies of the Guide will also be availablethrough the state partners, community

organisations, advisory centres, industry

members and renovation expos.

Was it developed specifically forenvironmental reasons ie any commercial

interest? The Your Home Renovators Guide was

developed specifically for environmentalreasons, to fill the gap that currently exists in

the information available to renovators and tocontinue to improve the Your Home suite of

resources in providing the most up-to-date andcomprehensive information to the public.

The guide was researched and written by the

Centre for Design at RMIT University and theInstitute for Sustainable Futures at UTS. The

Centre for Design at RMIT is a research centrethat has been working to reduce the impacts of

the built environment through targetedresearch and consultancy over the past fifteen

years. The Institute for Sustainable Futures atUTS is a research centre that works to create

change towards sustainable futures through

independent, project-based research and have

been the lead author of the Your Home suite ofresources.

How will the renovation guide encouragechange in behaviour won't you need

stronger incentives such as regulation?Building regulations provide the minimum

standard only.

Best practice guides like Your Home andYour Buildingprovide up-to-date

resources to encourage industry and

community to strive toward greatersustainability. 24

Dont forget Sustainable House

Day!Youcanbeofgreathelpasa

volunteer helping people to

understand the princ ip les as

describedabovejust contactyour

localANZSESbranch.
http://www.yourhome.gov.au/http://www.yourhome.gov.au/http://www.yourhome.gov.au/http://www.yourhome.gov.au/http://www.yourhome.gov.au/http://www.yourhome.gov.au/


25/32

By Janis Birkeland

Currently, green buildings do not contribute to

net sustainability. At best they reduce relativeresource consumption. They still consume

vast quantities of materials, energy, water andecosystems during construction. Moreover,

green buildings replace land and ecosystemswith structures that, at the very best, only

mimic ecosystems(1). Mimicking nature islittle compensation when we have lost a third

of species that are integral parts of our lifesupport system. Already, development has

exceeded the Earths ecological carrying

capacity, so even restorative design is notenough. Urban areas must be retrofitted to

increase net bioregional carrying capacity -just to support existing or reduced population

levels in cities. The eco-retrofitting of our builtenvironment is therefore an essential pre-

condition of achieving a sustainable society.But we need to eco-retrofit cities in ways that

increase net sustainability, not just relative

efficiency.

Whydontnewgreenbuildingsincrease

sustainability?

There will always be a need for some newbuildings. However, sustainability could not

be achieved by replacing existing buildingswith new green ones. The amount of material

flows, embodied waste, time and ecologicaldamage new buildings entail makes the

current hype about green buildings unrealistic.

Existing cities account for about three fourthsof greenhouse gas emissions, and about half ofthe energy consumed by buildings occurs

during the construction process. If all new

buildings were green, for example, theacceleration of energy consumption would still

be miniscule. This is because only about 2% ofthe building stock is new each year, and the

operating energy of buildings is 20% of totalenergy. To reverse the impacts of previous

development, we must learn to designfor

nature, not just with or like nature.

Justwhatwouldthisformoreco

retrofittingentail?

To meet a true sustainability standard,development would need to add natural and

social capital beyond that which existed priorto development. Eco-retrofitting would mean

modifying buildings and infrastructure toimprove overall human and environmental

health, as well as to reduce resource depletion,

greenhouse emissions, and so on. It is nowwell established that buildings can be

retrofitted to improve human health andproductivity, while gaining significant

economic benefits. At most, however, we stillonly design with the welfare of building

occupants in mind. Green buildings do little,for example, to reduce the urban heat island

effect - which results in many needless deathsevery year. Thus, eco-retrofitting implies awhole system or eco-logical design approach,

not just the installation of energy savingequipment. It also implies planning strategies

that uses the spaces within and betweenstructures to add value to the bioregions. That

is, Design for Eco-services.

HowdoesDesignforEcoservicesdiffer

fromgreendesign?

Design for Eco-services would aim for morethan just restoring or remediating urban

environments. It would increase the regionsecological carrying capacity, ecosystem

services, appropriate biodiversity habitat andnature corridors. It is theoretically possible for

urban areas to create surplus eco-services.There is, for example, a surplus of solar energy

that could be captured through passive designprinciples while reducing heating, cooling,

lighting and ventilating costs. Simple plasticcones can draw clean water out of dirty, humid

air. Bacteria can reproduce as required totreat sewage. But Design for Eco-serviceswould also aim to increase the space and

infrastructure to support appropriatebiodiversity and ecosystem integrity and

resilience in absolute terms. Planning anddesign can support the intrinsic as well as

instrumental value of nature.

25

Positive

Development


26/32

Howcanwepossiblyincreaseurban

ecosystemsandecoservices?

Development needs to over-compensate forboth embodied and ecological waste in

production through positive offsite impacts.Urban areas afford the opportunity to provide

the infrastructure for eco-services beyond thatwhich existed on site before development. The

problem is that we have not integrated these

eco-solutions with urban structuresthemselves in order to achieve eco-productivity

and system health with less total resourceflows. Our decision tools and design methods

do not contemplate net positive impacts.Positive Development is defined as that which

expands both the ecological base (eg lifesupport system) and the public estate (eg

equitable access to means of survival). Theaim of Positive Development is to takeaffirmative action to make environmental

improvements beyond remediation andrestoration by addingsocial and ecological

value, both onsite and offsite, not just reducingrelative future damage.

ButhowwouldwepayforPositive

Developmentprojects?

Eco-retrofitting could be achieved at no extra

cost if we re-think our forms of architecture,urban design, energy supply, and so on.

Currently, in some places, renovations accountfor a third of construction activity, and

renovation and demolition waste accounts forover 90 percent of (often toxic) construction

debris each year. Little renovation isundertaken with sustainability in mind. The

ongoing renovations of buildings could be

turned from problems into sustainabilityopportunities. In fact, cities could be

retrofitted for less cost to society than doing

nothing. Investments in retrofits comparefavourably with stocks and bonds, and one canbuy securities in eco-retrofitting without being

directly involved in development. However,the many biases toward new buildings in our

green building tools mean that we are still

spending 90% of our effort on 10% of theproblem.

Wheredothesebiasesagainsteco

retrofittingcomefrom?

Our environmental management, planningand design methods focus on modelling and

predicting the damage we will do, at theexpense of stimulating the design skills

required for transforming existingenvironments. Even our sustainability

assessment and rating tools prioritize

accounting, and account for the wrong things.To enable our cities to become eco-productive,

bio-diverse, multi-functional environmentsthat integrate human and natural systems, we

need to frontload eco-logical design. Ourmyriad, manageriatric measurement methods

militate against creative design. First, theyare largely negative, as they only aim to

reduce damage relative to standard buildings.More fundamentally, they are premised on thepresumed inevitability of negative impacts

overall. Second, our computer modelling andrating tools are also based on typical

buildings, so they reinforce the non-sustainable box. We cannot have net positive

design with tools that focus our attention onimpact mitigation.

Buthaventthesetoolsmadeabig

difference?

The ability to predict negative impacts,

resource flows and embodied energy indevelopment has helped to verify important

ecological insights. However, the fact thatgreen building tools have been increasingly

utilized (by a small fraction of developers),

does not prove that methods supportingtransformative design would be less effective.

Measurement is essential to eco-innovation,but only if we measure the right things in the

right way. For example, current tools treatnature as a mere resource, conceived as

material or energy inputs and outputs. Thishas contributed to sterile human-centred

environments that are sub-optimal from an

ecological as well as social perspective. Thus,green buildings still segregate human and

natural functions, which create dead, single-function interior spaces. Often, green

buildings just add on things like double skinexteriors that increase the urban heat island

effect. These are lost opportunities.


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WhatwouldbesomecriteriaforPositive

Development?

To enhance sustainability, development wouldneed to foster human and ecosystem health,

and expand ecosystems and future socialoptions. Along with standard green design

criteria, therefore, Positive Development

would also:

Meetasustainabilitystandard,wheredevelopmentleavestheecology(notjustsociety)betteroffafterconstructionthanbefore.

Addvaluebyusingspaceformultiplesocialandecologicalfunctions.Atriumscansupportmultipleecoservicefunctionsaswellashumanactivities.Livingwallsandverticalwetlandscandomorethanjustcleantheairandwater.

Bereversible(demountable,compostableand/or

highlyadaptable).Reversibilityisanecessarycomponentofintergenerationalequity,asfuturegenerationsshouldbeabletomakeresponsiblelifestylechoices.

Ensureindividualaccesstothemeansofsurvival,suchasheat,food,waterandenergy.Genuinedemocracy(socialsustainability)cannotexistwithoutresourcesecurity.

A list of criteria are provided inPositive

Development.

ArethereanyexamplesofnetPositive

Development?

There are probably as yet no developments

that both expand the ecological base and thepublic estate. However, a constellation of

NGOs are proposing an Australian NationalSustainability Centre in Canberra that aims to

demonstrate net positive design concepts for

new and retrofitted buildings. The plansintegrate ecospheres with the structure itself

to provide a range of eco-services and

amenities, as well as provide living resourcesfor environmental education. Students at theQueensland University of Technology are

involved in the extensive design research anddevelopment required for the project. As

suggested above, however, better design alone

will not suffice. We need to transform thecomplex intellectual and institutional

constructs that impede common sense, positivesolutions. How to change our planning,

management and design concepts, methodsand structures from vicious circles to virtuous

cycles is discussed further inPositive

Development.

Further Information

Professor Janis BirkelandQUT School of Design, GPO Box 2434

[email protected]

Notes

(1)Formoreonbiomimicry,seeBeattie,A.andEhrlich,P.2004

(2nded),Wildsolutions,YaleUniversityPress,NewHaven,USA.

Benyus,J1997,Bimimicry:InnovationInspiredbyNature,William

MorrowandCo.

UNEP2005,MillenniumEcosystemAssessment:Strengthening

CapacitytoManageEcosystemsSustainablyforHuman

Wellbeing.Download:http://ma.caudillweb.com/en/

about.overview.aspx

Forfurtherinformation,seeBirkeland,J.2005,TheCaseforEcoRetrofitting,SolarProgress,pp.79,Vol26,No2.

Birkeland,J.2003,Retrofitting:BeyondZeroWaste,Societies

foraSustainableFuture,ThirdKLMUCConference,Universityof

Canberra.

Droege,P.2006,RenewableCity:AComprehensiveGuidetoan

UrbanRevolution,WileyAcademy,Chichester,UK.

Todd,N.J.andJ.Todd2002,Principlesfordesigningliving

machinesinJ.Birkeland(ed)DesignforSustainability:A

SourcebookofIntegratedEcologicalSolutions,Earthscan,

London,p181.

Birkeland,J.2007b,GEN6:EcologicalWaste:Rethinkingthe

NatureofWaste,BEDPEnvironmentalDesignGuide,TheRoyalAustralianInstituteofArchitects,Canberra.

Birkeland,J.2007a,GEN4:PositiveDevelopment:Designfor

EcoServices,BEDPEnvironmentalDesignGuide,TheRoyal

AustralianInstituteofArchitects,Canberra.

Romm,J.1999,CoolCompanies:HowtheBestBusinesses

BoostProfitsandProductivitybyCuttingGreenhouseGas

Emissions,IslandPress,Wash.DC.

EPA1998,MarketValuesforHomeEnergyEfficiency(byNevin

andWatson),WashingtonDC.

Biasesagainstsustainabledevelopmentinexistingbuilding

assessmentandratingtoolsarelistedinBirkeland,J.2008a,

SpaceFrameWalls:FacilitatingPositiveDevelopment.SustainableBuilding08,Melbourne,September.

SeeBirkeland,J.2008b,PositiveDevelopmentfromVicious

CirclestoVirtuousCyclesthroughBuiltEnvironmentDesign,

Earthscan,London,UK.

Birkeland,J.2008b,Ibid

27
mailto:[email protected]://ma.caudillweb.com/en/about.overview.aspxhttp://ma.caudillweb.com/en/about.overview.aspxhttp://ma.caudillweb.com/en/about.overview.aspxhttp://ma.caudillweb.com/en/about.overview.aspxhttp://ma.caudillweb.com/en/about.overview.aspxhttp://ma.caudillweb.com/en/about.overview.aspxmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


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In July, the City of Sydney Council launched

the national CitySwitch Green Office Program,formerly known as 3CBDs and based only in

Sydney.

CitySwitch is designed to assist commercialoffice tenants achieve energy efficiency

improvements. It is at no cost to the tenant tojoin the program and works within the

framework of the National Australian BuiltEnvironment Rating System (NABERS).

CitySwitch is under a tremendous example ofhow the property industry, their tenants and

Local Government can work together to bringabout real environmental change said Ken

Morrison, NSW Executive Director of theProperty Council of Australia.

We congratulate the City of Sydney for their

role in launching this initiative which shouldresult in a significant reduction in greenhouse

gas emissions over time.

With energy consumption accounting for

almost 50% of the energy use in a building, itmakes sense for tenants to do what they can to

reduce their energy use and maintain a highNABERS rating.

And a savvy business operator can use their

membership to CitySwitch to reposition

themselves as environmentally sound.

Property owners have been early leaders in

sustainability through the uptake of NABERSfor base buildings. Giving tenants theopportunity to contribute in this way means

we will be greening buildings from the insideout.

The Property Council of Australia has longadvocated sustainable building and workplace

design. In the late 1990s we co-launched theNABERS and todays announcement that

CitySwitch is going national, is another

important step forward for our industryscommitment to sustainability.

It is of coursefitting the

CitySwitch should

be launched onWorld Environment Day and we encourage

business owners and operators to get behind

CitySwitch concluded Ken Morrison, NSWExecutive Director of the Property Council ofAustralia.

Thefacts

Worldwideitisestimatedthat40percentofenergyuse

isinbuildings(InternationalEnergyAgency)

Asmuchas50percentoftotalenergydemandincitiesisattributabletostationeryenergyusage,which

includesofficeequipment,lightingandcomputers.

InAustralia,thecommercialpropertysectorgenerates8.8percentofnationalgreenhousegasemissions,andhasthefastestgrowthofemissionsofanysector(DECC

2000)

InAustralia,commercialbuildingsproduce8.8percentofnationalgreenhouseemissionsandhaveamajorpart

toplayinmeetingAustralia'sinternationalgreenhouse

targets(AustralianStateoftheEnvironmentCommittee,2001).

Stationaryenergyisthelargestandfastestgrowing

sectorintermsofgreenhousegasemissions[National

InventoryReport2005(Revised)]. Officetenantsaccountforalmost50percentof

electricityconsumedinbuildings(AustralianGreenhouse

Office,2005)

CitySwitchGreenOfficeisaimingtohave700signatories

by2012.Currentsignatoriesinclude56businesseswhichcover

over600,000m2ofofficespace,representing9percent

ofSydneystotalcommercialofficetenancyspace.

IfalloftheexistingsignatoriesweretoimprovetheirNABERSEnergytenancyratingbyjusttwostars,theresult

wouldbeasavingof$36.5millioninenergycostsandover

329,000tonnesofCO2everyyear.

Thissavingwouldbetheequivalentoftakingnearly68,000carsofftheroad.

WiththeinclusionofAdelaide,Melbourne,PerthandSydneyCitySwitchGreenOfficehasthepotentialtosave

nearly$67millioninenergycostseveryyear.

IfallcapitalcitiesweretojoinCitySwitchGreenOffice,

Australiacouldreduceitsenergyconsumptionby778,000tonnesofCO2,costing$86.5millioneveryyear.

Nationalsustainabilityprogramgets

PropertyCouncilendorsement


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Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation,

Industry, Science and Research, announced in

July that the Governments $75 million

Climate Ready program was open for

applications.

Climate Ready will support Australianbusinesses developing new products, processes

and services to tackle climate change by

providing dollar-for-dollar support for research

and development, proof-of-concept and early-

stage commercialisation activities.

Applicants can apply for grants ranging from$50,000 to $5 million.

It is vital that the Australian Government

work in partnership with our innovative

companies to address the challenge of climatechange," Senator Carr said.

"Innovative products and processes that help

tackle global warming can also create high-

wage, high-skill jobs for the future, which is in

all our interests."A huge global market is developing for clean

and green technologies. Australian industryhas the creativity and drive to deliver to world

markets in this area," he said.

Senator Carr said that applications for grants

are welcome for any company developing

innovative solutions to address climate change

impacts.

A broad range of applications are expected in

areas as diverse as water recycling, waste

recovery, small scale renewable energy

technologies, green building materials, andother products, processes or services to

monitor emissions or reduce energy use," he

said.

"Australian businesses can also apply for

grants involving enabling technologies like

nanotechnology and biotechnology that

address the effects of climate change on people

and the environment.

"Climate Ready is part of the Governments

Clean Business Australia initiative, a $240

million commitment to working in partnership

with business to deliver energy and water-

efficient projects with a focus on productivity

and innovation," Senator Carr said.

Further information visit AusIndustrys

website at www.ausindustry.gov.au, call the

hotline 13 28 46 or email the hotline at

[email protected].

29

$75MILLIONCLIMATEREADYPROGRAM

OPENSFORBUSINESS
http://www.ausindustry.gov.au/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.ausindustry.gov.au/http://www.ausindustry.gov.au/


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IntersolarExpo,NeueMesse,Munich,Germany,

June2008

By Trevor Lee

Even before deciding to go to the Intersolar

Expo in Munich, I was aware that it was being

held in Munich for the first timebecause it would no longer fit in the

Messe (exhibition centre) inFreiburg, the actively pro-solar

provincial city in southernGermany which houses the world

HQ of ISES. However, this did notprepare me for the sheer size of this

event. With five filled expo halls

and a vast outdoor section as well,

it was better than three times thequantity of display that Ianticipated.

Despite this vastness, though, I

still managed to chance upon AlexZhand, a Swiss engineer working in

Nepal who has been a speaker on third-

world aspects of RE implementation atseveral recent ANZSES conferences.

Both Alex and my companion Will Logie

(engineer from ANU but now a stafferat SPF Institut fur Solartechnik inRapperswil, just out of Zurich in

Switzerland) were well at home here asthe text in the expo was very

predominantly in German. My expectation

that a European event would be thoroughlytrilingual was unfounded, however, although

many of the staff in the stands were able toconverse in English so I was not entirely

dependent on my companions to make gooduse of the event.

Apart from sheer size and its drawcard status

(and it was to be replicated in San Francisco,

USA, a month later) three things stood out forme in overview - PV, combi-systems and solar

trackers.

Entering through the outdoor display area, theextraordinary range of sun trackers was very

much in evidence. And they wereunexpectedly large. But, to my surprise, the

biggest one was actually set up in one of the

halls. Substantially bigger than the averagehouse, it ran on a circular steel rail rotated

Solar Progress, August 2008 ~ Australian and New Zealnad Solar Energy Society

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