Experts discuss the future of sustainable buildings in Canberra

More than half the building expected to be standing in 2050 in Australia, haven’t been built yet.

According to a report from the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council, released in February, the majority of Australia’s buildings in 2050 will be built after 2019.

Alternative Technology Association CEO Donna Luckman said the ASBEC report showed there was an “urgent need” to improve building standards.

“It’s critical for us to improve the standard of houses that are getting built post-2019,” she said.

“A move to better designed housing has a positive benefit for all Australian households, leading to improved health and comfort levels, and better running costs. We need to be advocating that all people get to live in climate-resilient homes.”

The ATA is an organisation that advocates and provides independent advice to households on how to live sustainably.

One of the organisation’s main events is the annual Sustainable House Day, where they offer tours of environmentally friendly homes.

This year the event will be held on September 16, and over 200 homes will be open nationwide, including 10 in Canberra.

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Oak Tree House in Hackett is one of the homes that will open its doors.

“Oak Tree House is a prime example of the retrofit of an older home done well,” said a spokesperson from the ATA.

“Improving the house over the years in stages, the homeowners built a passive solar extension, including a kitchen made with native timbers and a recycled timber benchtop.”

As part of the wider event, Ms Luckman is speaking at the ANU in Canberra on Wednesday on the topic Buildings and their sustainable future.

ACT Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate co-ordinator of building policy Vanessa Morris will also be speaking at the event on the merits of the territory’s mandatory energy-efficiency rating disclosure.

“For us a mandatory disclosure is about empowering consumers and gives them the opportunity to ask questions of their potential home and gives them an idea of what their bills will cost,” said Ms Luckman.

“It is something we have to give to all consumers across the country.”

Ms Luckman said with changes to the National Construction Code in 2022, it is important that energy efficiency plays its part.

“The National Construction Code is fantastic because it means we can influence the energy code for new buildings,” she explained.

“It’s the consumers who buy or rent buildings, and we need to make sure they are getting a quality home that is more adaptable to extreme weather events as well.”

The buildings and their sustainable future (ACT) lecture will be held on Wednesday August 29 at the Ian Ross building at ANU from 7:30pm. It is a free event.

You can find out more about Sustainable House Day here.