Briefing Document - SUSD0002 Sustainable House Deisgn

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SUSD0002 – Resources, Materials and Sustainability

Group Assignment 2005

Mark Ayto Z3133960

Demis R Bhargava Z3108479

Malay Dave Z3140441

Mark Deverell

Prabhath Nandsena

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The Task:

You are to work in multi-disciplinary teams to first audit, then brief and re-design a 4-unit low-cost housing project to be developed in the South Sydney area so that as

far as possible – the project minimizes resource consumption, produces no waste and facilitates a one-ecological footprint life-style. Working in groups of 4, produce

the following:

1 – A Briefing Document

- Development Context

- Sustainability Principles

- Project life-cycle phases

- Performance:

o Indicators

o Benchmarks

o Targets

o Monitoring

- References

4 – A Performance Assessment of the Existing Scheme

- Using your assessment checklist

- Identifying major problem areas

- List of lessons learned

2 – A Sustainability Assessment Checklist

- Decision-making methods, tools and process

- Relevant to each building life-cycle phase

- References

5 – A New Concept Design for the scheme

- Life-cycle & metabolism

- Sketch design & specification

- Testing performance using your assessment checklist

- Verifying performance using other tools or methods

- Critique and lessons learned

3 – Resource Guide

- Guidelines for using information resources

- Information on sustainable materials

- Guides to/ tools for material selection

- Material databases and catalogues

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The group’s response:

Introduction

Methodology

In the group’s first meeting we identified the huge scale of the task ahead – that of not only re-designing a dwelling development but also converting the residents from

normal life to one-planet life-style. In the occupation, operation and performance of the buildings we would design a much higher proportion of total life energy is

consumed than in the construction of the buildings, and the occupant’s lifestyles would have a far greater impact on ecological footprint than our efforts in materials

selection could achieve. However, we also recognised that the design and construction of these new dwellings was the start of something new - a change from the

normal way of living – and they would make a huge contribution to and influence on the life-styles of the people that lived in them. The dwellings had to:

- Set a precedent

- Provide leading examples

- Be the source of inspiration

These early realisations made us think about our ways of working; how could we develop such designs and expect people to just “move in” when they were

completed? The answer to this is to involve the people who are going to live in the dwellings in preparing the brief from the outset, and in detail. Our core methodology

is therefore to engage with our client, to ask questions of him / her, to get him / her to undertake specific tasks related to the designs (tasks designed themselves to

provide answers for the brief – making the briefing process almost rhetorical). This is in essence a very practical exercise and requires straightforward understandable

processes to achieve a good result. Our methodology will therefore be practical, understandable and straightforward, enabling the client to be involved in the levels

mentioned earlier.

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Early conclusions

Our early group discussions also focused on some basic issues associated with one-planet living and its place in the suburbs of a major city such as Sydney. Two

topics helped us shape our brief:

1. Cars? Should our designs include for car ownership for the residents, some sort of shared car system, or no cars at all. Some basic research into one-planet

living criteria revealed to us the enormous burden car ownership and travel by car has on our ecological footprint. If we were to incorporate cars into our designs,

we would have to make considerable sacrifices elsewhere in the designs or expect the occupants to make very radical changes in their lifestyles. We decided

that we would “design out” cars in this project, basically for the three reasons set out above; we had to use this opportunity to set a precedent and use the design

to set an example.

2. Marketability / commerciality of the project: We agonised over how radical the buildings should appear. If they were so different from “normal” houses around

than there could be a risk that they would be labelled as “green”, with detrimental consequences (low value, poor investment, offering low quality of life, Etc). We

decided that we needed to achieve a high standard of quality in aesthetics and finishes, and provide an acceptable alternative to regular houses. In this way, by

providing opportunity for one-planet living as well, we would be providing a far superior product overall and over the life-span of the dwellings.

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Contents Description

Our response to the task is presented in five sections:

1 The Briefing Document, including a thorough description of the briefing process we propose, sustainability principles to be adopted, performance measuring

proposals, and the draft brief for the project. This section also demonstrates fundamentals for the design solution prompted by the brief.

2 A sustainability assessment checklist; derived and developed from the briefing process to enable us to assess the existing scheme and compare this with our

proposals for the new scheme. This section will include these assessments, and comments on the existing designs with our ideas of how our new proposals will

make improvements towards our client’s goals.

3 Our proposals for a new concept design. This will demonstrate how our brief will be converted into a living project

4 Finally, we offer a comprehensive resource guide, formatted using the practical, understandable and straightforward methodology mentioned earlier.

5 Conclusions, including BASIX assessments of both existing and new schemes, ecological footprint analyses, and recommendations for our client.

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1 Briefing Document

Contents

1.1 The Briefing Process

1.2 Analysis of Client’s Requirements

1.3 Context

1.4 Principles of sustainability

1.5 Goals and Objectives

1.5.1 Detailed Brief

1.6 Performance:

1.6.1 Benchmarks, Indicators, and Targets

1.6.2 Monitoring

1.6.3 Project life-cycle phases

1.7 References

Appendices

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1.1 The Briefing Process

We start by considering what we have been asked to produce; a “Briefing Document”. Research into guidance on the briefing process, and what constitutes a good

briefing document has revealed the following:

Strategic brief

The strategic brief will be drafted in response to a particular corporate need. Its exact content and structure may vary and many elements of it will only be defined

following completion of inward-looking studies and outward looking feasibility assessments.

However a well written strategic brief will generally incorporate the following:

• Corporate needs and objectives.

• A strategic statement of intent. This may be in the form of a mission statement.

• A statement of key design and aesthetic aspirations, with guidance on relative priorities.

• Outline design and construction requirements.

• An assessment of options, supported by the results of feasibility studies.

• An assessment of procurement options and the implications of each.

• Assessment of value for money and affordability.

• A project structure defining roles, responsibilities and the decision making process.

• An assessment of adaptability for change and growth (future proofing).

(Source: Constructing Excellence website: http://www.constructingexcellence.org.uk/)

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Design and Construction briefs

Design and construction briefs develop in incremental stages, with greater detail being added to draft documentation as the project evolves. This happens through an

incremental process of validation, evaluation and testing, with the strategic brief used as the benchmark against which ideas and proposals are measured.

The timing and formulation of design and construction briefs (and even their names) will depend on the nature, scale, complexity and procurement of the project.

Some projects may have a number of different briefs, or 'sub-briefs' covering specific aspects of the design and construction such as the urban environment or

equipping requirements.

The briefs allow the detailed design and construction requirements of a project to be clearly defined for all participants. Consequently the downstream detailed

design and construction activity is closely influenced by this document.

(Source: Constructing Excellence website: http://www.constructingexcellence.org.uk/)

The Brief is the key document for a project; it is a collation of the Client’s objectives and aspirations as well as specific requirements, it sets the standards that the

project should achieve and the benchmarks against which measurement is to be taken. It must therefore be a well written, clear, concise and easily communicable

document. The process of preparing the Brief is iterative over the stages of design and procurement. From initial “vision statements” the Brief will evolve, flex and bend

to absorb compromise and advantage arising from new design solutions and strategies for the achievement of the original objectives. The Brief must therefore be

presented in a format that can be easily updated, yet retain references to original thoughts or “vision statements”.

The Briefing Process for this project

The following diagram explains the process we have chosen to adopt for this project. We will:

• Analyse the Client’s requirements and their place in the local context.

• Establish some basic principles for sustainability.

• Define specific goals and objectives for this project, test the feasibility of these goals and objectives, by considering the implications, challenges and opportunities

presented in achieving them; and then re-define the objectives if this is appropriate.

• Agreeing strategies for achieving the final set of objectives.

• Compile the Brief document, collating all of the above, including benchmarks, targets and indicators; and setting all these over the framework of project phases.

This document attempts to lead a Client through this process, step-by-step in order to maintain his / her involvement throughout.

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Analyse Client’s

Requirements

Examine Local Context

Define Objectives /

Goals

Set Strategies for Achieving

Objectives

Establish Principles for Sustainability

Check Feasibility!!

Set Project life- cycle phases

Set Benchmarks

Set Indicators

Set Targets

Compile Detailed Brief

The Briefing Process

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1.2 Analysis of Client’s Requirements

The Client has spelt out his / her requirements “…. then brief and re-design a 4-unit low-cost housing project to be developed in the South Sydney area so that as far

as possible – the project minimizes resource consumption, produces no waste and facilitates a one-ecological footprint life-style”.

We can analyse the Client’s requirements as follows:

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1.3 Context

“You are to work in multi-disciplinary teams to first audit, then brief and re-design a 4-unit low-cost housing project to be developed in the South Sydney area so that

as far as possible – the project minimizes resource consumption, produces no waste and facilitates a one-ecological footprint life-style”.

The Client has specified that he / she would like to live a one-ecological footprint life-style in South Sydney. We must therefore consider the environmental pressures

and issues in this area in which the development is to be built, and attempt to determine which factors apply the most pressure, and where our development can add

value or contribute to the local authorities plans and policies.

The table overleaf shows issues of concern in the City of Sydney State of the Environment Report 2003 / 2004, and how this project may “interact” with these issues.

From this analysis, and the earlier analysis of the Client’s requirements, we are able to identify specific “context criteria” that the Brief should address. These are

tabulated on the succeeding page.

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City of Sydney State of the Environment Report 2003 / 2004 Interaction with this project

Water Conservation Aim to exceed building codes on water conservation.

Supply

Reduce reliance on mains water supply by using a greywater system for irrigation,

and rainwater storage systems to collect water from roof and hard-standing areas.

Demand Reduce demand for water by using efficient appliances and re-using water.

Groundwater level Minimize rainwater runoff to stormwater drains by limiting hard-standing areas.

Water pollution

Minimize the use of detergents and chemicals in the home; therefore reducing

pollution in drainage systems.

Greenhouse

and Air

Quality

CO2 emissions from the built environment Choose materials for construction with low embodied energy. Employ passive

design solutions, with high insulation values in the design and construction.

CO2 emissions from transport Provide “progressive” design solutions that support the one-ecological footprint life-

style, which would require minimal or zero reliance on the motor car.

Air pollution If a motor car is required in the project, then look for one with an efficient engine that

produces less particulate matter.

Biodiversity Protection Design to keep existing trees and shrubs on site, and to maintain “green” space.

Maintenance Provide design solutions that enhance education about biodiversity and enable the

residents to maintain the element of biodiversity at this address.

Waste Generation - sources of waste Use recycled or existing building materials in the project. Design for minimal waste

in construction. Provide design solutions that promote a “waste equals food” life-

style. Design for re-use of materials and components at end of life of the building.

Recycling Provide design solutions that make recycling a “way of life” for the residents.

Education Provide design solutions that create opportunity for learning and development for

the residents of the dwellings.

Land Use Population density Provide for at least the minimum density of residents at the dwellings expected by

South Sydney Council.

Built environment – sustainable buildings Provide design solutions that promote the idea of sustainable development and

living.

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Environmental pressures in the area

Ref Briefing comment

C1

Population density - the development must aspire to achieve or exceed recommended density.

C2

Reduction of water consumption – the development must recognise the local problem with water resource and make a contribution to alleviating this

problem

C3 Traffic congestion – the development must seek to have minimum impact upon local road traffic.

C4 Lack of “green” space in the local area – the development must seek to address this, both for the sake of the residents in the development and to

add value to the local community.

C5 Lack of “leading lights” for sustainable development – the new development should provide inspiration for the local residents, as an example of how

sustainability may be achieved in domestic dwellings.

Major concerns to be addressed


C6

Solutions should be compatible in their achievability; that is to say that no single design solution should stand out as an icon, or as a triumph of /

challenge to technology.

Fundamental “must haves”


C11 At least four dwellings, for four families of four persons.

C12 One of the dwellings should be designed for habitation by a disabled person or family.

C13 One of the dwellings should be designed for adaptation (at reasonable cost / effort) for habitation by a disabled person or family.

C14 The development must be “low cost”.

C15 As far as possible – the project must minimize resource consumption, produce no waste and facilitate a one-ecological footprint life-style.

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Potential and opportunities


C16 Innovation

C17 Example of sustainable living

C18 Contribution to the community

C19 A “living” project – designed for living in and living with evolving families within a community.

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1.4 Principles of sustainability

References and inspiration

This section commences with quotations from relevant literature and excerpts from appropriate documents. These lead the Client through common ideas and

understanding on sustainability issues, through more considered thinking, to more radical and idealistic expressions on the sustainability concept. These readings are

designed to develop the Client’s thinking and provide inspiration for choosing principles of sustainability to be adopted for this project.

Text

Source

Basic principles – of good design, for healthy living, and towards sustainability

3.0 PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN

FOR ADAPTABILITY

Based on a reading of theory for sustainable design a number of basic principles can be distilled as a

foundation for Design for Adaptability strategies. These principles, described in detail below are:

• Start with the end in mind

• Plan for change

• Design for long-life

• Design for loose-fit

• Design for deconstruction.

BDP Environment Design guide – February 2005

Site planning is a design process integrating a range of factors. It involves getting to know the context and

character of the site and its surrounds to ensure development that:

• is compatible with the desired character of the locality, and considers the amenity of neighbours;

• takes advantage of the sites best attributes and recognises its constraints;

• satisfies reasonable needs for privacy, security and other justifiable user needs;

• makes good use of outdoor spaces;

• is environmentally sensitive;

• is attractive and functions effectively; and

• adds something new and positive to the streetscape and neighbourhood.

The South Sydney Plan Part E; Environmental Design

Criteria

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Performance criteria

The site analysis examines and records the significant characteristics of the site’s broad and local context,

including:

• climatic factors such as temperature range, relative humidity, prevailing winds, and solar access, which

directly affect thermal comfort and the energy efficiency of buildings,

• site orientation,

• existing vegetation,

• form, height, scale and type of surrounding and existing buildings,

• environmental constraints such as overshadowing of existing buildings and noise effects; and

• nearby heritage items and/or conservation areas,

• new development in the locality;

• street and block patterns,

• pedestrian linkages from surrounding areas,

• open space networks,

• significant view corridors,

• surrounding Public Domain and opportunities for its enhancement.


Criteria

Site layout

The arrangement of building and spaces on a site will have an important influence on the quality and

accessibility of the residential environment. Key components to be considered are:

• site features (including heritage)

• allotment size and shape;

• building footprint and site coverage;

• building scale and bulk;

• defining the massing of buildings and the enclosure of open spaces;

• building form and the external appearance of buildings;

• building design and orientation for energy efficiency;

• the need for visual and acoustic privacy;

• provision of open space and landscaping including retention of landscape features;


Criteria

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• parking, access and servicing;

• the layout of pedestrian linkages and routes;

• on-site drainage; and

• site services and facilities

Objectives

To achieve a site layout that considers the opportunities and constraints of the site to provide a safe,

convenient and attractive environment that meets the diverse and changing needs of the community. For

Master Plan sites, to provide council and stakeholders with a planning framework for the most appropriate

form of development for the site.


The site layout:

• Takes into account the site analysis.

• Ensures the attributes of a site eg views, substantial trees, solar access etc are maximised while

establishing a good fit and relationship between buildings on the site and with neighbouring properties and

buildings.

• Maintains similar lot sizes, subdivision and built form patterns to reinforce the existing urban fabric

• Includes lot sizes, shape and orientation that:

– reflect the intended land use, density and intensity of adjacent development;

– avoid the creation of battle-axe lots and long and narrow blocks at right angles to street frontages; where

allotments have irregular shapes, such as battle-axe lots, development is restricted to the principal area of

the lot that

has adequate dimensions for the siting of buildings;

– make adequate provision for parking, vehicular access, service facilities and useable outdoor space;

– protect environmental features and recognise site constraints and opportunities; and

– enable microclimate management and energy conservation.

• Incorporates existing buildings of conservation or heritage value and retains vegetation and natural site

features.

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• Fits into the surrounding environment and pattern of development by recognising:

– existing urban fabric,

– site topography and landscape,

– surrounding neighbourhood character and streetscape including buildings;

– potential view corridors, and

– potential pedestrian linkages.

• Maximises solar access to all parts of the development.

• Provides open space that:

– clearly delineates private and public areas;

– enhances the Public Domain;

– provides for a range of uses and activities;

– is cost-effective to maintain; and

– contributes to stormwater management.

• Integrates ecological processes such as on-site stormwater absorption, soil conservation, grey water

recycling, renewable energy harvesting and natural habitat restoration.

• Provides a mix of building types and sizes.

• Maintains the environmental amenity of adjacent development and the locality.

• Is designed to minimise environmental hazards such as noise and air pollution.

• Takes into consideration parking, access and servicing requirements.

• Enhances personal safety and minimises potential for crime and vandalism.

1.4 Private open space

The design of private open space should focus on the quality of the space in terms of its outlook and

orientation, relationship to the building, size and shape of the space, its enclosure and landscape treatment.

The form and provision of private open space would depend on the location of the site and the specific

needs of the users. To be of use to the occupants it needs to be sufficiently large and therefore have

minimum dimensions and area depending on whether it is at ground level or above ground.


Criteria

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Visual privacy

The main habitable areas and private open space are designed to be protected from direct overlooking, by

building layout, location and design of windows and balconies, screening devices, distance or landscaping.

Acoustic privacy

Site layout, building design and construction protect internal living and sleeping areas from high levels of

external noise and minimises the transmission of sound through the building structure.

Privacy is a key consideration of the site planning

and layout stage.


Criteria

Ecological sustainability in an urban environment context, is a characteristic that is based on the

philosophy of conserving and recycling resources to contribute to the restoration of underlying ecological

processes on which all life depends. It involves the integration of ecological processes such as on-site

stormwater absorption, soil

conservation, grey water recycling, renewable energy harvesting, natural habitat and air quality, with the

social, cultural and economic dimensions of human activities to achieve high levels of overall performance.


Criteria – additional information

What is Sustainable Building Design?

1. Sustainable building design is applied good sense - an aspiration to build to the highest quality and

functional standard, with maximum environmental and social benefit and with cost assessments that reflect

the whole building life cycle such that investment can be properly maintained.

2. Achieving sustainability requires us to live within the limits of the earth’s capacity to provide the materials

for our activities and to absorb the waste and pollution that our activities generate.

3. Sustainable building design means applying of a set of design parameters which have often had

insufficient attention in the past:- functional requirements – now and in the future, user needs and

aspirations, resource consumption, material sourcing, location and access, impacts on stakeholders

including building users and the local community, life cycle operation and costs, maintainability, building

life and end-of-life, pollution, waste, biodiversity and health.

4. The process of procurement, design, tendering, construction and handover is a vitally important aspect of

Sustainable Construction CPD – Module 9 Site Issues &

Construction Processes Gaia Research 2002

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delivering buildings that can be sustained. Many projects suffer from a failure to think through design

consequences in cost and management terms. There are many examples where this results in crucial

aspects

being edited, and undermining of project aspirations, late in the process. This is not inevitable but requires

strong commitment, planning and considerable expertise if aspirations are to be achieved.8

5. The intended outcome is buildings that: -

a. ….minimise adverse social, environmental and economic impacts by being efficient to operate, effective

in their use of resources, minimizing waste & pollution and protecting occupant health and the wider

environment during construction, operation, re-use and at the end of their useful life.

b. ….enhance positive social and economic impacts by providing an environment that is fit for purpose,

more responsive to individual, business and community needs and aspirations, more flexible and functional,

maintainable and cheaper to run, and more respectful of the environment on which we all ultimately depend.

• ! Design for minimum waste of materials. Provide facilities for the minimisation and management of

waste.

• ! Protect and enhance biodiversity using the biodiversity EPI. Ensure natural features can be easily

managed and maintained.

• ! Specify local and low environmental impact materials (e.g. use A-rated specifications from the

Green Guide or equivalent and timber from certified well-managed forests). Use the embodied

energy EPI.

• ! Optimise passive energy use (e.g. solar gain). Minimise energy use (e.g. lighting, heating/cooling,

ventilation, insulation). Consider CHP and renewable energy sources. Use the operational energy

EPI. Fit submetering

• and intelligent building monitoring systems.

• ! Specify flexible information and communication services.

• ! Ensure high indoor air quality through effective ventilation, and specifying materials, finishes and

cleaning products with minimal harmful effects.

• ! Specify zero ozone depletion and low NOx systems and materials.

Constructing excellence, UK: Demonstrations of

sustainability; Sustainability Checklist

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• ! Ensure fittings are low water volume. Consider rainwater and grey water recycling. Consider

permeable design for hard landscaping. Use the water EPI. Fit sub-metering.

• ! Discourage single-occupant car use, through public transport and cycling provision, making the

development safe and secure, providing showers and changing rooms.

• ! Consider ease of operation and maintenance through commissioning time and documentation.

• ! Consider daylighting, ventilation, humidification, personal control, and space for well-being and

comfort. The DQIs consider a range of environmental criteria.

• ! Design for flexibility or deconstruction with minimum waste.

Next level thinking – sustainability in buildings and change in ways of living

Sustainability is characterised by language such as: Net benefit … Change … Ongoing management …

Efficiency … Inclusive … Innovation … design … best practice … Long term … Participation ….

Engagement … Altruism … repair … Enhance … Sense of Place … Sacred … Economic Performance ….

Externalities …. Broad based Benefits … Partnerships … I’m responsible … Networks … Interdependence

…. Future …

Hargroves, K. & Smith, M. (ed.) 2005, The natural

advantage of nations, Earthscan, UK p178.

It is the architectural integration of all the competing parameters that shape our daily lives that will sustain a

good quality of life for future generations. Each of us just has to make a personal decision on whether to be

part of the problem or the solution.

Z-factory website: http://www.zedfactory.com/home.html

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Ideas on community living

Urban village is a compact, well defined community, featuring higher intensity development, a strongly

pedestrianised environment, a clear and interactive community focus (usually transit/civic and commercially

based), housing and land use mix, generous public spaces and high quality urban design.


Criteria – additional information

The process of formulating the common vision continues. Communicating by e-mail during the winter of

1996 Declan Kennedy, Albert Bates and Linda Joseph came up with the 14 affirmations that were brought

in the summer 1996 special issue of In Communities Magazine, journal of co-operative living.

1. Humanity can live well on this Earth through the process of supporting individual self-realization and co-

operative interdependence.

2. We recognize that to restore, sustain and protect the health and integrity of the environment, we begin by

changing our attitudes, actions, and lifestyle, individually and in groups.

3. We strive towards a life of honest, fulfilling work; caring and fruitful social interaction; and simplicity of

living coupled with abundance.

4. We support the movement toward locally self-reliant ecological communities and neighborhoods that are

sustainable socially, environmentally, economically , and spiritually.

5. We educate in ways that honor and empower the whole person and individual actualization- physically,

emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

6. We educate in ways that promote successful co-operative efforts by valuing diversity, and by developing

effective communication and community-building skills.

7. We recognize our dependence on the thriving of diversity and work to ensure the survival of all species

and cultures.

8. We work to safeguard human rights, and toward the achievement of equality and social justice.

9. We embrace methods of land-use planning and development that honor and protect the health of natural

eco-systems, such as permaculture, natural building, and preservation of wildlife habitat

10. We promote the research and use of non-toxic substances and methods in agriculture and industry, on

the small scale, individually and locally; and the large scale, corporate levels and community-wide.

From “What is an Ecovillage” by Hildur Jackson. (Based

on a working paper presented at the Gaia Trust

Education

Seminar, Thy, Denmark in September 1998, with minor

updates).

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11. We resolve conflict by speaking truthfully and with kindness, seeking resolution by peaceful means, at

earliest time, with the appropriate people, and seek mediation when it is needed.

12. We support citizen diplomacy.

13. We work towards the establishment of free and responsible media, and expanding opportunities for

exchange.

14. We believe the potential of humankind to make the vision of sustainability a reality, and to apply our

creativity so that we and the Earth not only survive, but flourish and thrive

An ecovillage is a subdivision that will have a beneficial or minimal environmental impact and at the same

time enrich people's lives. This is achieved through the application of sustainable design practices where

the enhancement of community is paramount.

Sustainability is the measure of providing for the present in balance with the needs of the future. This should

be the main criterion for the development of any ecovillage. In any optimistic vision of the coming century,

emphasis on quality of life, rather than consumerism at any cost, is fundamental. The future rests on

educating ourselves and our children to see that the good life depends on quality rather than quantity. An

ecovillage is just such a setting to begin this education and to reclaim a balance with the land and within

ourselves.

From Somerville Ecovillage website:

http://www.greenedge.org/default.asp

To “practical issues” of community living:

All residents have a high awareness of energy efficiency. Most members have chosen to subscribe to

Western Power's new renewable energy scheme, Natural Power. Sharing of equipment has a high priority

amongst residents - transport, electrical appliances and a washing machine which maximises interaction

with each other. Food scraps end up in compost or worm farms, household items such as cans, paper etc

are recycled and communal food preparation through communal dinners three times a week saves time and

energy. Future planning includes the introduction of solar hot water systems and rain tanks for water

conservation.

From Pinkarri Community Inc. website:

http://members.iinet.net.au/~delilah/Pinakarri/about.html

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In search of principles of sustainability to be adopted

The context, references, and analyses above must somehow be “distilled” down to simple statements; targets at which strategies and methods can be developed and

aimed. These targets are our core principles for sustainability. They are unique to this project, and applicable only to this project, having been selected after the

process described above. In our group discussions, the overriding feature of the Client’s Brief seems to be the desire for “one-ecological footprint” living. Examples of

definition of ecological footprint are:

“The Ecological Footprint is a measure of the bio-productive area required to produce the resources we consume and assimilate the wastes we generate wherever in

the world they may be located. This includes all the land we use for crops, grazing, building and growing trees for wood products as well as the waters from which we

fish. In addition, there is the land used for the absorption of waste, much of which is comprised of forests for absorption of carbon dioxide.”

(Source: Sustainable Sonara County website: http://www.sustainablesonoma.org/keyconcepts/footprint.html)

“An individual’s ecological footprint comprises the footprints of all their work and leisure activities, food and products consumed and waste produced. It also includes

the area of forest required to sequester carbon dioxide emissions associated with that individual’s energy use, together with a share of the footprint of shared

infrastructure and services such as airports, roads, financial services, hospitals, schools and other public services. The diagram highlights the relative importance of

lifestyle choices compared with the impact of our buildings (i.e. our footprint associated with food consumption compared with the impact of materials used in our

home). It also shows the importance of our shared infrastructure, which is difficult to address as an individual but can be addressed at the community level.”

(Source: Report prepared by BioRegional Development Group – “Z-squared: Enabling One Planet Living in the Thames Gateway” – November 2004).

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Two aspects of these definitions help us to define our principles. These are:

1. Lifestyle choice is the single most important factor in the size of our ecological footprint. Our new dwelling must primarily provide for a radical change in

lifestyle, and should be designed to make this paradigm shift as bearable as possible in order that a reversion to previous bad practice can be averted.

2. Community living. There are inherent difficulties in trying to achieve one-ecological footprint on your own. Factors of scale practically preclude participation in

today’s daily life in South Sydney. The solution seems to, lie in a combination of resources and effort to overcome this problem – in a development designed

for co-ordination and co-operation in daily lives.

Coincidentally, concepts and principles of community living would also support a solution for the radical change in individual’s lifestyle that would be required to live in

this development. This “mutual appreciation” between these two core drivers for our principles of sustainability adds value to their importance and reason for their

adoption.

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Considering all of the above, after dialogue and discussion we have determined to adopt the following principles of sustainability:

Principles of sustainability to be adopted

Ref Principle to be adopted for the new development

P1 Development must be a net “prosumer” of energy.

P2 Must provide for community living

P3 Must provide freedom and flexibility in living space

P4 Creative use of materials

P5 Closed / semi-closed loops in all aspects

P6 Regenerative architecture

P7 Biomorphic architecture

P8 Life-cycle awareness

P9 Provides educative and stimulating living experiences for occupants

P10 Development is inextricably linked with nature

28

1.5 Goals, Objectives, and strategies

Our Client has set four goals to be achieved (as far as possible) in this development:

1. The project must minimize resource consumption.

2. The project must produce no waste.

3. The project must facilitate a one-ecological footprint lifestyle

4. The development is to be “low cost”.

Our Interpretation:

1. Minimize Resource Consumption:

The rate of resource extraction from nature must not exceed the rate of natural generationreplenishment

2. P

3.2. Must prroduceProduce no waste:

4. The rate of replenish output, of unusable substance on site, must not exceed the limits of natural absorption. The development, at any project life cycle stage,

must not produce any waste, hazardous for human health or for the environment

5.3. Facilitate a one ecological footprint lifestyle:

The physical basis for productivity and diversity of nature must not be harmed; the use of resources and output of wastes must be fair and efficient with respect

to meeting human needs within the carrying capacity of the earth.

7.4. To be ‘Low Cost’:

The development should be ‘low total cost’ compared to the existing scheme or any other similar typical scheme.

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1.5.1 Detailed Brief

32

1.6 Fundamentals for the design solution prompted by the brief:

We recognize ‘One-Planet Living’ as the most essential requirement of this project.

Through the research and subsequent discussions we recognized the significance of ‘community living’ and the inevitable role it can play in achieving one-planet

lifestyle.

One of the main design objectives for us would be to create an environment that can encourage and support community living. By community living we mean a living

that recognizes the strength of interdependence and attempts for unity in diversity. The design for community living will be for various socio-cultural as well as

economic backgrounds. It will also be an environment designed for all ages incorporating the issues of accessibility.

We recognize that built environment can be ‘just’ the provider of opportunities of sustainable living. It is only through personal attitudes towards consumption and

sustenance that ‘one-planet living’ can be achieved. Therefore we also recognize the importance of learning and education for sustainable development. Other design

objective, therefore, would be to design experientially rich, learning and educative environment for the residents and visitors, which can help sustain one-planet lifestyle

throughout the total life span of the building.

Use of local eco-materials (maximum use of reclaimed, salvaged materials or with maximum recycled content) and construction techniques for innovative passive solar

designs will help minimize the resource consumption. The use of active solar and wind technologies will be used to generate and provide large amount of energy

supply for the development. The use of prefabricated, modular, reusable and/or recyclable materials and components will help minimize waste. Selection of materials,

whose waste would be either technical or natural nutrient, along with minimum or bio-degradable packaged materials will significantly reduce construction waste

generation. All these strategies ultimately will contribute in maintaining low life-cycle cost.

The design will attempt a biophilic environment, which would integrate natural environment in the built environment where possible. All the attempts will be made to

eliminate the existent alienation between human being and nature. This active ‘oneness’ between human being and the natural environment will not only create

environment for physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing for the users and visitors but also will sow the seeds for the sustainable future development.

33

1.7 Performance

We wish to measure the performance of our project towards the goals and objectives we have set ourselves to achieve. To do this, we need to identify benchmarks for

issues relating to our goals, establish indicators that are relevant to these benchmarks, and targets which we must aspire to achieve in pursuit of our goals.

1.7.1 Benchmarks, indicators, and targets

Our benchmarks will be drawn from local and accepted / accredited sources of information in order that our comparisons will be accurate and relevant:

Goal Construction “In use” / Occupation

Benchmark Indicator Target Benchmark Indicator Target

The project must

minimize resource

consumption.

Energy Embodied energy

in the constructed

dwellings – 1000

GJ / dwelling1

GJ/ Dwelling Given

imperfections and

measurement

problems,

consider a target

of 800 GJ/

dwelling

16 tonnes CO2 /

annum for an

average

household.2

All energy

consumed –

converted into

equivalent tonnes

CO2.

Consider aiming

for 4 tonnes CO2

per annum

The embodied

CO2 in an average

“volume

housebuilder”

Embodied CO2 BedZED achieves

675kg/m24

1 Source: CSIRO and URL: http://www.yourhome.gov.au/technical/fs31.htm. Note there are imperfections in measuring and assessing embodied energy; refer to

the advice given on the website.

2 Please refer to appendix H.

34

house in the UK is

600-800kg/m2.3

Recycled/ re-

used content

No benchmark

available

% of total

materials by

weight

BedZED achieves

15%5 Not applicable

Water Water use in construction is considered insignificant in

comparison with the total water consumed in the life of the

dwellings in-use.

Sydney Metro

average is 250

kilolitres per year

per household.6

Kilolitres / year /

household

Target 150

kilolitres per year

per household

3, 4, 5

Source: Beddington Zero (Fossil) Energy Development Construction Materials Report Toolkit for Carbon Neutral Developments – Part 1, Nicole Lazarus, BioRegional Development Group 6 City of Sydney State of Environment Report 2003 / 2004, p. 11.

35


The project must

produce no waste.

Construction

materials

No benchmark

available

Waste materials

removed from

site as a % of

total materials

used in the

construction.

Suggest set a

monthly target

based on the

previous month’s

figures.

Not applicable

No benchmark

available

% of waste

removed to

landfill

ABI Group

achieved 18%7

Average 4 tonnes

of waste produced

in the construction

of a house.8

Total waste

produced in

construction

(tonnes)

Target to reduce

this by 50%

No benchmark

available

Potential for

recycling / re-use

Difficult to

measure and

assess – as future

events and trends

may dictate actual

results.

Packaging No benchmark

available

Weight of

packaging for

construction

materials that is

Suggest set a

monthly target

based on the

previous month’s

Reflected in domestic waste, below.

7 From Resource NSW website: http://www.resource.nsw.gov.au/data/wpgabigroup.pdf

8 Source: Government of South Australia, Zero Waste SA, Construction and Demolition Materials.

36

sent to landfill figures.

Domestic

waste Not applicable

200 Kg / year /

person9

Landfill waste

produced per

year per person

(Kg)

Suggest set targets

reducing in

increments of 5%.

75 Kg / year /

person10

Waste recycled

per person per

year (Kg)

Suggest set targets

increasing in

increments of 5%.

9,10

Source: City of Sydney State of Environment Report 2003 / 2004, p. 55.

37


The project must

facilitate a one-

ecological footprint

lifestyle

Car Mileage Not applicable

??? Kilometres per

year by the

average

household by car

BedZED suggests

limit of 1,000 Km /

year11

Car

Ownership

90% of Australians

aged 16 or over

own a car.12

Target has to be

zero: Shared car

scheme required;

20 people per club

car.13

Public

transport

??? Km travelled by

public transport

per year per

person

Air travel ??? Km travelled by

plane per person

per year

BedZED suggests

“holiday by plane

every 2 years”. 14

Food ??? % of food bought

from local

producers.

Aim to buy all food

from local

producers.

Little or no food

produced at home

% of food grown

on site (calorie

Set targets

seasonally – to

11, 12, 14

Source: Desai, P. & Riddlestone, S. 2002, Bioregional Solutions for Living on One Planet, Schumacher Briefings, table entitled Ecological Footprints for UK Lifestyle in Hectares per Person. 12

Source: AC Neilson website: http://www.acnielsen.com.au/home.asp

38

content) reflect “growing

potential” of the

site.

The development is

to be “low cost”

Development

costs

$650 / m2

(2001).15

$ Development

Cost / m2 (gross

floor area)

Target cost could

be higher than

benchmark, but

must also

demonstrate how

low energy and

maintenance

costs will offset

this over time.

Not applicable

Maintenance

costs

??? $ cost of annual

maintenance

Realistic target

should be less than

the benchmark to

take account of

natural materials

use, no paint

finishes, and no

“cosmetic”

gardening.

15 Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics website: http://www.abs.gov.au/Ausstats/[email protected]/0/31f2b26a0ba3db04ca256bb90082a5f1?OpenDocument. Note, this data is as at year 2001, and is National data. We suspect that average costs for a suburban house will be more than this, due to increased construction costs and smaller plot sizes.

39

1.7.2 Monitoring

Quantitative issues

Measuring and monitoring all quantitative issues (waste, energy, transport, Etc) described above can be relatively easy to set up and undertake. However, in order to

make the results more relevant, and to ad to the educative process that this development tries to promote, we would attempt to present the results in a format that is:

• User friendly

• Easily updated

• Relevant to current thinking

An example is Beddington Zero (Fossil) Energy Development Construction Materials Report Toolkit for Carbon Neutral Developments – Part 1, by Nicole Lazarus,

BioRegional Development Group. This sets out the complete history and rationale for the material selection for their project.

Qualitative issues

These issues are traditionally more difficult to measure and monitor. Monitoring the “one-footprint life-style” will require a consistent approach to measuring changing

variables; and a degree of interpretation and tolerance will be required. “Quality of life” assessments can be made, but these must be restricted by the fact that

assessment is being made in the confines of the development, only commences when the development is occupied, and should only be compared with immediate

neighbours. However, such an assessment may include statistics and value judgements such as:

• Number of days sick, or off work

• Number of doctor appointments per year

• Number of visitors

• Variety of indigenous plants in the garden

• Leisure time spent at the development

40

1.7.3 Project life-cycle phases

The following project life-cycle phases will be adopted for this project in order to aid timely decision making, and to set a plan for monitoring the development:

Life-cycle

phase (LCP)

Description Objective Actions and monitoring

LCP1 Inception To determine the requirement for the

development

Check alternatives to constructing a new development.

LCP2 Briefing To confirm requirements of the development Refer to reference projects and advice on the Briefing process to set

relevant design criteria.

LCP3 Design To demonstrate how the requirements can be

achieved

Monitor quantitative and qualitative issues against design criteria.

LCP4 Procurement To locate, and secure the supply of goods,

materials, components, and services for the

construction of the development.

Check track record of contractors and suppliers against criteria in the

Brief.

LCP5 Construction To construct the development in accordance with

designs and specifications.

Monitor performance of the construction activities against criteria in the

Brief and industry practice.

LCP6 Occupation To occupy the development and operate it in

accordance with the designed intentions

Monitor quantitative and qualitative issues against criteria in the Brief;

be prepared to continuously adjust targets as time elapses.

LCP7 Evaluation To evaluate the performance of the development

and its occupants.

Choose regular evaluation periods where results are assessed, new

targets set, and “direction” may be altered.

LCP8 Deconstruction To take the building apart in a managed process

to ensure all materials and components are

returned to their designed / intended state

(taking into account developments in recycling

and re-use during the lifetime of the building).

Monitor the dismantling and demolition of the buildings in accordance

with current regulations and best practice; yet adhering to the spirit of

the original plan.

41

1.8 References

AC Neilson website: http://www.acnielsen.com.au/home.asp

Australian Bureau of Statistics website: http://www.abs.gov.au/Ausstats/[email protected]/0/31f2b26a0ba3db04ca256bb90082a5f1?OpenDocument

BDP Environment Design guide – February 2005

BioRegional Development Group – “Z-squared: Enabling One Planet Living in the Thames Gateway” – November 2004).

Constructing Excellence website: http://www.constructingexcellence.org.uk/)

Constructing excellence, UK: Demonstrations of sustainability; Sustainability Checklist

CSIRO and URL: http://www.yourhome.gov.au/technical/fs31.htm

City of Sydney State of Environment Report 2003 / 2004

Desai, P. & Riddlestone, S. 2002, Bioregional Solutions for Living on One Planet, Schumacher Briefings

Government of South Australia, Zero Waste SA, Construction and Demolition Materials

Hargroves, K. & Smith, M. (ed.) 2005, The natural advantage of nations, Earthscan, UK p178.

Jackson, H. 1998, “What is an Ecovillage (Based on a working paper presented at the Gaia Trust Education Seminar, Thy, Denmark in September 1998).

Lazarus, N. Beddington Zero (Fossil) Energy Development Construction Materials Report Toolkit for Carbon Neutral Developments – Part 1, BioRegional Development

Group

Pinkarri Community Inc. website: http://members.iinet.net.au/~delilah/Pinakarri/about.html

Resource NSW website: http://www.resource.nsw.gov.au/data/wpgabigroup.pdf

Salisbury, F. 1998, Briefing your architect, Architectural Press, UK

Somerville Ecovillage website: http://www.greenedge.org/default.asp

Sustainable Construction CPD – Module 9 Site Issues & Construction Processes Gaia Research 2002

Sustainable Sonara County website: http://www.sustainablesonoma.org/keyconcepts/footprint.html

The South Sydney Plan Part E; Environmental Design Criteria

The South Sydney Plan Part E; Environmental Design Criteria – additional information

Z-factory website: http://www.zedfactory.com/home.html

42

Appendices

A – Operational energy

(Source: Ashok B. Lall Architects).

44

B – Westwyck’s Worm Farm

The WestWyck worm farm, which was designed primarily to handle the site's sewerage, has the additional advantage of being able to process all domestic organic material.

The worm farm is able to organically convert the sewerage, household waste paper and cardboard, kitchen scraps and garden vegetation into clear, aerated, odour-free liquid and garden enhancing worm castings.

WestWyck has installed a worm farm to handle site-generated organic waste including human wastes. WestWyck believes this is the first large scale application of worm farm technology to an inner urban site. Moreland City Council has granted planning approval of the system based on a generic system approval from the Environment Protection Authority. Moreland requires the system to have the capacity to discharge to sewer. WestWyck is currently renovating the system under the watchful eye of Council to ensure an even flow of distributed liquid to the entire evapo-transpiration system.

One beauty of this system is that it is able to make use of the otherwise useless carpark land to house the worm farm and to play a role in the transpiration of the excess liquid.

The system actually enhances the landscape by providing scarce water to sustain the grass carpark, the kanookas or water gums that border the carpark and a flourishing reed bed.

(Source: Westwyck website: http://www.westwyck.com/waste.shtml).

Figure 1

45

C – Doing More with Less

(Source: “TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION IN CONCRETE”

A paper written by David Clarke of Sinclair Knight Mertz)

6. DOING MORE WITH LESS Construction systems are generally linear, take-make-waste systems. Natural cyclical living systems are destroyed when resources are depleted and waste accumulates in the biosphere. The need to use materials more efficiently and to reduce, reuse and recycle waste is fundamental to achieving sustainable construction. In the UK, 70 million tonnes of construction and demolition materials and soil end up as waste. Of that, 13 million tonnes (18%) comprises material delivered to sites then thrown away unused.11 In Australia we send more waste to landfill per head of population than any country except the USA. 12 It is important to design out waste during the construction, service life and demolition of the building. This requires considering life cycle issues (cradle to grave/reincarnation approach), involving the supply chain, careful specification of materials and considering more efficient use of resources (see Fig 2).

6.3 Avoid over specification of materials Although stating the obvious, lean design will reduce material consumption. Lean design should not be at the expense of future adaptability. Designers and builders should keep up to date with new technologies and systems which increase the efficiency of building materials. In this age of fast-track design and construction, providing designers with sufficient time to explore innovative options and optimise designs could be considered environmentally friendly – as well as reducing stress levels (a social benefit?). 6.4 Standardisation Every building design does not have to be a prototype and adopting standardised solutions can reduce waste. This includes using standard details and adopting standard dimensions such as 1.2m modules to avoid cutting formwork sheets and other standard construction materials such as plasterboard sheets. The off-cuts invariably end up as waste. 6.5 Prefabrication Precast concrete construction is very popular in Australia for industrial, commercial and residential developments. Fabrication generally occurs in a controlled environment allowing more efficient use of materials and almost no waste on site, compared to insitu concrete. Formwork is reduced or eliminated and buildings can be erected quickly. Consideration should be given to distances from the precast yard to the site, with local supply being preferable from a transport energy and emission perspective.

Figure 2 - Life Cycle of Materials in Buildings

46

D – Westwyck Project, Melbourne: http://www.westwyck.com/overview.shtml.

47

E – What is an Eco-village?

48

F – Construction Waste

5.6 Recycling and Disposal

Approximately 40% of all construction and related wastes are believed to arise from the repair, maintenance and new build of domestic buildings, the remainder coming

from other construction sectors.

5.6.1 Construction Waste

Table 13 shows the approximate quantities of waste predicted to arise from the construction process. The majority of this waste goes to landfill because of the way

construction sites are operated. Much of this waste is avoidable and reduces the already small profits of construction companies. Some estimates indicate that this

waste is a large proportion of those profits – typically 25%. If 10-20% reductions in waste could be achieved, 6 million

tonnes of material might be diverted from landfill saving approximately £60m in premium rate disposal costs. The cost of construction waste includes the cost of

materials, disposal, transport and labour to clear it up. Construction waste comprises inert and active wastes which if mixed, will incur the higher landfill tax rate.

Separated wastes can incur lower landfill tax rates, are much more suitable for recycling and reuse and can become an asset rather than a liability.

(Source: Sustainable Construction – the Data, prepared by Nigel Howard, Centre for Sustainable Construction, March 2000)

49

G – Bedzed’s environmental footprint

Source: Desai, P. & Riddlestone, S. 2002, Bioregional Solutions for Living on One Planet, Schumacher Briefings

50

H – Domestic energy; CO2 and costs

"NSW green and typical detailed"

Greenhouse gas (tonnes CO2) Energy costs (dollars)

Green Typical Green Typical

Hot Water 0.6213 4.1018 183.85 443.49

Heating 0.3032 0.8241 40.28 233.82

Cooling 0.0171 0.0714 2.27 7.72

Refrigeration 0.4468 1.4503 59.36 156.81

Cooking 0.3750 0.7073 89.33 76.48

Lighting 0.1664 0.6544 22.11 70.75

Clothes Drying 0 0.3137 0 33.920

Other Appliances 1.1004 1.1535 124.72 146.20

HOUSE SUBTOTAL 3.0302 9.2765 543.40 1147.71

Waste 0.1966 1.3193 0 0

Transport 1.5752 6.2650 333.82 1889.51

TOTAL 4.8020 16.8609 $877.23 $3,037.22

(Source: Australian Greenhouse Office website: http://www.greenhouse.gov.au/coolcommunities/audit/appendix1.html)

51

"NSW green and typical detailed"

Greenhouse gas (tonnes CO2) Energy costs (dollars)

Green Typical Green Typical

Hot Water 0.6213 4.1018 183.85 443.49

Heating 0.3032 0.8241 40.28 233.82

Cooling 0.0171 0.0714 2.27 7.72

Refrigeration 0.4468 1.4503 59.36 156.81

Cooking 0.3750 0.7073 89.33 76.48

Lighting 0.1664 0.6544 22.11 70.75

Clothes Drying 0 0.3137 0 33.920

Other Appliances 1.1004 1.1535 124.72 146.20

HOUSE SUBTOTAL 3.0302 9.2765 543.40 1147.71

Waste 0.1966 1.3193 0 0

Transport 1.5752 6.2650 333.82 1889.51

TOTAL 4.8020 16.8609 $877.23 $3,037.22

52

2 Sustainability Assessment Checklist

53

Principle: One Ecological Footprint – Community Learning - Passing on the lessons learnt – A Living Project

S

ust

ain

abili

ty C

hec

klis

t

Core

Parameters

* x 5

Key Components/

Principles

New

Design

Existing

Design

Comparison/

Improvement

+/-

Comment

Energy - Passive

Design/Orientation

- Self Sufficiency

- Closed Loop

- Modular/Pre Fab

components/design =

Minimises site waste

- Low/No Emissions

- Emphasis on functional

design

***** ** + 4 - Using Technology only when/where appropriate and

costed

- We considered numerous innovations for self

sufficiency in Energy consumption, but concluded that

the energy required to design and produce the equipment

was likely to be greater, due to economies of scale, than

signing up with a Green Energy provider,

Low Cost - Cost in Use

- Cost in Operation

- Life Cycle Costing

Techniques – Using

DCF/NPVs

**** * + 3 - Differentiate between In Use and Construction periods.

Analysis looks at the cost of a product/ material over its

lifecycle, therefore enabling a real cost benefit study.

54

Water and

Waste

- Designing with end in

mind

‘Cradle to Grave’ concept

- Design with selling in

mind, No building

Sustainable if not in use

- Design for adaptability

- Embracing ‘Waste into

Food’ concept

- Introduces shared

systems embracing our

core concept of

Community.

- Use of grey water, goal to

exceed conservation

**** * + 3 - The ‘hot topic’. The approach we have embraced for

water contrasts with our recommendations on energy.

The design tries to harness all on-site water through

collection systems and use of grey water.

- We considered the idea of recycling black water, but the

cost and energy consumption for a site of this scale were

prohibitive.

Materials - In Use/ During

Construction

- Ecological Rucksack

- Low Embodied Energy

- Pref for natural materials

- Recycled/Renewable

- Re-use considerations

- Consideration of

manufacturing process

- Durability

**** * + 3 - All materials sourced from locally accredited

manufacturers. Precautionary Principle adopted.

55

Secondary

Parameters

* x 10

Key Components/

Principles

New

Design

Existing

Design

Comparison/

Improvement

+/-

Comment

Community

Impact Local

- Design Embraces

community living and the

concept of sharing

resources

* x7 *** + 4 - One of our core innovations of the design is to draft and

have available a Manual for Use and a Manual for

Construction

Impact of

Buildings

- Reflects local design

whilst embracing the core

principles

**** * + 3 - Concept embraces a naturalistic approach

Impact upon

Infrastructure

- Promotes the use of

alternative forms of

transport and a shift away

from the Automobile

**** ** + 1 - Although we recognized the advantages of promoting

the use of alternative modes of transport the design

realises the limitations within a Automobile City

Personal

Health, Welfare,

Spirituality

- Design for comfort with a

focus on occupant’s

welfare, both mental and

physical. Concept

appreciates and is tailored

to the clients unique

circumstances

* x7 *** + 4 - No real focus on these parameters in existing scheme.

- Core consideration. It is fundamental to the successful

operation of the project that the occupants are content,

therefore are more likely to work in harmony with the

development.

56

Tertiary

Parameters

* x 20

Key Components/

Principles

New

Design

Existing

Design

Comparison/

Improvement

+/-

Comment

Market - Reduce reliance upon

transport, reducing

pollution noise and air and

reducing energy

consumption. This will

reduce the impact on both

local and global

environment.

- Marketing. The

development has been

designed to embrace the

concept of sustainability,

and with a view to adding

value.

***** ***** /

Land Use, Form

and Design

* x6 ** + 4

Impact upon

Ecology – Local

* x6 * + 5

Impact upon

Ecology -

Global

* x6 * + 5

Community

Impact Global

* x6 ** + 4

Additional

Innovations

* N/A

Education - A Living Project Additional factors cannot be weighted, but enhance the

livability of the overall scheme

57

Weighting Glossary: Embracing the Pareto Principle

Red indicates key parameters and therefore those that carry greatest weighting

Orange indicates secondary parameters and carry half the weighting the Red parameters

Green indicates tertiary parameters and carry half the weighting of the Orange parameters

2.2 Comments on deficiencies of the existing scheme – and how our proposals will deal with these

ES: Existing Scheme, PS: Proposed Scheme

� ES: does not consider urban issues related to sustainability

o PS: recognizes urban pressures, environmental issues and concerns of the area and urban issues related to sustainability

� ES: Does not respond to its physical surrounding

o PS: Well designed edges of the plot, responds well to the corner meeting the cross-road creating an inviting community space

� ES: layout, massing and orientation do not respond to physical and climatic contexts

o PS: Location of built mass and massing as well as orientation respond to the site topography, achieve maximum green landscape, appropriate

solar exposure for passive design, maximum natural cross-ventilation, maximum solar exposure for on-ground and on-terrace vegetations,

maximum solar heat-gain for solar energy production

� ES: Does not respect existing trees on site

o PS: Works out the layout in such a way to conserve all existing trees on site and enhances the biodiversity on site with regional species of vegetation

� ES: Allocates more than 20% of site area to car-parks and driveways.

o PS: Eliminates car-use. Utilizes that 20% of site area for vegetation, farming, water harvesting and other permaculture features.

� ES: Provides less than 35% of site area for vegetation. Extensive hard paved surfaces disturbs natural absorption of rainwater in the ground, contributes to

the urban heat-island effect

o PS: Provides essentially more than 85 % of area for vegetation (including roof gardens). Extensive soft landscape and vegetation discourage urban

heat-island effect, promote natural ground water re-charge.

58

� ES: Building layouts and space planning does not reflect response to climatic factors

o PS: Building layout and space planning reflects consideration of climatic and larger environmental issues. It achieves maximum day light and

eliminates the use of artificial lights in any area during day time. Provides for maximum natural cross-ventilation. Orientation in response to solar

movement to achieve appropriate natural cooling and heating.

� ES: Fragmented massing of isolated houses create unusable residue spaces in between two houses and around them

o PS: Layout and site planning and compact two storey massing encourages full utilization of available space without wasting any space

� ES: Fragmented massing of isolated houses consume large amounts of resources for construction, increase the costs of construction, increase the

operational costs as well as energy consumption for heating and cooling

o PS: Compact massing with two floors minimizes the resources for construction, decreases the cost of construction, and helps create a climate

appropriate environment eliminating artificial heating and cooling and thus significantly contributing to the reduction of costs, energy consumption

and green house gas emissions.

� ES: Building design does not show any innovative approach to achieve sustainability

o PS: Building design explores the innovative passive design strategies for its maximum benefit. Utilizes, natural cooling and heating through

orientation and massing. By creating buffer zones, architectural layers, roof top vegetation, evaporative cooling systems, thermal mass as well as

insulation using a single construction assembly. The scheme also uses solar and wind energy for a significant amount of its energy requirement.

Apart from that it relies on the ‘green energy’ for other requirements.

� ES: Uses conventional construction materials and techniques high in embodied energy with high environmental impact

o PS: Utilizes innovative materials and assemblies with low embodied energy and no adverse environmental impact. The scheme, as much as

possible, utilizes used, reclaimed or recycled materials with low embodied energy. Other materials are with high recycled content.

� ES: Does not attempt to utilize rain water or the grey-water produced on site.

o PS: Provides rainwater storage systems along with on site natural grey-water treatment facility.

� ES: The building design, materials or construction assemblies does not attempt to achieve flexibility in use

o PS: The innovative use of materials and construction techniques create an interesting use of fixed architectural elements with reusable materials

and flexible architectural elements with either predominantly recycled or recyclable materials to achieve adaptability as well as design for

disassembly. The design maximizes the use of pre-fabricated, modular materials for adaptability, disassembly as well as for minimizing the

construction waste. Only those waste producing materials are selected whose wastes are either technical or natural nutrients.

� ES: The building design does not reflect any attempt to respond to any socio-cultural issues related to the occupants or the surrounding area.

59

o PS: The building design is achieved with participatory design process with clients and surrounding dwellers to achieve socially and culturally

sensitive development in the region.

� ES: Encourages materialistic, individualistic life style without any attempt for personal as well as social sustainability. Encourages automobile dependence

and contributes to personal and urban unsustainability.

o PS: Through selection and location of functions, material and construction technique selection, bio-regional and regenerative development the

scheme provides experientially rich learning environment, provides local employment possibilities along with the use of sustainable modes of

transport. Ultimately it encourages participatory and interactive community living environment for all ages and socio-cultural backgrounds.

� ES: The design does not attempt to give any positive contribution to the health of the residents as well as environment.

o PS: The design acknowledges physical, mental or spiritual health of the residents as an important part of sustainability and attempts to positively

contribute to it by employing design principles to achieve biophillic environment.

To test out these principles, we have prepared a conceptual design for a site in South Sydney. The following images highlight the principles of design we have

followed, which have come out as a natural progression of our sustainability goals. Each image represents possible strategies to deploy at different stages and

parts of a new building design:

Site planning

Community

Building layout

Interfacing between Inside and Outside

Materials and finishes

Systems

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3. Our proposals for a new concept design

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3.1 SITE PLANNING: CONCEPTS, PRINCIPLES AND IDEAS FOR OVERALL PLANNING WITHIN A NEIGHBOURHOOD

(Data taken for New Delhi climate)

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3.2 COMMUNITY: CONCEPTS, PRINCIPLES AND IDEAS FOR FOSTERING A SENSE OF COMMUNITY WITHIN THE DEVELOPMENT AND WITH THE

SURROUNDING NEIGHBOURHOOD

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3.3 BUILDING: CONCEPTS, PRINCIPLES AND IDEAS FOR A FUNCTIONAL, SUSTAINABLE AND COMFORTABLE LIVING ENVIRONMENT INSIDE

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3.4 INTERFACE: CONCEPTS, PRINCIPLES AND IDEAS FOR A LIVING ENVIRONMENT - BIOPHILIA

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3.5 MATERIALS AND FINISHES: CONCEPTS, PRINCIPLES AND IDEAS FOR SELECTING SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS

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3.6 SYSTEMS: CONCEPTS, PRINCIPLES AND IDEAS FOR SYSTEMS (BIOLOGICAL AND MECHANICAL) THAT PROMOTE PROSUMER LIFESTYLES

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3.7 BIOPHILIA: CONCEPTS, PRINCIPLES AND IDEAS FOR SPACES THAT ARE ENJOYABLE AND FULFILLING BECAUSE THEY FOSTER ONENESS

BETWEEN MAN AND NATURE

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4 Resource Guide

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Resource Guide is a collection of resources that can be useful references through out the life cycle of the project. It consists of the references of documents, articles,

books, as well as web links containing useful information for designing, constructing, using and maintaining as well as de-constructing sustainable housing project.

The guide is divided in two main parts as per the life cycle stage of the project. First part Design & Construction predominantly contains resources relevant to design

and construction phase of the project, especially for design and construction professionals. The second part, incorporating the information relevant to In Use and

After Life phases of the project, is more useful for the end user. This contains valuable information about the building itself, its maintenance, availability of

sustainable materials, other references and the information of the issues related to the end of the life of the product or material.

GUIDELINES FOR USING INFORMATION RESOURCES:

• The Resources are listed in the last column of the resource guide table.

• The table itself is designed as ‘guidelines’ to help navigate and decide for the right recourse.

• The resources are categorized in terms of the two main life cycle stages of the project.

1. Design & Construction

2. In Use and After Life

• Each stage consists of issues related to that particular life cycle stage. The awareness of these along with basic sustainability brief is essential in selecting

the resource as well as a particular material.

• The resources are segregated in three sections.

1. Information on Sustainable Materials

2. Guides/Tools for Selecting Sustainable Materials

3. Material Databases and Catalogues

• A separate column showing the ‘focus area’ of each information resource further helps in selecting right type of material resource. Which along with ‘Related

Issues’ helps in material selection process.

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5 Conclusions & recommendations

5.1 BASIX assessments

We have undertaken BASIX assessments of existing and proposed schemes in order to provide a comparison. Our comments on the process and indications from

this exercise follow the reports:

For the existing scheme

Description of project

Project address and type

Project name Existing Scheme

Street number

Street name and type

Suburb

Post code 2016

Local government area Sydney City Council

Deposited Plan number 1234

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Strata Plan number

Lot number 2121

Section

Project type Detached dwelling

Nature of project

Project details

Site area 370 m2

Gross floor area 115 m2

Roof area 115 m2

Number of bedrooms 3

Total area of vegetation (garden and lawn) 150 m2

Concession claimed (if applicable) not applicable

Commitments

Commitments DA

plans

CDC/CC

plans &

specifications

Certifier

check

WATER

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Showerheads

The applicant must install showerheads with a minimum rating of 3A in all

showers in the development.

Toilets

The applicant must install a toilet flushing system with a minimum rating of 3A

in each toilet in the development.

Tap fittings

The applicant must install taps with a minimum flow rate of 3A in the kitchen

in the development.

The applicant must install bathroom taps (other than showerheads) with a

minimum flow rate of 3A in each bathroom in the development.

THERMAL COMFORT - Deemed to Comply

General

The applicant must construct the dwelling so that it is not significantly

overshadowed.

The applicant must construct the dwelling so that the total skylight area of the

dwelling is less than 2% of its gross floor area.

Construction

The applicant must construct the dwelling in accordance with the following

specifications:

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· Ground floor(s): 108 square metres of concrete slab on ground floors · External walls: 102 square metres of brick veneer · Walls shared with garage: 12 square metres of plasterboard · Ceilings: 90 square metres of ceiling area with roofspace over it. · Roof space: a large roofspace

The areas referred to above are the maximum permitted and must be

calculated in accordance with the BASIX Specification.

Cross ventilation

The applicant must construct the dwelling in accordance with the

requirements for ventilation in the BASIX Specification.

Glazing and shading

The applicant must install the glazing and shading set out below:

· North sector: 9.5 square metres of clear, single glass, shaded by not

applicable

· East sector: 6 square metres of clear, single glass, shaded by not applicable · South sector: 6.5 square metres of clear, single glass

· West sector: 7 square metres of clear, single glass, shaded by not

applicable

The areas specified above for glazing are the maximums permitted.

Note: 5% of total glazing in the development is exempt from the shading

requirements referred to above.

The glazing and shading referred to in this commitment must meet the

requirements set out in the BASIX Specification.

The applicant must construct the dwelling so that a minimum of 50% of the

glazing has aluminium frames.

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Required insulation and roof colours


insulation requirements:

· External walls: insulation with an R-value of R1.5 must be added to the brick

veneer walls or, alternatively, these walls must have an R-value of R1.7.

Insulation is not required in walls adjacent to a garage or the external walls of

a garage.

· Ceilings: insulation with an R-value of R2.5 must be added to each ceiling

which has a roofspace over it, except ceilings directly above a garage. (If a

roof is insulated with a foil-backed blanket, then the R-value of the insulation

to be added to the ceiling under that roof may be reduced by R0.5).

· Roofs: all roofs must be insulated with foil.

The applicant must construct the dwelling so that all roofs are medium

coloured, as defined in the BASIX Specification.

Energy

Active cooling

The development (as constructed) must not incorporate an active cooling

system or any ducting which is designed to accommodate an active cooling

system.

Active heating

The development (as constructed) must not incorporate an active heating

system or any ducting which is designed to accommodate an active heating

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system.

Lighting

The applicant must install standard or compact fluorescent lighting as the

primary type of artificial light in each of the following rooms:

· at least 3 of the bedrooms / study · at least 2 of the living / dining rooms · the kitchen · all bathrooms / toilets · the garage · the laundry · all hallways

The applicant must install a window in the kitchen of the dwelling for natural

lighting.

The applicant must install a window in each bathroom and toilet in the

development for natural lighting.

Design enhancements

The applicant must install a fixed outdoor clothes drying line as part of the

development.

END BASIX COMMITMENTS

1. In these commitments, "applicant" means the person carrying out the development.

2. Commitments identified with a in the "DA plans" column must be shown on the plans

accompanying the development application for the proposed development.

3. Commitments identified with a in the "CC/CDC plans and specs" column must be shown in the

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plans and specifications accompanying the application for a construction certificate / complying

development certificate for the proposed development.

4. Commitments identified with a in the "OC" column must be certified by a certifying authority as

having been fulfilled, before a final occupation certificate for the development may be issued.

BASIX Report

The following scores have been achieved for this development:

Water 21 %

Thermal FAIL

Energy 6 %

Score Appliance

score Total

Water 21 0.0 21

Energy 6 0.0 6

These scores are based on the following commitments relating to appliances:

Appliance Selections

No appliance commitments have been made

END APPLIANCE SELECTIONS

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For the proposed project

Description of project

Project address and type

Project name Proposed

Street number

Street name and type

Suburb

Post code 2016

Local government area Sydney City Council

Deposited Plan number 1234

Strata Plan number

Lot number 2121

Section

Project type Attached dual occupancy dwelling

Nature of project Erecting a new residential building

Project details

Site area 370 m2

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Gross floor area 115 m2

Roof area 115 m2

Number of bedrooms 3

Total area of vegetation (garden and lawn) 150 m2

Concession claimed (if applicable) not applicable

Commitments

Commitments DA

plans

CDC/CC

plans &

specifications

Certifier

check

LANDSCAPE

Landscaping

The applicant must plant at least 500 square metres of indigenous vegetation

on the site. Vegetation is indigenous if it is listed in the BASIX Specification

as indigenous to the local government area in which the development is to be

constructed.

WATER

Showerheads

The applicant must install showerheads with a minimum rating of 3A in all

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showers in the development.

Toilets

The applicant must install a toilet flushing system with a minimum rating of 3A

in each toilet in the development.

Tap fittings

The applicant must install taps with a minimum flow rate of 3A in the kitchen

in the development.

The applicant must install bathroom taps (other than showerheads) with a

minimum flow rate of 3A in each bathroom in the development.

THERMAL COMFORT - Deemed to Comply

General

The applicant must construct the dwelling so that it is not significantly

overshadowed.

The applicant must construct the dwelling so that the total skylight area of the

dwelling is less than 2% of its gross floor area.

Construction


specifications:

· Ground floor(s): 108 square metres of concrete slab on ground floors · External walls: 102 square metres of brick veneer

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· Walls shared with garage: 12 square metres of plasterboard · Ceilings: 90 square metres of ceiling area with roofspace over it. · Roof space: a large roofspace

The areas referred to above are the maximum permitted and must be

calculated in accordance with the BASIX Specification.

Cross ventilation

The applicant must construct the dwelling in accordance with the

requirements for ventilation in the BASIX Specification.

Glazing and shading

The applicant must install the glazing and shading set out below:

· North sector: 9.5 square metres of clear, single glass, shaded by not

applicable

· East sector: 6 square metres of clear, single glass, shaded by not applicable · South sector: 6.5 square metres of clear, single glass

· West sector: 7 square metres of clear, single glass, shaded by not

applicable

The areas specified above for glazing are the maximums permitted.

Note: 5% of total glazing in the development is exempt from the shading

requirements referred to above.

The glazing and shading referred to in this commitment must meet the

requirements set out in the BASIX Specification.

The applicant must construct the dwelling so that a minimum of 50% of the

glazing has aluminium frames.

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Required insulation and roof colours


insulation requirements:

· External walls: insulation with an R-value of R1.5 must be added to the brick

veneer walls or, alternatively, these walls must have an R-value of R1.7.

Insulation is not required in walls adjacent to a garage or the external walls of

a garage.

· Ceilings: insulation with an R-value of R2.5 must be added to each ceiling

which has a roofspace over it, except ceilings directly above a garage. (If a

roof is insulated with a foil-backed blanket, then the R-value of the insulation

to be added to the ceiling under that roof may be reduced by R0.5).

· Roofs: all roofs must be insulated with foil.

The applicant must construct the dwelling so that all roofs are medium

coloured, as defined in the BASIX Specification.

Energy

Active cooling

The development (as constructed) must not incorporate an active cooling

system or any ducting which is designed to accommodate an active cooling

system.

Active heating

The development (as constructed) must not incorporate an active heating

system or any ducting which is designed to accommodate an active heating

system.

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Lighting

The applicant must install standard or compact fluorescent lighting as the

primary type of artificial light in each of the following rooms:

· at least 3 of the bedrooms / study · at least 2 of the living / dining rooms · the kitchen · all bathrooms / toilets · the garage · the laundry · all hallways

The applicant must install a window in the kitchen of the dwelling for natural

lighting.

The applicant must install a window in each bathroom and toilet in the

development for natural lighting.

Design enhancements

The applicant must install a fixed outdoor clothes drying line as part of the

development.

Alternative energy supply

The applicant must install a photovoltaic system as part of the development.

The system must have the capacity to generate at least 8 peak kW of

electricity. The applicant must connect this system to the development's

electrical system.

END BASIX COMMITMENTS

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1. In these commitments, "applicant" means the person carrying out the development.

2. Commitments identified with a in the "DA plans" column must be shown on the plans

accompanying the development application for the proposed development.

3. Commitments identified with a in the "CC/CDC plans and specs" column must be shown in the

plans and specifications accompanying the application for a construction certificate / complying

development certificate for the proposed development.

4. Commitments identified with a in the "OC" column must be certified by a certifying authority as

having been fulfilled, before a final occupation certificate for the development may be issued.

BASIX Report

The following scores have been achieved for this development:

Water 181 %

Thermal PASS

Energy 130 %

Score Appliance

score Total

Water 181 14.0 195

Energy 130 7.8 138

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These scores are based on the following commitments relating to appliances:

Appliance Selections

Clothes washer

The applicant must install a clothes washer with a minumum water efficiency rating of 5A and a

minimum energy Star rating of 4.5 in the dwelling.

Dishwasher

The applicant must install a dishwasher with a minumum water efficiency rating of 4A in the dwelling.

Refrigerator

The applicant must install a refrigerator with a minimum energy Star rating of 6 in the dwelling.

END APPLIANCE SELECTIONS

Comments on the BASIX reports

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BASIX provides a standard method of assessment for a project and enables a comparison of a sort to be made. We found fundamental problems with the

application of BASIX in this exercise were that assumptions had to be made on both schemes, and “choices” available for construction details and systems were not

necessarily representative of our proposed scheme (E.G. rammed earth walls do not feature in BASIX).

The results therefore have to be taken with a pinch of salt. They demonstrate that the existing scheme fails – on a number of issues:

• The quantity of glazing to the West elevation exceeds the maximum allowed.

• The shading provided by the eaves projection appears to be insufficient.

• Insulation in the roof appears to be insufficient, and should be foil backed.

The proposed scheme scores are heavily influenced by water harvesting and conservation measures which may be relatively easy and cost effective to install and

maintain. The conservation of water on this site is also essential for the plans for permaculture.

5.2 Ecological Footprint analyses

The following results were achieved by using Earthday 16to measure the footprint of a person living in the existing scheme and the proposed scheme. In the existing

scheme, we have tried to depict the lifestyle of a typical suburban commuter – the lifestyle that the existing scheme would seem to perpetuate. For the proposed

scheme, we anticipate that the new designs will stimulate a more ecologically sustainable lifestyle:

Existing scheme footprint analysis

HERE ARE YOUR FOOTPRINT RESULTS:

CATEGORY GLOBAL HECTARES

FOOD 2.6

MOBILITY 0.7 16 Earthday website: http://www.earthday.net/footprint.stm

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SHELTER 0.7

GOODS/SERVICES 1.4

TOTAL FOOTPRINT 5.4

IN COMPARISON, THE AVERAGE ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT IN YOUR COUNTRY IS 7.6 GLOBAL HECTARES PER PERSON.

WORLDWIDE, THERE EXISTS 1.8 BIOLOGICALLY PRODUCTIVE GLOBAL HECTARES PER PERSON.

IF EVERYONE LIVED LIKE YOU, WE WOULD NEED 3 PLANETS.

Proposed scheme footprint analysis

HERE ARE YOUR FOOTPRINT RESULTS:

CATEGORY GLOBAL HECTARES

FOOD 1.5

MOBILITY 0.2

SHELTER 0.2

GOODS/SERVICES 0.3

TOTAL FOOTPRINT 2.2

IN COMPARISON, THE AVERAGE ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT IN YOUR COUNTRY IS 7.6 GLOBAL HECTARES PER PERSON.

WORLDWIDE, THERE EXISTS 1.8 BIOLOGICALLY PRODUCTIVE GLOBAL HECTARES PER PERSON.

IF EVERYONE LIVED LIKE YOU, WE WOULD NEED 1.2 PLANETS.

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These results clearly demonstrate the potential for the proposed scheme to play a significant role in the clients desire to live a one-footprint lifestyle.

5.3 Final comments and recommendations

Our group recognises that the biggest contribution to living a one-planet lifestyle will come from the occupants of the new development. Our role in this is therefore

to provide designs that will enable this lifestyle to begin and to perpetuate throughout the life of the development. Our designs are therefore innovative, employing

reclaimed materials but producing quality end products. Materials are chosen to be cost effective over the life-cycle of the development, with low embodied energy.

We propose to maximize the site’s potential by orienting the buildings to obtain maximum advantage from the sun and shade, and using the natural slope of the site

to collect water at the low point.

This group’s recommendation is to proceed with designs for a development along the lines of the concept designs included in this report.

Briefing Document - SUSD0002 Sustainable House Deisgn

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