Conference Speaker profiles

Gavin was elected to the Victorian State Parliament as the Member for Melbourne Province in September 1999 and re-elected at the November 2002 State election.

In October 1999, Gavin became Deputy Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council and was Cabinet Secretary in the first Bracks Government.

Following the November 2002 election, Gavin became the Minister for Aged Care and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. After the November 2006 election, Gavin became Minister for Community Services and Aboriginal Affairs.

Following a recent Ministerial reshuffle, Gavin is now the Minister for the Environment and Climate Change and the Minister for Innovation. He continues to hold the position of Deputy Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council.

Gavin was born in Melbourne in April 1957. He moved with his family to country Victoria when he was in primary school and returned to Melbourne to study at University. He has a Bachelor of Arts (1978 – Monash University) and a Bachelor of Social Work (1981- Melbourne University). Gavin has one son – Huw.

Gavin had a wide and varied work history before entering the Victorian Parliament, including experience as a factory worker, actuarial clerk, actor, social worker and policy analyst.

Gavin’s interests include spending time with his son, Huw; photography; films; innovation and design; supporting his football team, the Bombers; and making – and then eating desserts.

Robert Doyle is the serving Lord Mayor of Melbourne.

Robert is a Principal at The Nous Group, a management consultancy business based in Melbourne, and, since 2007, has been Chairman of Melbourne Health (The Royal Melbourne Hospital).

Robert is President of the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation, Chairman of the Royal Melbourne Hospital Foundation and a Trustee of the Shrine of Remembrance. Robert is also an Ambassador for Odyssey House, a drug and alcohol abuse rehabilitation facility, an Ambassador for SecondBite, a not-for profit organisation committed to making a positive difference by distributing fresh food to the disadvantaged and homeless, an ex-officio member of Cancer Council Victoria and an Ambassador for Field of Women, a charity raising awareness of breast cancer.

A Member of Victoria’s Parliament for 14 years, Robert was Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the Liberal Party for four years. He has also been Shadow Minister for Health and, in government, Parliamentary Secretary for Health.

Bruce is Office & Industrial Sustainability Manager, GPT Group. GPT’s business is focussed on the ownership, management and development of real estate. GPT has a purpose to "create and sustain environments that enrich people’s lives.”

GPT reports environmental impact using the Global Reporting Initiative and has achieved an independently verified A+ grading for breadth of reporting and consistency of information and is the most recent winner of the Banksia Award for sustainability in Large Business.

GPT has energy and water saving targets for each property in the office portfolio with a strong track record of improved performance. Water use reduction strategies have already resulted in savings of 200,000 kL/annum of drinking water while greenhouse emission reduction strategies are delivering savings of over 34,000 tonnes of CO2/annum. Green Star is used to guide the design process of new buildings while NABERS is used to measure performance of existing buildings.

Bruce was previously Associate Director – Energy Efficiency for the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA - NSW) involved in ground breaking programs such as Energy Smart Business, Energy Smart Government, and the world’s first Building Greenhouse Rating scheme, now NABERS Energy.

Finding the sweet spot: when refurbishment of existing office buildings makes most sense

It’s been highlighted so many times: the existing building stock offers a great opportunity to reduce greenhouse emissions through improved efficiency. When the average performance is 2.5 stars NABERS Energy, yet there is a range of market leading buildings running at 5 stars, the gap is obvious.

Closing the gap does present challenges, not least of which is the cost. But there is a scenario where performance improvements can be made at little extra cost and the benefits of better buildings can be enjoyed by owners, tenants, occupants and the community. This presentation focuses on the strategies that make greenhouse reductions easy rather than looking for the things that will make it hard.

Damon Moloney is a specialist engineering consultant at Umow Lai. He has a Bachelor of Engineering degree and expertise in the field of wind engineering and building sustainability with a particular interest in building integrated wind turbines and other renewable energy systems. Damon has 10 years experience in wind tunnel testing of buildings and more recent experience in testing urban wind turbines in both the field and the wind tunnel. He has undertaken many feasibility assessments in the relatively new field of building mounted wind turbines and has progressed a couple of major urban wind proposals through town planning.

The Use of On Site Wind Energy in Existing Buildings

The role of low carbon and renewable energy systems such as wind turbines could be an important one in helping to minimise the carbon emissions of our existing building stock. This presentation includes a discussion of the presenter's recent endeavours to integrate wind turbines into existing commercial buildings. The presentation reveals some of the engineering and commercial challenges and presents the process of determining the viability of urban wind systems. The financial aspects and practical design considerations of retrofitting urban wind energy systems will be presented including the impacts of future grid electricity pricing.

Proudly sponsored by the City of Melbourne.

Kevin Miller is a director of Collard Clarke Jackson Canberra and was the project director of the Trevor Pearcey House refurbishment for Australian Ethical Investments - the first six star Green Star building in Canberra (third in Australia). He has been working in the area of environmental design for nearly 20 years and projects have included Ainslie Village Redevelopment (RAIA Canberra Medallion 1994), Ian Ross Building (RAIA Sustainable Architecture award and National MBA energy efficiency award 2001), Birrigai Redevelopment and Burgmann Anglican School. He is currently working on a new sustainable skills training building for the Canberra Institute of Technology.

Trevor Pearcey House

The Trevor Pearcey House refurbishment for Australian Ethical Investments was the first six star Green Star building in Canberra (third in Australia) and has been the recipient of numerous prestigious awards. This presentation will focus on simple strategies in environmental design, lessons learnt on previous buildings over a 20 year period, materials, plus the latest data on the performance of Trevor Pearcey House after 2 years occupation.

Andreas Sederof is a registered building designer, structural engineer and a renewable energy consultant who has been specialising in solar efficient and environmentally sustainable buildings from an early stage in his career. Andreas and his partner Judy Sederof provide an integrated design approach to all their designs and have been leading the incorporation of renewable systems such as photovoltaic power, grey water treatment systems and rainwater harvesting in Australia. Andreas was able to utilize his engineering skills to invent his own class A grey water recycling system “Retrieve”, when no such products were available in Australia at that time.

His vast experience in environmentally sustainable design encompasses inner city as well as regional new built houses and renovations, including heritage listed buildings and low allergy sustainable multi unit developments. Many of the designs exceed 8 stars. Andreas is a regular guest on ABC talkback regional radio and has published widely on sustainable home designs, including in the "Your Home Technical Manual" and Sanctuary magazine.

Sunpower Design has grown to become one of the leading firms in the field of sustainable building design today with over 33 state and national awards for environmental design.

How design imagination can resolve difficult circumstances in sustainable renovations

Andreas Sederof will detail two case studies of recently completed renovations to demonstrate how Sunpower Design has designed them to achieve over 6 star energy efficiency, and discuss the installation of the sustainability requirements to minimize the carbon foot print of these 2 renovations. Design issue to be discussed will include heritage issues, designing for difficult orientations, heating and cooling, designing with limited building access, installing rainwater tanks and grey water system on compact inner city blocks, designing for restricted solar access, copying with town planning regulations and sustainability, designing for future difficulties with solar access, i.e. neighbours’ future renovations.

Krista Milne is Manager Sustainability at the City of Melbourne, whose vision is a bold, inspirational and Sustainable City. Krista has responsibility for leading the city’s 1200 Buildings program, Adapting Melbourne to climate change and integrating sustainability into the way the City of Melbourne delivers for the community.

Prior to the City of Melbourne, Krista worked for EPA Victoria for almost 10 years where she lead the development of innovative partnerships to deliver sustainable business growth.

Transforming the City of Melbourne’s existing building stock – the 1200 Buildings Program

The City of Melbourne has embarked on an ambitious program to facilitate the retrofit of 1200 buildings in the municipality. If 1200 existing commercial buildings are retrofitted to improve energy performance by 38 per cent, the potential for greenhouse gas mitigation is 383,000 tonnes of CO2-e per annum. This substantial improvement in energy efficiency will benefit building owners, the industry and the wider community. This presentation will discuss the program, the challenges, successes and how we are going to achieve this ambitious target.

Callum is a founding and principal director of Elenberg Fraser. Callum is responsible for the design direction and has overseen the design and completion of landmark buildings, residential and commercial projects and design proposals in Australia and the UAE. He has a specific interest in sustainable design and the minimisation of the effects of construction and building occupation on the environment. His expertise also lies in creative master planning and the practice actively engages in projects of all scales and design briefs.

Callum is a registered architect with the ARBV and an AIA Chapter Councillor. He is a regular guest lecturer at universities and institutions Australia wide, and participates as a jury member and guest critic at various industry awards and events.

Good Sheds North

The refurbishment of this former derelict railway shed at the edge of Melbourne’s CBD into an energy efficient mixed use precinct was completed in 2009. In this presentation Callum will showcase the adaptive and creative redesign of this existing building and how the challenges of working with the 120 year old structure and protecting the heritage elements were mastered.

Winner of Planning Minister’s Heritage Award 2010, the Goods Shed North is a gateway to the Docklands with a redesign into a mixed use commercial, retail and hospitality precinct. The design addresses the position of the shed on the edge of the city through the use of lanterns and sleek roof forms. Rising above the Collins Street extension, the shed’s glazed lantern defines the threshold between the CBD and the Docklands, allowing physical and visual links to the Goods Shed. Internally, the “street” runs through the central building atrium, top-lit and luminous. This open central space fosters a more creative and collaborative work ethic through increased visibility and transparency. The development includes retail and cafe frontage along Village Street to create a community atmosphere. The base building’s design received a 5 star Green Star V2 rating for the tenants who include VicUrban, Building Commission and Plumbing Industry Commission.

Usha’s interests are in the built environment, to reduce the environmental impacts of the built environment through the development of practical tools and strategies for the building and construction industry. Some of the projects she has been involved with range from energy efficiency and water conservation, through to environmentally preferable materials, aiming to reduce environmental impacts and create healthy areas for living and working.

Usha has led projects in developing policy initiatives, design decision-making tools and applied research for major projects, providing research capabilities to support initiatives by organizations including all government levels and across a range of built environment industries.

Renovate or Detonate? The Life Cycle Perspective

Life cycle thinking is advocated as the basis for decisions towards sustainable development. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC) are two methodologies which have been developed to evaluate the environmental and financial impact of buildings over their entire life span. This presentation will look at local and international examples which have used LCA and/or LCC to inform the choice between the two alternatives of retrofitting an existing building versus erecting a new one. Lessons learnt will assist you in your own decision making process.

Eric Serret is the project leader for the LEHR 2 Building Research Study of the Warren Centre for Advanced Engineering.

Eric is an electrical engineer with a passion for energy efficiency and conservation within existing buildings. Since joining Arup in February 2010, he has been leading the Existing Building Survival Strategies, focusing on harnessing all of Arup’s expertise across all disciplines to greening existing assets in the built environment.

Eric was previously a Senior Manager at EP&T where he was directly responsible for the implementation of portfolio wide energy and water management programs. Over the past eight years, Eric has been involved in assessing commercial buildings NABERS ratings, energy auditing and working closely with all blue chip property trusts sustainability programs in identifying energy efficiency and conservation initiatives.

Low Energy High Rise (LEHR) Research Study

This presentation addresses non-technical aspects which assist or hinder energy efficiency in commercial office buildings.

Through a major survey, covering energy performance, installed technology and related management practices of 120 existing high rise commercial buildings across Australia, the Warren Centre for Advanced Engineering’s LEHR 1 project demonstrated a statistically valid link between key operational and management activities and measured energy efficiency in existing buildings as indicated by NABERS. In this presentation you will learn about the large number of non-technical barriers to energy efficiency and even more initiatives that address those barriers.

By working with stakeholders, the current follow-on project LEHR 2 will create and disseminate a set of practical tools to address those non-technical barriers currently limiting the achievement of sustained energy efficiency improvements.

Tone Wheeler is an architect, author, educator and consultant with an abiding interest in environmental architecture and sustainable design. Tone founded the architectural practice Environa Studio 25 years ago and has designed individual and multiple housing projects, commercial buildings and urban design schemes, all with a strong emphasis on social and environmental concerns. He has won numerous awards and competitions, is a member and former chair of the AIA National Sustainability Committee, is a frequent speaker at architectural conferences and seminars, has been on faculty of 3 universities, has been a judge on “the New Inventors” program on ABC Television, and is on the NSW Building Professionals Board and the Board of ABSA (Association of Building Sustainability Assessors).

Long Life, Loose Fit, Low Impact = the 3 L’s for sustainable building

Just as recycling was founded on the 3 R’s, so we can develop a program for building based on 3 L’s. Long life means choosing materials for the armature of the building that will have 100 years durability. All the other components of the building that will not last as long - services, joinery, fitout, finishes –should be loose fitted in anticipation of their being upgraded or replaced. And it is these components that we should address most critically for their low impact. This approach will be illustrated through 2 projects: the UDIOBaF houses (upside down, inside out and back to front) that challenge all the construction norms for Australian housing, and the Reincarnated McMansion, that takes all the demolished materials of an existing house and uses them, in completely different ways, to build a 3L house.

German-born architect Chris Bosse is director of Laboratory for Visionary Architecture and Adjunct Professor at the UTS. LAVA was founded in 2007 with offices in Sydney, Stuttgart and Abu Dhabi.

LAVA have recently completed the design for the Michael Schumacher World Champion Tower, Abu Dhabi; Future Hotel Showcase Germany; architectural installations 'Green Void' and ‘Digital Origami Tigers’, Sydney; the Sherman Bibliotheca, Sydney; the 2009 MTV Awards set in Sydney; and 'Tower Skin', Sydney.

LAVA won an international competition to design the heart of Masdar, the world’s first eco city in the UAE. LAVA was chosen over 400 entries and strong competition from some of the world’s most high profile architects. The project for the city centre includes a plaza, hotel, convention centre, entertainment and retail facilities. Masdar won the Special Award - Environmental Category in the 2009 Cityscape Dubai Awards.

Whilst Associate Architect at PTW Architects, Bosse was a key designer on the Watercube for Beijing Olympics [winner of Atmosphere Award, 9th Venice Architecture Biennale] and was recognized in the 2007 AR Awards for Emerging Architecture, RIBA London. Most recently he was jury member of the world architecture festival WAF.

More With Less: Greening the Existing Building Stock

Chris Bosse will be talking about his LAVA`s recent proposal for RE-SKINNING outdated 1960-s buildings with an innovative new Membrane Façade. The proposal has won a prize in the UN sponsored ZERO prize Re-Skinning Awards competition in Rio de Janeiro earlier this year. The Design aims to suggest alternatives to demolishing and rebuilding outdated buildings and looking at building transformation in a fresh and new way. Chris will also touch on some of the sustainable projects he has been involved with over the years such as the WATERCUBE, Beijing’s Olympic swimming pool and LAVA`s recent competition win for the heart of MASDAR, Abu Dhabi`s carbon neutral city develoment. LAVA`s Philosophy is about building MORE WITH LESS: More Architecture with LESS material, energy and cost.

Adjunct Professor Alan Pears AM has worked in the sustainable energy and environment fields since the 1970s. He has worked across household, commercial, industrial and transport sectors. His roles have included policy and strategic analysis, program development and implementation, public education and training, and specific projects including advising on green buildings and design of green appliances.

Alan teaches part-time at RMIT University, is Associate Director of RMIT’s Centre for Design, and is a Director of consulting firm Sustainable Solutions Pty Ltd. He is involved in a number of advisory Boards, including EcoBuy, the Voluntary Carbon markets Association, the Victorian Government’s Plumbing Industry Advisory Council and Swinburne National Centre for Sustainability.

Renovating for a different future

We renovate for all sorts of reasons that typically relate to our own circumstances or the desire to enhance property value. But , in future, many broader issues will influence the decision to renovate, rebuild or move, and how we approach renovation. These include changing demographics; urban redesign to limit transport dependence and environmental impacts; adaptation to and mitigation of climate change; and changing construction techniques, products and costs. This paper explores these issues, then looks at some of the ways renovators and their project teams can respond to ensure the renovated building is an asset for the future instead of being a liability.

Chris Mobbs is an Assistant Director, Commercial Building Performance Team in the Australian Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, where he is assisting with the implementation of the proposed commercial building mandatory disclosure scheme. Over the last two years, Chris has worked in programs aimed at improving the energy efficiency of small businesses, households and commercial buildings. Prior to this, he worked in the area of chemicals management in the Department of the Environment and Water Resources. He has a Bachelor of Applied Science and a Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Leadership.

Commercial Building Disclosure (CBD) Scheme

The Building Energy Efficiency Disclosure Bill was introduced to Parliament on 18 March 2010 and as at 1 June 2010 was subject to consideration in the winter sittings. The aim of the Bill is to ensure that credible and meaningful energy efficiency information is given to prospective purchasers and lessees of large commercial office space i.e. more than 2,000 m². The scheme is a COAG commitment under the National Strategy on Energy Efficiency. The talk will outline the scope of the scheme and the obligations of building owners and lessees when buildings are to be sold, leased or sub-leased.

Sara is a senior lecturer in property at Deakin University where she researches and publishes. Prior to her academic career Sara worked in London as a Chartered Building Surveyor and a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) refurbishing commercial buildings.

Sara’s research interests are sustainable refurbishment and property development. Some of her recent projects include assessing the potential green roof retrofits to CBD property, an international comparison of sustainable building rating tools and delivering sustainability through building adaptation in the CBD. Sara is a member of the editorial boards of Structural Survey journal, Journal of Corporate Real Estate and the International Journal of Housing Market and Analysis. Sara is an active member of the RICS Oceania Sustainability Working Group. She is widely published in academic and professional journals.

Using building adaptation to deliver sustainability in Melbourne: Learning from the past

The arguments in favour of using building adaptation to deliver sustainability targets stack up well: on paper. Furthermore the technological capability exists to retrofit, bringing outmoded stock up to current market expectations whilst reducing the environmental impact of the building over the remainder of the building lifecycle. The real challenge is how to deliver those targets effectively. Through the analysis of 7393 building adaptations, ranging from minor to major works between 1998 and 2008 in the Melbourne CBD lessons may be learned about which stock is adapted, and to what extent, and most importantly, wherein lies the greatest potential for delivering sustainability target through building adaptation.

Dr Malik M A Khalfan graduated with a first class degree in Civil Engineering from NED University, Karachi, Pakistan in 1998. He worked briefly as a site engineer before undertaking his postgraduate degree in Construction Project Management, followed by research on Concurrent Engineering in Construction, both at Loughborough University, UK. On completion of his PhD in 2001, he joined Loughborough University and was involved in an EPSRC funded project as a Research Associate. He moved to University of Salford in 2004 and worked with Salford Centre for Research and Innovation as a Research Fellow and Senior Research Fellow (2008-2009). Currently, he is a Senior Lecturer in Project Management in School of Property, Construction and Project Management, RMIT University, Melbourne. Dr Khalfan’s research interests include Concurrent Engineering (CE), Readiness Assessment of CE in Construction, Sustainable Construction, Knowledge Management in Construction, Supply Chain Management, and Partnering and Procurement within Construction Industry.

Greening the existing social housing stock in the UK - a case study

This presentation will look into the factors which contributed towards the initiation of the retrofitting of the UK social housing stock 10 years ago, what was done as part of the plan and at the outcomes. Lessons to be learnt from the UK experience for the Australian social housing sector will be proposed and opened for discussion.

Becky Sharpe (BaARCH, hons) is the Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) Coordinator in the Property Services and Asset Management Branch, Housing and Community Building (Department of Human Services). Previously, Becky worked in small architectural firms, in both Sydney and Melbourne, and at Arts Victoria supporting arts infrastructure.

Becky’s is passionate about design solutions which improve environmental outcomes, and provide financial and comfort benefits for Victoria’s most disadvantaged. Becky enjoys the challenge of driving the Branch’s strategic ESD planning, and being part of the changing culture in a large bureaucracy.

As the branch ESD Coordinator, she has responsibilities in a range of new build and upgrade projects at various stages of the development lifecycle. Her management of the procurement of ESD within the Carlton Housing Redevelopment, has resulted in the most environmentally sustainable social and private housing redevelopment in Victoria.

With a key role in managing the Footscray Tower Turnaround competition, Becky established productive partnerships, and has ensured that the rigour of measurement and evaluation is central to the project structure.

Tower Turnaround - Transforming the sustainability of a high rise tower

A twelve storey public housing tower in Footscray is currently being turned into a place that its residents can expect to be more comfortable, more affordable, and more attractive to live in. This presentation will explain the competition winning scheme to turn a stark, plain tower, into one which dramatically lowers its impact on the environment and sets an example of dynamic reinvigoration of its site and streetscape. Becky Sharpe and Julian Kosloff will present the ‘before’ scenario, and discuss both the sensible and the innovative building envelope and landscape focussed design solutions.

Mark Lister is Group Manager Corporate Affairs with Szencorp, a role that sees him heavily involved in the development of energy efficiency policy. Szencorp specialises in energy and water efficiency in buildings, and renewable energy technologies. Szencorp is an Australian leader in retrofitting commercial buildings and is the owner and developer of Australia’s highest rated building - the ‘Szencorp Building’ at 40 Albert Road, South Melbourne.

Through contribution to industry and government policy development processes, Mark is active in advocating the needs of the clean energy sector to local, State and Federal Governments. Mark’s work in the public and private sectors has given him broad experience in sustainability, finance and energy policy issues. Mark is also the Interim CEO of the Australian Alliance to Save Energy, Vice President of the Alternative Technology Association and a representative on the Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate. Mark holds an economics degree and a Master’s degree in environmental policy.

The Szencorp Building and its Post Occupancy Evaluation Studies

Originally built in 1987, Szencorp bought and refurbished 40 Albert Road in 2004-5 and turned it into a cutting-edge sustainable building, which is now Szencorp’s headquarters. The Szencorp Building has world-leadership status, having achieved a 6 Star Green Star (Office Design v1) rating from the Green Building Council of Australia, and 5 Star NABERS ratings for energy and water and a 4.5 Star rating for waste.

Szencorp’s commitment to continual improvement and accountability sees the company regularly undertaking Post Occupany Evaluation studies. Szencorp publishes its POE results on www.theszencorpbuilding.com and in its annual Building Performance Reports.

Ken Guthrie is General Manager Sustainable Environs at Sustainability Victoria, where he leads a group that facilitates the rollout of sustainable practices and measures across State government agencies, Local Governments, precincts, individual buildings and in the operations occurring in and between buildings.

Ken has worked in the area of solar energy and energy efficiency for over 25 years. He chairs both the International, and the Australian and New Zealand Standards Committees on solar water heating and represents Australia on the Executive Committee of the International Energy Agency Solar Heating and Cooling Program.

Sustainable Precincts – A vision for the neighbourhoods of tomorrow

Solving urban sustainability issues at a precinct scale involves innovations not possible with a 'building by building' approach.

A sustainable precinct includes sustainable buildings, urban design, and infrastructure. It generates renewable energy close to the point of use, and manages water and material resources in an efficient and holistic manner. It exists in harmony with the local ecology and surrounding communities.

Sustainability Victoria’s Sustainable Precincts Program aims to stimulate the development of sustainable precincts and neighbourhoods across Victoria, through demonstration, partnerships, funding support, research and leading thinking.

Jim studied architecture at Victoria University of Wellington and completed training in building conservation at the Architectural Association of London. He worked in private practice in New Zealand and the UK before joining English Heritage as historic buildings architect. There he undertook projects on the conservation and adaptive reuse of English Heritage’s own properties and advised private and public sector owners on the care of historic places. Since moving to Australia, Jim has been Conservation Manager at the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) leading community campaigns and advocacy, and then moved to Heritage Victoria, the Victorian State Government’s historic heritage agency, to take up the position of Director of Strategy and Policy. Jim was appointed Executive Director of Heritage Victoria in October 2009.

A future for the past? Integrating sustainability and heritage

The focus of this is presentation is the older building stock, and particularly those buildings that have heritage significance. This presentation reports on a recent Australian study to assess the environmental performance of a range of existing buildings dating from c.1840s to 2000. The study seeks to address the issue of increasing requirements for improved environmental performance for those buildings that have heritage significance. Case study examples are used to identify suitable design solutions that could be used to achieve acceptable levels of sustainability in heritage buildings to meet the requirements of current building legislation.

Paula’s career began in the UK where she worked in planning and development for several years before successfully completing a Masters degree and specialising in built heritage. From a multidisciplinary background - Paula is also a RICS building surveyor - her vocation is achieving imaginative re-use and adaptation of heritage buildings whilst retaining significance, and securing wider benefits.

During her 20+ years in practice she has worked in government and in the private sector, and has been responsible for leading a number of successful projects involving the conservation and adaptation of heritage buildings. Whilst working in the UK, Paula was appointed to advisory committees for the National Trust and the Diocese of Lincoln. She has also held executive positions for two UK Building Preservation Trusts.

Since 2006 Paula has been with Heritage Victoria where she is currently managing research projects investigating environmental performance of heritage buildings. Paula is also undertaking PhD research on reconciling energy performance and heritage values.

A future for the past? Integrating sustainability and heritage

The focus of this is presentation is the older building stock, and particularly those buildings that have heritage significance. This presentation reports on a recent Australian study to assess the environmental performance of a range of existing buildings dating from c.1840s to 2000. The study seeks to address the issue of increasing requirements for improved environmental performance for those buildings that have heritage significance. Case study examples are used to identify suitable design solutions that could be used to achieve acceptable levels of sustainability in heritage buildings to meet the requirements of current building legislation.

After studying mechanical engineering in Germany, Chris obtained his Masters Degree in Sustainability from RMIT. This dual qualification enables him to approach design opportunities from a wider perspective and to foster collaboration between disciplines. He has worked on a large range of projects as an ESD and Mechanical Engineer as well as a Green Star Professional.

Chris has a keen interest in the built environment and believes that applying ESD practices enhances, not only the energy performance of buildings, but can also improve the tenants’ productivity and wellbeing. He promotes implementing ESD measures at an early stage to ensure that these benefits can be maximised.

The Passivehouse technique: A model for Australia?

The Passivhaus-technique had been established in Germany in the early 1990s. The buildings are designed to minimise the energy required for heating and cooling while providing optimal comfort for the occupants.

This approach had now been tested throughout Europe and has been proven to be able to deliver good results across the variety of European’s climate. Is this approach appropriate within Australia?

This presentation will explore the potential of the Passivehouse design technique, to provide comfortable and efficient buildings in Australia. Case studies will illustrate what aspects of this approach will work and which one would have to be adapted.

Tony Isaacs is the director of his private consultancy company working in Sustainable Buildings and has recently joined the Centre for Design as a Senior Research Fellow. He is widely regarded as one of the foremost technical practitioners and researchers on residential thermal performance modelling in Australia.

Tony graduated from Melbourne University’s architecture school in 1981. Tony has extensive experience in teaching building industry professionals the art of energy efficient building design and working directly with builders and designers to help them make their buildings more sustainable.

Tony was the original developer of the award winning FirstRate House Energy Rating tool. As the principle project manager at Sustainability Victoria Tony led the introduction of Australia’s first 5 star energy efficiency standards in Victoria. This work was a world first in triple bottom line evaluation of energy efficiency regulations in that it demonstrated that the regulations would actually generate economic growth. His other work has involved areas such as the social determinants of energy use, impacts of energy efficiency measures on the economy, subdivision design for solar access and working with house builders and designers on leading edge residential sustainable projects.

Julian Kosloff co-founded BKK Architects in 2000. Prior to this, he gained extensive experience with both National and International design based architectural practices, during which time his design and documentation skills contributed to numerous award-winning projects. As project/design architect, Julian’s experience ranges from government, institutional, commercial and residential clients. He has also run design and technical subjects at the RMIT School of Architecture for several years at RMIT.

Tower Turnaround - Transforming the sustainability of a high rise tower

A twelve storey public housing tower in Footscray is currently being turned into a place that its residents can expect to be more comfortable, more affordable, and more attractive to live in. This presentation will explain the competition winning scheme to turn a stark, plain tower, into one which dramatically lowers its impact on the environment and sets an example of dynamic reinvigoration of its site and streetscape. Becky Sharpe and Julian Kosloff will present the ‘before’ scenario, and discuss both the sensible and the innovative building envelope and landscape focussed design solutions.

Robin was born and raised in London and after completing an honours degree in Valuation and Estate Management, worked within the property sector around London specialising in heritage property and the environment. Always a passionate gardener, he then worked with a London-based landscape designer before moving to Sydney to undertake a Masters in Real Estate at UNSW, concentrating on sustainable development. After several years running a landscape management, horticulture and greenkeeping business around Sydney, he joined the GBCA in January 2007.

Robin is currently steering the GBCA’s Advocacy agenda at local, State and Federal government levels, and organises the GBCA’s Advocacy Committee in setting the strategic and advocacy goals for each quarter. Robin is leading the International work undertaken with other GBCs and affiliates world-wide, as Australia plays a key collaborative role with established GBCs such as the UK, US and emerging GBCs across Asia-Pacific. In addition, Robin mentors newly emerging organisations such as the Israel GBC.

He teaches Green Star courses around Australia, represents the GBCA on sustainability committees, and regularly presents at conferences to encourage the industry towards better practice. He brings to the GBCA a broad knowledge of the international property market, a passion for sustainability and extensive experience of working in landscape management within Australia.