Addressing shortfalls in Australian building processes

Australia needs to adopt a new attitude towards high-performance buildings if we are to catch up with the rest of the developed world, according to building products company CSR.

High-performance buildings integrate and optimise a building’s durability, life cycle and occupant productivity as well as energy, water and lighting efficiencies. Yet Scott Clarkson, project manager innovation at CSR, claims that Australia is “at least 20 years behind Europe and North America when it comes to high-performance buildings”.

As a result, CSR this year held its first ‘Building Knowledge’ seminar series to provide architects and builders with the latest thinking in building performance. Seminars took place in 12 locations throughout Australia and were attended by over 700 building and construction industry professionals.

Participants in the seminars heard how they can improve their design and construction practices to build higher performance buildings that achieved better results. A wide variety of topics was covered, including ‘Reality Stars: Performance Beyond Energy Star Ratings’; ‘Don’t Be Outflanked: Air Tightness & Acoustics’; and ‘Know Your Cavity: Moisture Management’.

Clarkson says the industry needs to stop thinking and operating in a vacuum and start taking a more holistic approach to building design. There also needs to be better communication not only between industry professionals but with the end users too.

“Guiding the consumer on how to operate their new home is paramount to helping them maintain a comfortable and healthy living environment long after the builder hands over the key,” he said.