Low-carbon living is the future, says sustainability professor

Professor Peter Newman AO - former NSW Sustainability Commissioner in Sydney and Project Leader for the CRC for Low Carbon Living (CRCLCL) - today presented the seminar ‘Low Carbon Research in The Wild West’ at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). Professor Newman said research is proving that low- or no-carbon living is the future and Australia is charging ahead in cementing ways to make the built environment sustainable.

“New data from around the world, especially China, shows that the world is much closer to achieving the climate change goals we need to decarbonise the planet,” he said. “Coal and oil consumption is abating and there has been a spectacular turnaround in China.

“Over the past 20 years the decarbonising process has had to fight against markets that were not in its favour, but now the market is working for us and trending towards renewables, energy efficiency and reduced car use. Predicting transformational change now looks much easier as market trends can dramatically switch fuels.

“What the data show is that growth in wealth (GDP) and growth in fossil fuels (and hence greenhouse emissions) are no longer linked; they are decoupling … Technology and the marketplace are now irrevocably moving away from fossil fuels and the process has strong community support, despite some government signals and actions designed to slow or stop this momentum.”

Professor Newman’s research projects with CRCLCL are all confirming the above trends. His research group is assisting the trend to low- or no-carbon living through innovative housing in suburban and high-rise buildings; carbon structural adjustment in regulations and procurement; urban design that minimises car use; low-carbon schools; and community engagement.

“I truly believe that the low carbon movement is unstoppable and our results to date show a clear pathway to the future,” he said.

During the seminar, Professor Newman also launched the book Rethink Building Materials. Edited by by Dick Clarke, the founding director of Envirotecture, the book had major input by members of the CRCLCL.

“The book Rethink Building Materials looks at various aspects regarding materials and sustainability in the building industry. The book has contributions from Australia’s leading designers, architects, academics and scientists,” Professor Newman said.

The book will equip consumers, architect/designers and builders with the knowledge and tools to confidently make sound decisions based on science and experience. Written by 35 of Australia’s world-leading thinkers and practitioners of sustainable design and building, it does not tell you what to think, but what to think about.

The book focuses on themes including what a sustainable future in buildings is all about, a look at the issues behind the choices we make, contested ideas about material impacts and the horizon of new materials. Leaders in the field showcase the process of selecting appropriate materials in some amazing houses, major manufacturers demonstrate how they have embraced sustainability and the characteristics and impacts of building materials are also reviewed.