Transforming Greater Sydney from a consumer to a producer
We need to do twice as much in half the time
We know that chronic health, economic and social stressors and acute shocks such as fire, flood, and urban heat threaten Greater Sydney’s long-term resilience and liveability.
We have net zero targets, expertise, investment, vision and lots of good intentions. Yet while there is broad agreement about what we need to do, ‘how’ we do it isn’t always clear.
At times there is conflict between visions and policies and as a result, communities lack certainty about what the future will be like, it becomes scary and inertia sets in.
A New Normal Sydney brings together the private sector, the public sector and the people that translates ambition into practical action. 12 site-specific solutions will be designed and presented as scalable and replicable prototypes to the community and decision-makers to experience and consider.
Change can be intimidating. The beauty of a new normal Sydney is that it is an open invitation to business, government and the community to enthusiastically move from a city of visionaries to a city of doers.
Show the public and private sectors that our cities ‘problems’ are investment opportunities, that are profitable & generate jobs
Our Process
Twelve opportunities to transform Sydney
There are 12 project briefs for A New Normal Sydney. Each invites a specific project design that is creative and engaging, but can also be replicated rapidly to achieve impact at scale.
Projects Briefs
Electrify Buildings
Efficiency Retrofits
Renewable Energy
Wastewater Treatment & Reuse
Stormwater & Rainwater Management
Organic Waste to Energy
Circular Economy
Planting Biodiversity & Urban Cooling
Urban Farming
Zero Carbon Transportation
Embodied Carbon
Net Zero Building Code
Electrify Buildings
Project Brief 1
Background
Decarbonisation and health - the city can never fully decarbonise without removing reliance on fossil gas in buildings. Additionally gas impacts health through poor indoor air quality.
Gas is used in buildings for heating, hot water and cooking. There are modern electric equivalents for all gas appliances that are more efficient, healthier and can operate without creating carbon.
ANN proposed intervention:
Ban replacement of existing gas equipment with new gas equipment from 2025 onwards.
Mandate removal of all existing gas equipment by 2030.
Create state-wide cost neutral electrification financing scheme for all existing building types.
Incentivise electrification of existing buildings ahead of the mandatory deadline through land tax, council rates or other levers.
Electrification of existing buildings is profitable and is estimated to pay back within around 7 years.
Typology / site:
This project requires an existing building, precinct or suburb that currently consumes gas that is interested in a retrofit to replace gas infrastructure with efficient electric upgrades. A building owned by a single owner (e.g. an office building, social housing building, hotel etc) would make it simpler to deliver as a pilot project.
Barriers for cultural connection to address:
Cultural reliance on gas for cooking.
Industry opposition to transition away from gas.
Project Status.
Collaborators/Team:
We are currently accepting expressions of interest to be on the team for this project.
Site(s):
If you would are interested in being on this team, or have a suggestion for a site please email us here.
Example Projects
Case studies - policy
Banning natural gas in California
Over 60 cities and counties across the state are considering policies to support all-electric new construction
Monash University 100% electric by 2030
The university is investing $135 million in it’s NetZero project, be 100% electric and powered by renewable energy by 2030.
ACT Government retrofit financing scheme
The ACT Government has committed $150 million over 5 years to provide 0 interest loans under the scheme.
Case studies - projects
Brimbank Aquatic & Wellness Centre
Australia’s first all-electric aquatic centre. All electric heat pump system heats and cools the pool, and solar PV powers the heat pump.
Amsterdam phasing out natural gas entirely by 2040
Amsterdam aims to be natural gas free by 2040, on the road to reduce emissions by 95% by 2050.
Saul Griffith Wollongong Electrification
A world first pilot program to electrify households in Wollongong, radically reducing the area’s emissions.
Potential concept options for Sydney
Retrofit of multi-unit residential dwellings to replace gas heating and cooking, specifically addressing location of electric plant equipment and compact heat pumps. (single building owner key for pilot)
Electrify a significant public building
Commercial Kitchen retrofits with specific focus on deep-fryers and stove-top cookers.
A council wanting to implement a large-scale, LGA-wide gas appliance (circular) amnesty & upgrade to electric appliances
Electrification of a public pool.
What we want
A site - a building, precinct or LGA that wants to electrify
Funding - a developer, property manager or landholder that would fund and benefit from electrification
Efficiency Retrofits
Project Brief 2
Background
There is no more cost-effective way to make major cuts in energy use and greenhouse gas emissions than retrofitting existing buildings. Existing buildings represent a much larger opportunity than new.
Retrofitting existing buildings will not only reduce their environmental impact but also save owners and occupants money, and make the city’s buildings more comfortable, healthier and more resilient.
ANN proposed intervention:
Introduce efficiency requirements under planning schemes for renovations.
Create retrofit framework in collaboration with relevant Government & private sector stakeholders requiring retrofit of all existing buildings by 2030.
Develop council run services to help individuals and businesses retrofit for the benefit of tenants, owner occupiers.
Create state-wide cost neutral retrofit financing scheme.
Incentivise retrofits of existing buildings for energy and water efficiency through land tax, council rates or other levers.
Efficiency retrofits can be profitable, typically paying back in around 6 years.
Typology / site:
This project requires an existing building with a single owner that is interested in a retrofit to reduce operating costs by reducing energy and water consumption and waste generation.
Barriers for cultural connection to address:
Split incentive between owners and bill payers.
Strata titles and other complex ownership structures.
Collaborators/Team:
We are currently accepting expressions of interest to be on the team for this project.
Site(s):
If you would are interested in being on this team, or have a suggestion for a site please email us here.
Example Projects
Case studies - policy
New York & LA Green New Deals
New retrofit schemes that require mandatory energy efficiency retrofits.
Victorian Healthy Homes Program
Provides free home energy upgrades to up to 1000 Victorians who live with complex healthcare needs
Renfrewshire Passive House Retrofit Program
A retrofit programme for up to 3,500 social housing residences to Passive House standard.
Case studies - projects
King William Street, Fitzroy
Retrofit of 15 studio apartments to demonstrate technical and financial viability.
EnergieSprong Retrofits
Retrofit of almost 5,700 residences through simple, replicable, pre-fabricated systems.
10 Research Way, Monash Clayton
Passive house retrofit of an existing warehouse at Monash Clayton.
Potential concept options for Sydney
A plus energy retrofit of an existing office building.
A plus energy retrofit of an existing apartment building. Potential options could be within social housing, student housing, aged care etc.
Retrofitting an existing hospital.
Retrofitting an existing school.
Permanently transforming a building from an office/commercial space to a residential building.
What we want
A site - a single owner building that wants to minimise it’s impact on the environment, in a cost effective and logical way.
Funding - a developer, property manager or landholder that would fund and benefit from a plus energy retrofit.
Renewable Energy
Project Brief 3
Background
Solar architecture is crucial to cities becoming energy producers. Maximising solar infrastructure within cities reduces the need for new grid scale infrastructure.
Renewable energy infrastructure also allows for both physical and financial decentralisation of energy, resulting in greater energy security and better consumer returns.
ANN proposed intervention:
Introduce minimum requirements for solar PV on rooftops for new builds by 2025.
Introduce minimum requirements for solar PV on rooftops for existing buildings by 2030.
Incentivise uptake of solar PV and remove any local character restrictions on solar PV.
Mandate productive rooftops for existing buildings.
Rooftop solar PV is profitable, typically paying for itself within 7 years.
Typology / site:
This project requires an existing building with underutilised roof space that can be retrofit to be habitable with solar PV structure.
Barriers for cultural connection to address:
Heritage implications.
Under-utilisation of roof space.
Collaborators/Team:
We are currently accepting expressions of interest to be on the team for this project.
Site(s):
If you would are interested in being on this team, or have a suggestion for a site please email us here.
Example Projects
Case studies - policy
Solar PV Uptake in South Australia
Around 45% of SA households have solar PV due to consistent Government policy
Energy Bill Buster Program by the NSW Government
Offering low income houses the opportunity to receive free solar PV upgrades or energy saving upgrades.
Solar Homes Program by the Victorian Government
The State budget has allocated nearly $42 million to continue to provide rebates for solar uptake.
Case studies - projects
Sydney Olympic Park, NSW
On-site solar PV to achieve net zero emissions by 2031.
Adelaide Airport Solar Farm
~1.2MW solar system retrofit to rooftops across Adelaide airport
Potential concept options for Sydney
An opportunity to maximise rooftop solar PV panels on an existing building.
Renewable energy generation through wind and forestry.
Incorporate solar PV panels on the existing train network in NSW.
Floating solar in the Sydney Harbour.
Maximising solar PV panel uptake on under utilised industrial building roofs, with the opportunity to export to surrounding residential buildings.
What we want
A site - an existing building underutilised roof space that can be retrofit to be habitable with solar PV structure.
Wastewater Treatment & Reuse
Project Brief 4
Background
We live in the driest continent on the planet, with rapid population growth and dwindling rainfall, “high water stress,” is becoming increasingly concerning.
Desalination is currently the preferred option to producing clean water, however these plants are twice as expensive to build and operate than wastewater treatment plants.
ANN proposed intervention:
Develop strategy for water treatment & reuse within neighbourhoods in collaboration with local water authorities.
Community engagement around water shortages and safety of treated water.
Overcome current regulatory barriers to reusing treated water for potable consumption.
Treatment of water at a neighbourhood scale can be profitable, with treatment plants typically paying for themselves within 6 years.
Typology / site:
A site with underutilised space to build a neighbourhood scale water treatment plant to treat and export water.
Barriers for cultural connection to address:
General public aversion to drinking treated water.
Legislative concerns around health impacts of treated water.
Collaborators/Team:
We are currently accepting expressions of interest to be on the team for this project.
Site(s):
If you would are interested in being on this team, or have a suggestion for a site please email us here.
Example Projects
Case studies - policy
Recycled Water in Singapore
Reclaimed water in Singapore used for drinking, 40% total drinking water supply, expected to rise to 55% by 2060.
Sydney is Already Drinking Treated Water
Several towns already discharge treated sewer water into the catchment for the Warragamba dam.
Aquifer Refill in Perth, Australia
Perth refills it’s drinking water aquifer with treated wastewater, naturally filtered until needed.
Case studies - projects
NAB Headquarters, Melbourne
The blackwater treatment system takes in 80,000L of wastewater per day, recycling roughly 60,000L
Hammarby Sjostad, Stockholm
A roughly 200ha district where wastewater is treated and byproducts are used as fertilisers and fuel.
Dockside Greens, Victoria, British Columbia
Mixed use neighborhood in British Columbia. 100% of wastewater is treated on site and reused.
Potential concept options for Sydney
A suburban water treatment plant, turning waste water into potable water.
Water treatment plants that could supply industrial processes, for example through beer production.
What we want
A site with underutilised space to build a neighbourhood scale water treatment plant to treat and export water, which is exposed and celebrated with a cultural connection.
An industrial/commercial business that are open to incorporating waste water treatment into their work process.
Stormwater & Rainwater Management
Project Brief 5
Background
Currently rainwater that falls on paved areas within the city becomes polluted, particularly from cars, and enters the stormwater systems untreated, damaging waterways and ports.
Stormwater systems need to be updated to capture and reuse as much water as possible, promote natural evapotranspiration, and return water to the ground through infiltration.
ANN proposed intervention:
Develop clear frameworks and planning policy to guide water management on private land including new builds and retrofits, encouraging rainwater collection and permeable surfaces.
Demonstrate WSUD interventions at various scales.
Develop coordinated Integrated Water Management plans in collaboration with local authorities.
Typology / site:
A suburban or strata owned street that is open to rethinking transport and stormwater strategies.
Barriers for cultural connection to address:
Public need for sealed roads to all residences.
Public need for road infrastructure designed around large vehicles (e.g. waste trucks).
Collaborators/Team:
We are currently accepting expressions of interest to be on the team for this project.
Site(s):
If you would are interested in being on this team, or have a suggestion for a site please email us here.
Example Projects
Case studies - policy
Lochiel Park, SA Urban Design Guidelines
Each dwelling is water efficient with rainwater harvesting, aquifer storage and recovery for reuse.
Sydney Olympic Park
Water reclamation scheme provides recycled water options for developments within the park and surroundings.
Kunshan Ring Road Project, China
Designated sponge city that promotes infiltration, greening and integrated water management.
Case studies - projects
Currumbin Eco-village, Queensland
All water supplied to houses within the development is from a combination of large rainwater tanks
Pennswood Village, USA
A 50 unit retirement village built around a natural wetland. Riparian corridor absorbs, filters and cleans local stormwater runoff.
Potential concept options for Sydney
A group of residents or strata board that wants to ‘retrofit’ a suburban street to remove cars and maximise waster sensitive urban design, to be able to capture rainwater for uses such as irrigation.
A ‘re-tanking’ initiative, providing people, particularly those in vulnerable areas, access to affordable water during drought and heat events by re-installing rainwater tanks into buildings.
What we want
A suburban street with a strong community or strata ownership that is willing to explore reducing cars and improving water sensitive urban design.
Organic Waste to Energy
Project Brief 6
Background
Untreated food waste in landfill decomposes and releases methane, a greenhouse gas 28-36 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
By diverting organic waste from landfill to anaerobic digesters, there is an opportunity to convert this organic waste in electricity, heat and liquid fertiliser, which could be distributed within communities.
ANN proposed intervention:
Develop a framework around collection and treatment of food waste.
Legislate resource recovery from all organic waste - no organic waste to landfill.
Arrange collection of organic waste including food in all local government areas that haven’t already implemented this
Coordinate with existing landfill sites & existing collectors.
Incentivise private developments to introduce community scale waste to energy.
Organic waste to energy plants are profitable, typically paying for themselves within 6 years.
Typology / site:
A site with space, vehicle access, and access to significant quantities of food waste, or requiring significant quantities of heat for operations.
Barriers for cultural connection to address:
Public opposition to waste management facilities.
Additional effort to separate organic waste.
Perception of odour related to waste management.
Collaborators/Team:
We are currently accepting expressions of interest to be on the team for this project.
Site(s):
If you would are interested in being on this team, or have a suggestion for a site please email us here.
Example Projects
Case studies - policy
Biogas in Copenhagen
New facility means 44% of the city’s grid gas supply is now biogas, anticipating 100% before 2025
Biomethane Action Plan by REPowerEU
Plans to invest €37 million to support new infrastructure to accommodate biomethane into the gas grid
GOBARdhan Scheme, India
Initiative collecting bovine manure and other organic waste to local digesters to be processed
Case studies - projects
Matter House Office Building, Cremorne
New office building in Cremorne to host a digester capable of consuming food waste from local restaurants and cafes, using this power internally.
Wollert Waste to Energy Plant
Yarra Valley Water first waste to energy plant, consuming 30,000 tonnes of commercial food waste each year.
City of Cockburn, Perth
Introducing a digester to divert rotting food waste from local businesses to power nearly 3,000 homes.
Potential concept options for Sydney
A waste to energy plant to power a significant building.
A waste to energy plant at a fish market.
A waste to energy plant located at a municipal pool, providing heat & electricity for the pool facilities.
What we want
A site with space, and access to significant quantities of food waste, or requiring significant quantities of heat for operations
Project Brief 7
Background
Currently cities are built on linear consumption of finite resources. Cities import products made of raw materials, use them and dispose of them in landfill.
Creating a circular economy can eliminate waste to landfill, as well as have a large positive economic effect.
ANN proposed intervention:
Develop a framework around collection and treatment of waste.
Incentivise private development to include community facilities for repair, reuse and recycling.
Incentivise development or partner to deliver commercial resource recovery centres.
Legislate the avoidance of any materials inevitably destined for landfill.
Community engagement around waste and recycling.
The transition to a circular economy is profitable, with the creation of circular supply chains estimated to have the potential to add US $1 trillion to global GDP by 2025.
Typology / site:
A site and funding for a facility to transform waste products into valuable materials.
Barriers for cultural connection to address:
Community reliance on plastics & other landfill destined products.
Industry opposition to material restrictions.
Public image of waste as having no value.
Collaborators/Team:
We are currently accepting expressions of interest to be on the team for this project.
Site(s):
If you would are interested in being on this team, or have a suggestion for a site please email us here.
Circular Economy
Example Projects
Case studies - policy
Dutch Plans for Circular Economy by 2051
The Dutch government have announced plans to be fully circular by 2051. New raw materials will be inexhaustible.
EU Bans Single-Use Plastics
An EU directive banned the top 12 used single use plastic products.
Circular Greater Bendigo
Flagship project to revise design and procurement approaches in reuse/recycling products.
Case studies - projects
Potato Head Sustainism Lab, Bali
The lab offers a research and design workshop to find innovative solutions to waste.
Green Ceramics by MIRVAC & UNSW SMaRT Centre
Flooring, wall tiles, kitchen and lighting features made from waste glass and textiles.
Circl Amsterdam
Timber construction, designed for disassembly, waste timber used for interiors, designed around the concept of circularity.
Potential concept options for Sydney
A closed loop recycling program for glass bottles.
A centre of circularity.
A micro-factory for the conversion of waste products into new materials.
Designing a space where second-hand materials can be easily stored and accessed by construction teams to avoid purchasing new materials.
A section of ‘Bunnings’ that is all second hand construction materials, borrowable and avoiding embodied energy.
A system within retail or hospitality where workers can access pre-used uniforms - zero waste fashion initiatives.
What we want
A site and funding for a facility to transform waste products into valuable materials.
Planting, Biodiversity & Urban Cooling
Project Brief 8
Background
Increasing density within cities without the sustainable allocation of green spaces and biodiversity has negative significant environmental and social impacts.
Poor allocation of tree canopy cover and green infrastructure will increase the urban heat island effect as well as increase the likelihood of significant extreme climate events.
Biodiversity-integrated urban design has been proven to increase cooling, improve social wellbeing and increase climate resilience within cities.
There has been significant green cover loss on private land.
ANN proposed intervention:
Provide design guidelines for each region within Greater Sydney in terms of tree planting and street design.
Develop mechanisms to improve tree canopy provision on private land (deep soil design revisions).
Develop clear policy frameworks to support and guide all land and building owners and managers.
Coordinate with multiple agencies, including water utilities, local councils, and land managers.
Typology / site:
A land holder or large strata organisation that is aiming to increase it’s green space allocation and improve public access to green spaces.
Barriers for cultural connection to address:
Perception of leaves as mess.
Unwillingness to pay operational & maintenance costs.
Expectations of green spaces to provide form over function and be neat and tidy at all times.
Collaborators/Team:
We are currently accepting expressions of interest to be on the team for this project.
Site(s):
If you would are interested in being on this team, or have a suggestion for a site please email us here.
Example Projects
Case studies - policy
Mosaic Insights, Stockland & City of Casey 2019
Microclimate modelling found planting large trees densely along the pedestrian passage could drop mean temperatures 30 degrees.
CRC Scenario Tool
A tool resulting in a 30% increase of tree canopy cover, resulting in a 4 degree reduction in land surface across sites.
Prospering Heat Reduction QLD
A microclimate assessment resulting in 5 misters set up on street corners, reducing temperatures by up to 0.6 degrees.
Case studies - projects
Elm Street, North Melbourne
An increase of tree canopy cover from 18 to 65%, to reduce temperatures by 3-4 degrees.
Providence Rhode Island
In 2006 urban canopy cover was increased 24%, preventing 31.5M gallons of stormwater runoff annually.
City of Sydney Canopy Targets
The setting of canopy targets will incorporate both public and private land, regardless of ownership or accessibility.
Potential concept options for Sydney
Incentivise developers to pay for trees in the planning approvals stage for building residences.
Transforming an entire street.
Rewilding nature strips.
Temporary rewilding an under utilised site.
‘Cool infrastructure’ which will allow people to access cool spaces during major heat events. Functional through public art, fountains and statues, green walls and facades over existing buildings.
What we want
A land holder or large strata organisation that is aiming to increase it’s green space allocation and improve public access to green spaces.
Urban Farming
Project Brief 9
Background
Food security continues to be an emerging concern within cities as population increases and cities densify. The increase in extreme climate events has also highlighted the importance of strengthening food security in communities.
Integrating urban farming and agriculture into planning and design has significant environmental, social and economic benefits within the community, as well as increasing connection to land.
ANN proposed intervention:
Mandate minimum extents of productive planting as part of planning requirements.
Incentivise private development to include significant areas of productive planting.
Typology / site:
A landholder with under-utilised open space or rooftop space in which to grow food.
Barriers for cultural connection to address:
Perception of food as low value use of land.
Difficulty of achieving scale of use.
Perception of food attracting pests.
Collaborators/Team:
We are currently accepting expressions of interest to be on the team for this project.
Site(s):
If you would are interested in being on this team, or have a suggestion for a site please email us here.
Example Projects
Case studies - policy
Commercial Zone Rooftop Gardens or Solar Policy, France
New law mandating rooftop gardens or solar PV to partially cover all new commerical buildings.
Eastern Europe Community Gardens, Kotlaska, Prague
Open, green spaces for communities, producing food and mental health benefits
Eco Roof Incentive Program, Toronto
Financial incentives to support the installation of green roofs in Toronto homes and buildings.
Case studies - projects
Office Obehausen, Germany
Office building with a rooftop garden. Garden is part garden part research facility.
Melbourne Skyfarm
2000m² rooftop carpark with a working urban farm.
Pasona Urban Farm, Tokyo, Japan
Office space promoting a working urban farm in the heart of Tokyo.
Potential concept options for Sydney
Opportunity to grow food in the Sydney CBD, potentially on rooftops, carparks and/or street level.
What we want
A landholder with under-utilised open space or rooftop space in which to grow food.
Zero Carbon Transportation
Project Brief 10
Background
The reliance on petrol/diesel transportation has significant negative environmental impacts and health concerns.
Electrifying transport will not only have a considerable positive effect on emissions and provide energy storage at a grid scale through EV batteries, but also improve public health and air quality.
ANN proposed intervention:
Ban the sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles by 2025.
Create cost neutral electrification financing scheme for existing vehicles.
Convert all public transport to electric by 2025.
Mandate the conversion of existing vehicles to zero carbon by 2030.
The conversion of fossil fuel vehicles to electric is profitable, paying for itself in 9 years when considering fuel efficiency and health savings.
Typology / site:
An empty site or an existing warehouse / factory space to create a workshop for the conversion of cars to electric.
Barriers for cultural connection to address:
Cultural links to ICE vehicles.
Range anxiety and perception of reduced utility.
Collaborators/Team:
We are currently accepting expressions of interest to be on the team for this project.
Site(s):
If you would are interested in being on this team, or have a suggestion for a site please email us here.
Example Projects
Case studies - policy
Removal of Cars, Oslo, Norway
Oslo has effectively removed cars in their city, replacing carparks with bicycle lanes and gardens.
Banning the Internal Combustion Engine by 2030, Amsterdam
Banning of the sale of the internal combustion engine by 2030, and offering cyclist a $0.22/km tax credit
Largest Car Free Area in a City, Berlin
Citizen led program to create the largest car-free area in a city anywhere in the world.
Case studies - projects
Electric Buses, Paris, France
The purchase of 800 electric buses, with the aim to make two thirds electric by 2025.
Fellten Scoresby Electrification Facility
New facility for the conversion of cars to electric in Scoresby, Melbourne.
100% EV Delivery Fleet by 2025, Ikea
Inkga group (Ikea parent company) has committed to 100% electric EV delivery fleet by 2025.
Potential concept options for Sydney
Construction of a new facility for the electrification of cars.
Offering transport options as a service for student accommodation.
Electric car share fleets in Western Sydney transport deserts.
Petrol / Diesel motor conversion services, focused in Western Sydney.
Boat engine conversions, with a focus on smaller boats such as tinnies, to abate air and water pollution as well as cost savings.
A food transportation fleet.
What we want
A site in Western Sydney and funding to build a facility to convert cars to electric.
A company looking to electrify its fleet.
Embodied Carbon
Project Brief 11
Background
The previously discussed initiatives will transform the city significantly. However altering the building code for all new buildings will ensure they do not require additional resources in the future.
Embodied carbon emissions accounts for a large portion of the construction sector, including the emissions associated with the non-operational phase of a product. The construction industry accounts for a significant portion of global CO2 emissions.
Regulating embodied emissions provides a much more robust environmental impact, incorporating circular economy values and promoting increased environmental accountability.
ANN proposed intervention:
Step down embodied carbon targets for buildings towards carbon neutral construction by 2030 within Greater Sydney planning schemes.
Combination of ambitious voluntary targets and slower stepped mandatory targets.
Typology / site:
A client that wants to create a new fully circular development.
Barriers for cultural connection to address:
Perception of impossibility.
Collaborators/Team:
We are currently accepting expressions of interest to be on the team for this project.
Site(s):
If you would are interested in being on this team, or have a suggestion for a site please email us here.
Example Projects
Case studies - policy
ReCreate, Europe
A research/action project that looks for concrete buildings to disassemble, rather than demolish.
Embodied Carbon Limits in Building Regulations, Denmark
A maximum value of of greenhouse gas emissions for new buildings will now be in place
RE2020 Embodied Carbon Caps, France
Caps to target embodied carbon, coverin g the life cycle of the building, to trigger a progressive transformation towards low-carbon construction.
Case studies - projects
Nyegaards Kvartlaet, Oslo
Norway’s first and largest fossil-free construction site.
Circl, Amsterdam
Timber construction, designed for disassembly, waste timber used for interiors, designed around the concept of circularity.
Hoppet Preschool, Gothenburg, Sweden
Sweden’s first fossil free preschool, through material reuse, low carbon materials and locally sourced wood.
Potential concept options for Sydney
A fully circular, zero carbon new apartment building.
A fully circular, zero carbon new house.
A fully circular, zero carbon new office building/commercial space.
What we want
A site - a development opportunity for a client that wants to create a fully circular development.
Funding - a developer or landholder that would fund and benefit from a fully circular development.
Project Brief 12
Background
The previously discussed initiatives will transform the city significantly. However altering the building code for all new buildings will ensure they do not require additional resources in the future.
It is now possible to construct profitable buildings with no negative environmental impact - buildings can be designed to give back energy, water and treat their own waste.
ANN proposed intervention:
Mandate 100% electric design and operations for all new buildings through planning schemes from 2025.
Expand on City of Sydney net-zero building code and require net-zero for all building types and locations within Greater Sydney.
Develop a bridge financing scheme for net-zero buildings.
Net-zero buildings are profitable, typically paying back in around 8 years when compared to standard buildings.
Typology / site:
A client that wants to create a new net zero development.
Barriers for cultural connection to address:
Perception of increased cost.
Collaborators/Team:
We are currently accepting expressions of interest to be on the team for this project.
Site(s):
If you would are interested in being on this team, or have a suggestion for a site please email us here.
Net Zero Building Code
Example Projects
Case studies - policy
California “Zero Net Energy” New Construction
All residential construction from 2020 to be zero net energy, and commercial from 2031.
Sydney Net-Zero Building Code
City of Sydney will require certain types of new building to be net-zero in operations by 2026
Vancouver & Toronto Zero Emissions Building Framework
Framework with step down approach with targets to net zero by 2030
Case studies - projects
Monash University Net-Zero Buildings Program
Monash have recently constructed 4 new net zero buildings, in line with their NetZero plan.
Saxon Street Redevelopment, Brunswick
Net-positive community centre in Brunswick. The site will produce more energy than consumption.
Newmarket N2
Net zero residential development in Sydney.
Potential concept options for Sydney
Floating social housing.
A New Normal display home - an opportunity to create and benchmark a living example of what a net producing house could look like.
What we want
A site - a building, precinct or LGA that that wants to become net zero.
Funding - a developer or landholder that would fund and benefit from showcasing a net producing building.
12 projects to transform Greater Sydney from a consumer to a producer
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