Notes from a finite world: A study of post-carbon paradigms for architecture

30 Oct

Learning from Northern Europe: How Decarbonisation Strategies Can Transform Australian Architecture

This report surveys exemplar projects and practices – divided into three categories, Energy, Waste, and Materials – from across Northern Europe (in member-countries of the European Union) where decarbonisation initiatives are being funded and implemented at different scales and time-frames to that of Australia.

The state of the built environment and construction industry – understood through energy, materials and waste – presents a grim report card. Globally the sector is responsible for 37% of energy and process- related carbon dioxide (C02) emissions, with buildings consuming 36% of global energy demand, which is projected to increase. By 2060, global raw material consumption is expected to nearly double.

In the context of decarbonisation and recognising the limits of a finite world, business-as-usual is not an option, and we require an urgent and drastic shift in mindset.

Through this study of Energy, Waste and Material paradigms, our aim is to show how particular strategies may affect the architectural industry here in Australia, in the hope that there is space for practitioners to take more ‘risks’ so we can implement changes to advance architecture, to be an agent for good, and to reckon with decarbonisation of the built environment.

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