Buildings contribute around half of all greenhouse gas emissions and Australian offices alone account for 12% of all greenhouse gas emissions. As city authorities seek ways of reducing the contribution of cities to climate change and global warming, building adaptation appears to offer a means...

Although it has a relatively low profile, one method of increasing sustainability in buildings currently being considered is the provision of green roofs. Most importantly, green roofs have thermal benefits in reducing heat loss and reducing heat gain and also enhancing bio-diversity....

With acceptance of the relationship between energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, the built environment is a sector with high potential to lessen overall emissions. Given that the built environment emits around half of all greenhouse gas emissions; it could play a...

The conclusions of the Stern Report (HMSO, 2006) made clear the increasingly stark choices facing mankind. If stringent action to reduce carbon emissions is not taken within the ten to fifteen year period between 2016 and 2021, the coming generations are locked into climate disaster (HMSO,...

Whilst the profile of sustainability has increased substantially in the wider property market, relatively little attention is placed on the business case for sustainable development. In the commercial property market this remains one of the largest barriers to sustainability. For example, a...

In recent times there have been a rapidly increasing number of sustainable buildings entering the real estate market. Many of these buildings differ considerably with respect to their sustainable features, either from a design and/or performance basis, although a wide range of sustainable...

This report presents the findings of a two stage research project commissioned by the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) Education Trustees. The first report (2006) examined all office buildings in the Melbourne CBD using a high level of detail including building age, area, quality...

As professional institutions increasingly seek to be global organisations with local significance there is a need for them to maintain and grow their membership base. In order to survive and thrive a new generation of members are needed for professional bodies in the built environment. Wilkinson...

Professional bodies need to maintain and grow their membership base. Moreover to survive and thrive a new generation of members are needed for professional bodies in property and the built environment. Wilkinson and Zillante (2007) identified the issues of under recruitment and an ageing...

Local Authorities worldwide are encouraging adaptation to reduce building related energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The City of Melbourne is promoting the retrofit of 1,200 CBD properties before 2020 with sustainability measures as part of their policy to become a carbon neutral...