WHAT'S NEW ON THE green SCENE?

Sustainability and the building industry might seem strange bedfellows, but they aren't as estranged as you might think

- CARROL BAKER

The construction industry is beginning to embrace greener building practices like never before. It's not just a subtle shift in momentum. There is a collective consciousness that's now front of mind for many.

Informed and innovative designers and builders are eager to incorporate a sustainable building ethos, not only in response to the fragility and finite nature of some resources, and the impacts of climate change but in response to a collective demand to adopt a healthier, better way to live.

New technology and building methods continue to deliver cleaner, greener ways to build. Jaye Irving, architect and builder from Barefoot Sustainable Design, says we are experiencing a rising movement on a global scale. "People are expressing much more concern about the welfare of the planet and what they are leaving for their children," he says. "There is, however, still an element of greenwash out there; we still need to lift our game."

One troubling aspect, says Jaye, is the amount of waste that is generated by the building industry. According to the 2020 National Waste report, it's somewhere to the tune of 27 million tonnes of waste, or 44 per cent of all waste.

SUSTAINABILITY BY DESIGN