Farewell from the CRC for Low Carbon Living

November will mark the end of the CRC for Low Carbon Living. The ASA has been intricately involved in delivering evidence-based research to industry, government and the built environment sector for the seven years. Having developed 20 modelling and forecasting tools, completed 150 projects, and published more than 800 papers and reports, many directly informing government policy. 

In addition, our partners tell us we have delivered significant co-benefits by bringing a culture of research and innovation to the sector and fostering collaboration between industry, government and research. To me, this is the real measure of our success as a CRC.

Independent audits by PwC and UNSW Sydney confirmed the Centre will not only meet, but exceed, its founding goals by reaching: 12.8Mt CO2e cumulative savings by 2020 (rising to more than 100Mt by 2027), and $1.116 billion in economic benefit to Australia by 2027. This is a significant contribution to Australia’s commitments under the Paris Climate Change Agreement.

UNSW released a statement that identified the benefit associated with the newer generation of Australian practitioners and researchers will not only understand technical and design challenges but how to work effectively with industries and commercial partners to ensure great ideas are translated into better cities.

Because of the increased industry appetite for research developed by the CRCLCL, over 90 urban building experts from business, government, and planning and research institutions have committed to establishing a Future Cities CRC in Round 21 of the CRC Program. Exit Report reFWE

More Low Carbon Guides released

The CRCLCL has launched five more Low Carbon Guides completing the collection of 11 publications - a major part of the Centre's legacy. The Guides offer easy to use the information on low carbon homes and buildings and are designed to help consumers and professionals make informed decisions about their home, commercial property or development project – from understanding an electricity bill to creating a sustainable precinct. You can find them on the BuiltBetter website.

A landmark new plan, sponsored by the CRC for Low Carbon Living, sets out a practical path to transform Australian homes, workplaces into low carbon, high-performance structures while cost-effectively reducing emissions.

Every building counts: A practical plan for emissions reduction, is a policy toolkit jointly developed by the Property Council of Australia and Green Building Council of Australia. 

The package includes 75 recommendations to federal, state and territory and local governments, designed to transform Australia’s built environment and achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Buildings currently account for over 50% of Australia’s electricity use and almost a quarter of our carbon emissions. Read more here

Banksia Award Finalists

The ASA is proud to announce that the CRC for Low Carbon Living is a finalist in the 2019 Banksia Sustainability Awards.

As the longest-running sustainability awards in the world, the Banksia's recognise Australian individuals, communities, businesses and government for their innovation and excellence in environmental and social stewardship.

The Banksia Foundation recently restructured the awards to align with the United Nation’s global Sustainable Development Goals putting a spotlight on Australia’s contribution to the global push for peaceful, healthier and more prosperous communities and the end to environmental degradation.

“Over the past seven years the Centre’s 150 projects have contributed to 10 of the UN’s 17 sustainability goals which is an incredible achievement,” said CRCLCL CEO Professor Deo Prasad.

The winners will be announced at an awards dinner in Sydney on 3 December.