Tropical Design Forum
A Tropical Design Forum was held in Cairns on 1 March to celebrate the unique sustainable characteristics of Queensland homes.
Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Stirling Hinchliffe said feedback from the forum would help shape national building guidelines to determine the energy efficiency of Australian homes.
Mr Hinchliffe said under a Council of Australian Governments (COAG) initiative, announced in April 2009, all new residential buildings would have to meet 6-star or equivalent energy efficient requirements by May 2011.
“As part of a national initiative to combat climate change, the Federal Government will increase energy efficiency standards for new homes and major renovations from 5 to 6-stars,’’ Mr Hinchliffe said.
“This initiative will encourage green design and sustainable features to slash the running costs associated with, for example, cooling or heating an Australian home.
“Queenslanders live in sub-tropical and tropical climates and this needs to be reflected in the guidelines that determine our energy efficiency ratings.
He said the traditional Queenslander was one example of the state’s energy efficient housing designs.
“Elevated homes have always been part of good, sustainable design for northern Australian conditions—to catch afternoon breezes and stay clear of tropical downpours.
“Very few homes are built in these regions now without indoor outdoor connections and patios, verandas and decks.
“What were once considered housing extras are now becoming standard again, thanks to the Government’s Sustainable Housing policy.
“That’s why, to ensure the 6-star standard is compatible with Queensland’s enviable lifestyle, I convened the Tropical Design Forum.
“This forum provided an opportunity for industry stakeholders and experts to discuss the proposed energy efficiency requirements of the 2010 Building Code of Australia, and to play an important role in ensuring the final building codes improve, rather than impede, our trademark tropical characteristics. ‘’
Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Stirling Hinchliffe said feedback from the forum would help shape national building guidelines to determine the energy efficiency of Australian homes.
Mr Hinchliffe said under a Council of Australian Governments (COAG) initiative, announced in April 2009, all new residential buildings would have to meet 6-star or equivalent energy efficient requirements by May 2011.
“As part of a national initiative to combat climate change, the Federal Government will increase energy efficiency standards for new homes and major renovations from 5 to 6-stars,’’ Mr Hinchliffe said.
“This initiative will encourage green design and sustainable features to slash the running costs associated with, for example, cooling or heating an Australian home.
“Queenslanders live in sub-tropical and tropical climates and this needs to be reflected in the guidelines that determine our energy efficiency ratings.
He said the traditional Queenslander was one example of the state’s energy efficient housing designs.
“Elevated homes have always been part of good, sustainable design for northern Australian conditions—to catch afternoon breezes and stay clear of tropical downpours.
“Very few homes are built in these regions now without indoor outdoor connections and patios, verandas and decks.
“What were once considered housing extras are now becoming standard again, thanks to the Government’s Sustainable Housing policy.
“That’s why, to ensure the 6-star standard is compatible with Queensland’s enviable lifestyle, I convened the Tropical Design Forum.
“This forum provided an opportunity for industry stakeholders and experts to discuss the proposed energy efficiency requirements of the 2010 Building Code of Australia, and to play an important role in ensuring the final building codes improve, rather than impede, our trademark tropical characteristics. ‘’
