Sustainable retrofit in the CBD: contemporary practices in Melbourne.
- Publisher:
- European Real Estate Society
- Publication Type:
- Conference Proceeding
- Citation:
- ERES 20th Annual Conference, 2013
- Issue Date:
- 2013-01
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Purpose: Retrofit of the existing building stock is essential undertaking to mitigate the effects of climate change and global warming. Pointedly most stock was constructed without consideration of sustainability. Sustainability was legislated in the Building Code of Australia in 2006, with minimum standards for energy efficiency applied to new build and some retrofit projects. Melbourne launched the 1200 Buildings Program in 2008 to deliver carbon neutrality by 2020 after Arup (2008) concluded that retrofitting two thirds of the stock would deliver a 38% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Design / methodology / approach This research used case study to examine what has been undertaken in the 1200 Buildings Program retrofits. This study had two aims which were; to gain a deeper understanding of the improvements made to existing office buildings in the 1200 Buildings Program and, to undertake a comparison of current practices within the programme. Findings The sustainability measures undertaken were largely focussed on building services and energy efficiency. There was less work undertaken to address water economy measures, to the building fabric and little work which addressed social sustainability aspects. Research limitations The cases reflect was what undertaken at given points in time and future practices may change as the economic and social environments vary. The study illustrates Melbourne practices which may or not be replicated in part or full elsewhere. Practical implications The research shows changes in practices are occurring and that energy savings are accruing to owners and tenants. Local practitioners are up-skilling themselves in the technical and environmental knowledge and skills necessary to retrofit the built environment to a carbon constrained future. Social implications Whilst the environmental and energy efficiency aspects of retrofit are covered in the 1200 Buildings Program social considerations are of lesser importance and these aspects should not be neglected. Originality / value No empirical research has been undertaken on the 1200 Buildings Program to ascertain how the built environment is being transformed to mitigate, as well as retrofit to, climate change.
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