2012 seems to be racing along even faster than 2011… While there is still concern about the state of both the environment and economy, we are excited about the opportunities to contribute to a better future with creative sustainable solutions.

The Living Building Challenge is one such example. Coming from the Cascadia Green Building Council in north-west America, this framework "defines the most advanced measure of sustainability in the built environment possible today and acts to diminish the gap between current limits and ideal solutions". Our clients for First Steps Count Family and Child Care Centre in Taree are as excited about this restorative approach to design as we are - they see that it mirrors what they are aiming to do with their centre. We will be working together to try to achieve certification under this scheme.

The strong connection between heritage and sustainability is becoming increasingly apparent - brought further to the fore with Caroline's own state heritage listed home at Millers Point. Sound building practice using well sourced appropriate materials and natural finishes that allow the house to breathe are some of the important alignments. Ensuring buildings are adapted for the future in ways that honour the past is usually where the friction can be found. We are very interested in finding creative solutions that respectfully ensure they can be occupied and enjoyed for many years to come.

We are now using Ecodesigner software as an integral part of our 3D CAD design process. This will help us get an early snapshot of how our projects  are performing in terms of heating and cooling, CO2 emissions and energy costs, which can then be updated as we optimise the design.

Resource 88 is looking for a new tenant. After operating as a centre for sustainable practice for the last 4 years, we are looking for a tenant to take on and occupy the whole building. While it will be sad for PIDCOCK to leave, we are looking forward to seeing it turn into a new dining or retail destination in Redfern. If you are interested please contact Daniel Gunning of Gunning Commercial on 0413 051 235.