Rally for Native Forests

8 August 202313 August 2023

Rally for Native Forests

Australia’s native forests, the climate, and forest-dependent wildlife are in crisis.

With action, there is still time for change.

Each year, we are paying millions of dollars to prop up the ecologically destructive native forest logging industry.

The Australian government can end this ecocide. Forest protection is climate action and will bring wildlife back from the brink of extinction.

14 July 202314 July 2023

Learn about La Niña and El Niño

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology published an informative video to improve your understanding of the El Niño and La Niña and their impacts on our climate and weather. This “Understanding ENSO” video explains what El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is, how the cycle works including the science behind the phases, and the potential impacts on Australia’s climate and weather.

Thanks and credit to: Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM)

11 July 202311 July 2023

Design sustainable buildings simply and effectively with the Compass Model

It’s not always easy building green

Architects are familiar with the challenges of building sustainably. From affordability to aligning with stakeholders, it’s an unfortunate truth that sustainable construction comes with its own set of complexities.

Meet the Compass Model. This free tool created by EFFEKT Architects and VELUX offers a simple, holistic framework for the planning, ideation and design of sustainable buildings. Using seven strategic drivers, the Compass Model streamlines collaboration between teams, while ensuring quality and integrity throughout the entire design process.

You’ll be able to make more informed, sustainable design decisions from the start, with little cost and effort. The earlier these considerations are brought into the process, the greater the impact.

The model

The Compass model provides the foundation for Living Places and serves as a strategic tool which outlines seven points of relevancy to guide the building and development process.The Compass provides an incremental approach to guide the building and development process and is layered in three steps:

Each new project begins with an evaluation of the ‘Strategic Drivers‘ that are most pertinent and can ensure the greatest positive impact. Strategic drivers: Relevancy drivers are used in the early stages of a project. This enables the team to constantly benchmark ideas and concepts against these drivers.
Project teams then draw on 24 ‘Design Drivers‘ as input for the concept development process, based on the brief and specific needs of the project. Design Drivers: Design drivers are used when the user has developed a concept/strategy for their project. This stage provides a wider range of parameters to be aware of and use in the design development of a project.
An extensive set of ‘Performance Drivers‘ provides targeted solutions and strategies for the more advanced stages of design. Performance drivers: The Compass provides a list of Impact drivers to ensure that the ambitions from stage 1 & 2 are achieved. The list of decisions ensures that the drivers are turned into tangible solutions for the project.

This wonderful project is detailed and freely available at the Compass website.

download the Compass Tool pdf document

3 July 20233 July 2023

Wildfire smoke — the new abnormal?

Are you worried about the intensity and frequency of smoke caused by burning forests? We are — and aside from the immediate inconvenience — there may be longer term health considerations.

Join The Conversation for a run-down of many frequently asked questions answered to better prepare and protect you and your family. Read more here…

2 July 20232 July 2023

Our Changing Climate

Got 25-minutes for an overview on climate change, its impact on extinction, and promising strategies forward? Check out this informative video…

Even small changes can make a BIG difference.