360 Environmental Sponsors the UDIA 2011 Sustainability Conference

 

 

 

 

13 July 2011

360 Environmental was proud to be the Gold sponsor of the 2011 UDIA Sustainability Conference held on 31 May at the Astral Ballroom, Burswood. The conference focused on three of the significant challenges faced by West Australians as we strive to a more sustainable way of life; water restrictions, rising energy prices and a carbon constrained future. These are considered the ‘Triple Threat’ to industry as we move towards sustainable development.

The conference was officially opened by the Honourable Brendon Grylls MLA (refer photo) who highlighted that one of the major challenges industry faces is pitching sustainability to the public and that convincing the public to adopt sustainable innovation could be almost as complex as the innovation itself.

Arek Sinanian, Technical Executive, Climate Change and Resource Efficiency for Australia-Pacific discussed the implications of Government regulation in a carbon constrained future. Mr Sinanian explored the effects of a carbon tax on industry and general way of life suggesting that the tax would encourage a shift in investment and a demand in low carbon products.

Martin Anda, Academic Chair of Environmental Engineering at Murdoch University, continued the discussions on a carbon constrained future. Mr Anda presented examples and options on how to carbon neutralise development. Murdoch University’s, Dr Stewart Dallas covered Innovative Water Systems. Dr Dallas took the audience on a virtual tour of ‘The Grove Library’ located in the suburb of Peppermint Grove where innovative ideas such as water recycling, rainwater harvesting and onsite rainwater and wastewater treatment have all been incorporated into this public facility. The CEO of National Lifestyle Villages, Mike Hollett discussed the application of water saving innovation in new development and that public health was the main hurdle that needed to be overcome. While noting that public health is a top priority, Mr Hollett debunked some of the current perceptions of water re-use and highlighted the current cost barriers that were preventing businesses from entering the market such as up front capital, treatment costs, pricing uncertainty, the lack of government rebates and the lengthy approvals process.

Lisa Cunningham from Western Power introduced the audience to Western Powers Solar City Project. The Solar Cities project is trials a number of energy saving initiatives ranging from solar panels, to smart metering to providing counselling and support on how to reduce power bills. Kerry Fijac from LandCorp and Mathew Young from Co-praxis Architects took the audience on a virtual walkthrough of the ‘Real Challange’ winning home design in Collie. The home had been designed with a number of power saving features, passive solar and wind functionality and renewable electricity producing technology. The last session of the day involved presentations on a number of projects that had received accreditation under EnviroDevelopment; Western Australia’s new scientifically based branding system that allows purchasers to recognise and, thereby, select more environmentally sustainable developments and lifestyles.

As the Gold sponsor of the 2011 UDIA Sustainability Conference, 360 Environmental provided attendees with a native tree (refer photo) and a wooden encased USB, made from recyclable timber products. An informative day was had by all.