Sustainability is an ever-evolving and pioneering force in the design and construction of buildings. The influences impacting on the future of Australian housing will be unpacked at the 2023 HIA GreenSmart Awards & Symposium on 25 August.

Industry professionals with an interest in staying at the forefront of the latest sustainable ideas, regulations and product innovation are invited to attend this compelling one-day event in Melbourne. 

For the early risers, the day will kick off at 7:30am for an optional guided walking tour along the Birarrung Marr towards Federation Square and Council House 2. This curated design tour will explore the sustainable development initiatives and future plans for the city. 

Following this, the symposium will commence from 9:30am at the Cargo Hall, South Wharf opposite the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The morning session will look at the CSIRO’s Housing Data Portal and in-home building assessment tool, as well as the future of Australia’s net zero and electrified buildings. 

After lunch, attendees will hear from keynote speaker Josh Byrne (see below), a panel session and several case studies about renewable energy programs and sustainable building projects. The learning segment for the day will end at 4pm before guests meet up together again for the Australian GreenSmart Awards dinner.

This popular event delivers an unparalleled networking and learning opportunity for participants. Here’s an overview of the line up for the symposium.

Keynote speakers

Josh Byrne, environmental scientist and Gardening Australia presenter

Join Josh Byrne as he reflects on a decade of living in a 10-star GreenSmart home in Fremantle, WA. In this session, the renowned environmental scientist will offer his observations and key learnings from monitoring this progressive home’s performance over the past 10 years. 

Simon Croft, HIA Executive Director – Building Policy and Services 

As Australia transitions towards net zero buildings, a developing national strategy will set the energy efficiency policy agenda over the next 5-10 years. This strategy will consider, among others, the decarbonisaton/electrification of buildings, fast tracking EV infrastructure into buildings and setting targets on the limits of embodied emissions of materials going into buildings. In this session, learn about what this will mean for the residential building industry. 

Case study

Ferrars & York by HIP V. HYPE

Great design and sustainability go hand in hand. The Ferrars & York carbon neutral apartment building enabled by HIP V. HYPE is a prime example of how a thoughtful, integrated approach to form and functionality can encourage a more conscious and connected lifestyle for residents. Learn more about the project’s design methodology and features which make it a truly sustainable initiative.

Panel session 

With continuing NCC energy efficiency upgrades, the role of energy assessors in building design, and achieving compliant outcomes, is becoming more critical than ever before. Join the panelists in debating this topical issue and others, including the relevance of an accreditation scheme for energy assessors and whether architecture and building designer courses should expand to address NCC, ESD, embodied emissions and net- zero outcomes.

HIA is excited to be continuing this face-to-face business-focused opportunity for members. Full day, part day and awards dinner ticket options are available, but places are limited, so register today.

First published on 26 May 2023