Nature and biodiversity is a leading challenge for meeting decarbonisation targets and reversing the impacts of climate change on the environment. Across the globe, our industry has an imperative role to play in reducing harm and regenerating biodiversity through the way we design, construct and operate our buildings and precincts. However, as an area that can be highly localised and difficult to measure, how do we ensure biodiversity plans are valuable, effective and enduring?
This masterclass will look to demystify nature and biodiversity, exploring the national and global state of play to set a key foundation for improving your nature and biodiversity outcomes. Hear from industry experts who will highlight key strategies that can be employed within a biodiversity plan and understand how these intersect and interact at the project, precinct and masterplan level.
Key themes include:
Creating a baseline understanding for key terms including nature, environment, biodiversity and ecology
Building dialogue for communicating the value of biodiversity to stakeholders
Understanding key strategies that can be employed for increasing biodiversity at the project and precinct level
Explore how nature plans can be expanded through collaboration at the all levels
Investigating how regenerative design fits into strategies
Hear from industry experts including:
Philip Martin, Biodiversity Manager, The GPT Group
Alexandra Banks, Partner - Climate Change and Sustainability Services, EY
Ian Adams, ESD Consultant, Organica Engineering
Amanda Joseph, Associate Director - Sustainability & Climate Change, WSP
Elham Monavari, Head of Green Star Strategic Delivery, GBCA
With thanks to our Nature Principal Partner
Agenda
Tuesday, 23 Apr 2024
12:30 pm
Masterclass welcome and introduction
12:35 pm
Setting the scene and understanding Green Star nature credits
This session will provide an insight into where Australia's built environment is currently at with nature and biodiversity, and explore how Green Star credits can be used to inform and lead nature plans at the project level.
Overview of why nature and biodiversity is critical to achieving decarbonisation
Understanding relevant Green Star credits and how they relate to nature plans
Elham Monavari, Head of Green Star Strategic Delivery, GBCA
1:05 pm
Understanding key terminology and exploring what the TFND means for nature and biodiviersity
Understand and clarify key terms relating to nature and biodiversity to assist in clearer communication and goal setting for business and project plans. Terminology will be understood through the lens of the TFND which will also assist in exploring the future pathways and regulatory requirements to be aware of in this space.
Alexandra Banks, Partner - Climate Change and Sustainability Services, EY
1:35 pm
Case study: Biodiversity at the project level
Abigail Heywood, National Sustainability Manager - Strategic Projects, Australia, Lendlease
2:00 pm
BREAK
2:10 pm
Panel: Strategies for achieving biodiversity outcomes
This panel will take the lessons learnt in the first third of the masterclass and look at key strategies and techniques being employed in Australia and globally to help address nature and biodiversity challenges.
Explore strategies to address nature and biodiversity
Examine the scope of challenges to be addressed, including water and habitat solutions
Understand the key role traditional owners play in informing knowledge around working with Country
Elham Monavari, Head of Green Star Strategic Delivery, GBCA Philip Martin, Biodiversity Performance Manager, The GPT Group Ian Adams, Director, Organica Engineering Erwin Taal, Senior Associate, Registered Landscape Architect, Aspect Studios
2:45 pm
Case study: Creating nature corridors and connectivity at the city level
Hear how the City of Melbourne are addressing and creating habitats at the city level. This session places previous learnings within a larger scale, considering how projects and project portfolios may have nature strategies that contribute to the success of a precinct plan.
Lee Harrison, Senior Ecologist, Parks and City Greening
3:10 pm
Discussion group: Creating a nature project plan
In smaller facilitated groups discuss:
How you can overcome challenges for working with stakeholders and clients in establishing nature as a priority
Different strategies that can be employed in project plans to address specific challenges for nature and biodiversity
How these strategies might change and develop as we shift from a project to precinct level
3:25 pm
BREAK
3:35 pm
Case study: Thinking long-term: a roadmap for stewardship and ongoing measurement
Philip Martin, Biodiversity Performance Manager, The GPT Group
4:00 pm
Going further than “being less bad”: the role for regenerative design
Laura Turner, National Regenerative Design Leader, COX
4:25 pm
Final comments/closing
Speakers
Elham Monavari - Green Building Council of Australia
Head of Green Star Strategic Delivery
Session
12:35 pm - Setting the scene and understanding Green Star nature credits
About Elham
As the Senior Manager - Green Star Operations Transformation, Elham leads a team that manage the Green Star certification process and provide technical services to project teams.
Elham led the development of the Green Star Homes Standard and managed the delivery of the Green Star Buildings rating tool.
Elham has over 15 years' experience in applying sustainability in the built environment in a range of sectors from working in government, the private sector and internationally.
Alexandra Banks - EY (Ernst & Young)
Partner Climate Change and Sustainability Services
Session
1:05 pm - Understanding key terminology and exploring what the TFND means for nature and biodiviersity
About Alexandra
Alex is a Partner in the Climate Change and Sustainability Services team in EY Australia. She leads the Oceania Sustainability practice and was recently Alex was appointed as EY’s Global Nature Leader. Alex’s client work is focussed on nature, biodiversity, sustainability and ESG strategy and transformation, particularly in relation to sustainable supply chains and responsible sourcing. Alex has 12 years’ experience in deforestation, illegal logging, supply chain due diligence and corporate sustainability. Alex leads EYs work to support client in meeting their TNFD, SBTN and various nature positive initiatives, and has undertaken pilot testing of the TNFD with clients across Australia and the Asia-Pacific. Alex is a qualified lawyer who worked for an environmental non-profit and the Australian government prior to joining EY.
Abigail Heywood - Lendlease Group Services Pty Ltd
National Sustainability Manager – Strategic Projects Australia
Session
1:35 pm - Case study: Biodiversity at the project level
About Abigail
The health of our natural environment, the climate crisis and a truly sustainable future are issues I am passionate about and I have spent my career achieving positive change in these areas. My professional work has been complimented by contributing to the work and governance of community-based environmental groups. As such my remit is collaborating with people to deliver win/win solutions that benefit the business and the planet.
I thrive on finding science-based solutions, strategic planning, influencing business operations and leading teams. I also deliver impactful outcomes, and am laser focussed on nature conservation, advocacy, and transformational climate action.
Ian Adams - Organica Engineering Pty Ltd
ESD Consultant
Session
2:10 pm - Panel: Strategies for achieving biodiversity outcomes
About Ian
Ian Adams, director of Organica Engineering is a Sustainability Engineer and a recognised industry leader with extensive experience in delivering sustainable buildings and developments. Ian has successfully integrating ESD solutions into hundreds of developments around Australia. He is a certified assessor and trainer for the Green Building Council of Australia.
2:10 pm - Panel: Strategies for achieving biodiversity outcomes
About Erwin
Erwin is a Studio Leader and Senior Associate at ASPECT Studios. Over more than two decades in architecture and landscape architecture, he has developed a reputation for innovative design and a holistic approach to projects that incorporates leading ESD principles, green infrastructure and living architecture.
Erwin currently co-chairs AILA National’s Climate Positive Design Committee and has been fundamental in leading AILA’s review of the Nature Credit within GBCA’s Green Star Communities consultation.
As leader of ASPECT Studios’ Sustainability Community, Erwin’s focus is on all aspects of environmental and sustainable design, from its strategic and legislative underpinning, to integrated water sensitive urban design, green roofs and walls, and sustainable assessments including Greenstar, Green Factor and climate positive design tools.
His work in integrating innovative ESD solutions into various green infrastructure projects is recognised by the industry, authorities a
Lee Harrison - City of Melbourne
Senior Ecologist | Parks and City Greening
Session
2:45 pm - Case study: Creating nature corridors and connectivity at the city level
About Lee
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Philip Martin - The GPT Group
Biodiversity Manager
Session
3:35 pm - Case study: Thinking long-term: a roadmap for stewardship and ongoing measurement
About Philip
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Laura Turner - Cox Architecture Pty Ltd
National Regenerative Design Leader
Session
4:00 pm - Going further than “being less bad”: the role for regenerative design
About Laura
Embracing the role of National Regenerative Design Lead at COX Architecture, Laura is on a journey to rethink the landscape of built environment design, championing the cause of regenerative development. With a firm belief that great design stems from a meaningful connection to Country, she envisions a future where projects foster a nurturing bond with the ecological, social, and economic systems they are enmeshed within; Yielding enduring co-benefits for the human and more than human communities our built environments serve.
As a Living Future Accredited Professional and Chartered RIBA Architect, Laura's approach is ambitious, yet grounded in consideration of the intricate and interrelated cultural, ecological, economic, and governmental tapestry. Her dedication earned Laura a finalist spot for 'Architect of the Year' at The Brit List awards in 2019.
Course details
This course has already occurred.
Tickets
General Admission / $280.00 + GST Future Green Leader only
General Admission / $399.00 + GST Members only
General Admission / $499.00 + GST Non-Members only
Agenda
