World Sustainable Buildings Conference 08 Wrap Up

Dear Members

I would like to provide a wrap up of SB08 (World Sustainable Buildings conference held in Melbourne last week), as this international conference was an overwhelming success!

On the Sunday prior to SB08, Tony Arnel (GBCA Chair) was elected World Green Building Council Chair. Tony's elevation as Head of the World Green Building Council is a reflection of how advanced we are as an industry and country and ensures viewed internationally as leaders of green building innovation.

Tony also launched Dollars and Sense 2008 at the conference. This report outlines changes and how the understanding of 'green' has evolved. It also reviews what has been learned from case studies, improvements in the rating tools, industry practices and knowledge as well as the new cost benchmarks, business benefits and economics of green buildings. The report is now available to purchase online.

The Minister for Environment, Heritage and the Arts, the Honourable Peter Garrett, was the guest of honour at the World Green Building Council dinner hosted by the GBCA in the historical National Library of Victoria on Sunday night. Minister Garrett reinforced his support for all the great work the GBCA undertakes on behalf of its members, also mentioning initiatives GBCA is involved in, including Built Environment Meets Parliament (BEMP) and the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC).

The SB08 conference included a strong mix of innovation, lessons learned and looking to the future. Many speakers were advanced along the green building pathway, such as Secretary of the State and Consumers Services Agency California, Rosario Marin, Bruce Fowle (and if you missed Bruce at SB08, the GBCA is hosting a Leading Green Thinkers function with Bruce on the 7th of October, tickets are still available) and Joe Van Bellegham from Canada. It was inspiring to hear Joe give an overview about Dockside Green, his green village in Victoria Canada, his "humanity" in the conversion of the site is legendary.

There was also an outstanding session featuring GBCA Chair, Tony Arnel. This session considered climate change and the Asia Pacific. Tony spoke about the positive impact buildings can have on the quality of life of our Asian neighbours. Professor Wang Youwei from China and Kazou Iwamura from Japan provided great insights into the green building movements in their respective countries and the wider Asia Pacific region. It was interesting to consider how China is dealing with massive growth whilst incorporating green building techniques.

Feedback from those who attended the break out sessions said there are some interesting advancements in products and techniques within the sustainable building movement.

The GBCA participated in the exhibition by featuring Green Cities 09 conference. We had substantial interest from potential delegates and exhibitors for the conference in Brisbane next March.

It was also great to see so many GBCA members either attending or speaking at SB08. This support and exposure reinforces how strong the green building culture is within Australia.

If you have any comments on SB08 or if there was a theme you would like the GBCA to investigate, please do not hesitate to send me an email.

Romilly Madew
Chief Executive
Green Building Council of Australia