Aug 8 2005
A global directive to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from buildings and move closer to Kyoto protocols is being developed by University of Melbourne researchers.
Sara Wilkinson and Dr Richard Reed, from the University’s Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning, will measure baseline levels of energy efficiency in existing Melbourne CBD office buildings.
A variety of scenarios will then be developed to assess future carbon dioxide emissions, depending on methods of refurbishment implemented.
The aim is to demonstrate how Kyoto protocols can be better matched by providing the surveying industry with practical ‘rules of thumb.’
According to Ms Wilkinson and Dr Reed, carbon dioxide emissions from buildings currently exceed the levels of greenhouse gases generated by automobiles.
The project breaks the mould of typical pollution and built environment studies, looking specifically at older buildings and their future refurbishments, rather than newly constructed buildings. Ms Wilkinson says this is because existing office buildings are where the problem lies.
“Older buildings in the CBD are likely to comprise about 98% of Melbourne’s stock, but are never the focus of energy efficiency plans and are a constant contributor to carbon dioxide emissions,” she said.
“This study looks at the most common contributor to pollution and climate change – existing buildings that in some cases might be 80 years old – because new buildings account for such a small percentage of the problem.”
“A similar parallel can be drawn with the automobile industry. People are always trying to find ways to create a cleaner car, but nearly all the cars driven around are older models that retain inefficient standards. Buildings contribute more than cars to the cost of environment, but we are in a unique position to do something about that because they are frequently refurbished.”
The researchers will identify clear links between buildings, energy consumption, carbon dioxide emissions and climate change. The overall aim is to produce a global directive for surveyors to refurbish in an energy efficient way.
“Energy usage in office buildings is particularly high, and the current trend is for higher levels of consumption,” said Dr Reed.
“Cities around the world work in a similar manner to Melbourne, and have a similar supply of buildings. Melbourne is a global city, so we are able to effectively replicate our findings for other locations and take the lead to gain an international directive.”
The project is being funded by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors with support from the City of Melbourne and the Property Council of Australia.
http://www.unimelb.edu.au/