In our fast-changing urban world, the impacts of social and environmental change on children are often overlooked. Children and their Urban Environment examines these impacts in detail, looking at the key activities, spaces and experiences children have and how these can be managed to ensure that children benefit from change. The book seeks to embrace childhood as a time of freedom, social engagement and environmental adventure and to encourage creation of environments that better meet the needs of children. The authors argue that in doing so, we will build more sustainable neighbourhoods, cities and societies for the future.
How can we transform and future-proof the post-industrial city through strategies of architectural and urban design? The Principles of Green Urbanism advises that the answer is to use an energy-efficient, zero-carbon model based on renewable energy sources and renewable building typologies. The book presents different models for sustainable urban growth, based on the principles of ‘Green Urbanism’.
Urban Microclimate explores how the quality of life of millions of people living in cities could be improved if the form of the city were to evolve in a manner appropriate to its climatic context. This new book advises that climatically responsive urban design is vital to any notion of sustainability as it enables individual buildings to make use of renewable energy sources for passive heating and cooling, enhances pedestrian comfort and activity in outdoor spaces, and may even encourage city dwellers to moderate their dependence on private vehicles.
The Australian Sustainable Cities Awards encourage, motivate and celebrate the local sustainability achievements of urban communities across Australia. All states and territories take part in the Awards which are presented each year in October. The 2011 Awards are now opening. To find out more visit the website for Keep Australia Beautiful in your State or Territory and follow the links – New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, Australian Capital Territory, Northern Territory.
A unique public Forum will take place in Hobart early next month. Bringing together leading professionals locally, from the mainland and around the world, the Forum will look at how Tasmania can become a world leader in sustainable building design and construction. All members of the community interested in this field are invited to register and attend. With poor building design now identified as a major cause of energy wastage and needless greenhouse gas emissions, the Forum will be looking at how new building design and retrofitting existing buildings can produce big savings in energy costs. To find out more visit Sustainable Buildings – Opportunities for Tasmania Forum. The Forum is an initiative of Future Tasmania, which is a not-for-profit, non-party-political organisation that promotes education, research and transition toward sustainable futures.
The Green Building Council of Australia and the Property Council of Australia invite you to attend Green Cities 2011. At Green Cities 2011 you will hear from world leaders, local experts and government visionaries. Come along and commit to the realities and possibilities of green building, challenge yourself to move beyond business-as-usual, and to create solutions, partnerships and prospects. To find out more visit Green Cities 2011.
This free, easy-to-use self-assessment online tool can help your department or agency to understand your current environmental performance and work out your next steps for action. To find out more visit the 5 Star Sustainability website.
The City of Sydney is conducting a City Farm Feasibility Study to investigate potential sites for a city farm, research best practice and consult with the community about what a city farm in central Sydney should look like. City Farms are large demonstration sites designed to educate residents, businesses and schools about sustainable living in an interactive setting. To find out how you can be involved visit the City Farm Feasibility Study webpage.