Introduction – Amenities
“Where natural lighting is inadequate,
lighting is minimised to a level where the visibility of signs and
displays is still clear, and to also provide for safety and security.”
(Ecotourism Australia EcoCertification)
“Nature tourism and ecotourism operations
involve minimal air pollution”
(Ecotourism Australia EcoCertification)
There are significant opportunities for the amenities of any eco-development-lighting,
noise quality, air quality, visual impacts, location -to play a
significant role in its environmental, economic and social performance.
By maximising natural day lighting and ventilation, for example,
the electricity bill of the development is reduced significantly
(the greatest energy expense in the average Australian building
is its heating, cooling and lighting costs), and the indoor environment
is much more inviting as natural ventilation processes effectively
remove airborne building toxins (such as “off-gassing”
from interior paints and furniture). Much of this can be achieved
through ‘passive solar design’. This involves using
a wide range of design strategies and options resulting in energy-efficient
building design and increased occupant comfort. The basic idea of
passive solar design is to allow daylight, heat, and airflow into
a building only when beneficial.
Case study – An example of what is possible
An example of innovative efforts in eco-effective amenities design
is provided by Lend Lease’s purpose-built Asia-Pacific headquarters
’30 The Bond’ at 30 Hickson Road, Millers Point in Sydney.
Employee workshops early in the process identified seven environmental
aspirations: greenhouse gas reduction, indoor environmental quality,
water management, materials selection, waste management, pollution
and biodiversity. Employees ranked these aspirations, nominating
reduction of greenhouse gases and the enhancement of indoor environmental
quality, as the most important.The aspirations were then expressed
in the design through the use of chilled beams, an operable façade,
a full height atrium incorporating a heritage sandstone wall, a
roof garden, and rapidly renewable and low-VOC 9volatile organic
compound) materials in the finishes. This building established new
standards in indoor environment quality and biodiversity for a city
office building.
References: Hargroves, K. Smith,
M.H. (2005) The Natural Advantage of Nations: Business Opportunities,
Innovation & Governance in the 21st Century, Earthscan, London.
Chapter 18: Greening The Built Environment. P347
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