Happy Friday, friends!
First we’re delighted this week to bring you an update from Greenlister Australian Passive House Association, taking you through exactly what this intriguing and exciting building design and construction methodology can do for our well being and comfort.
Passive House is a building design that relies on orientation to the sun, insulation and ventilation to reduce the carbon footprint of your building and deliver comfort and wellbeing to occupants.
While we’re on the topic you might like to read about an exciting new apartment complex in Melbourne that’s on the market now that uses the Passive House system.
This is first in our new section on Green Home Listings that we’re really excited about. (So if you have a suggestion for more green homes on the market send me a note at hello@thegreenlist.com.au)
Not only is this complex well designed but it’s got a big focus on creating a “village” feel. If you lived here you’d actually get to know your neighbours – and that’s a beautiful thing in the city, right?
More news…
We have a guide to how marketers can cut through the greenwash to communicate their brands environmental and social impact effectively in a world where consumer demand for greener options has never been stronger.
The article, featuring several business case study examples, came out of the Transform Conference held at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) last week by the Green Building Council of Australia.
In light of the devastating flooding of recent weeks we also have an informational piece on how to improve property resilience against floods – including materials, and structural design.
And in the clean-up of a flood (or persistent rainfall) you need to know how to get rid of mould and avoid serious health risk to your family and pets.
Experts are warning people to take care when cleaning up after a flood. Even though you may not be able to see it, mould can be everywhere. Find out how to kill it safely.
We also have a special one for all your foodies out there.
One company is bringing a new sustainable, low carbon plant-based meat alternative to the market in Australia – and it seems to be much healthier than others we’ve seen before.
We covered an event launch of their product, and yes, it was both fun and delicious.
This week the United Nations announced a new expert group that will hold companies to account for not meeting their net-zero pledges in an effort to crack down on rampant greenwashing. UN secretary general António Guterres said the group of 16 experts will analyse the net-zero plans of companies, investors, cities and regions to develop strict and transparent standards to hold them to account.
But the big end of town though is also doing good work through global green financing; it’s grown by more than 100 times in the past decade, a new study from the TheCityUK and BNP Paribas reveals. Global borrowing by issuing green bonds and loans, and equity funding through initial public offerings targeting green projects, increased from $US5.2 billion in 2012 to $US540.6 billion in 2021.
Scientists have made another leap towards beating plastic waste, with a new enzyme discovered that can eat polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic, which is used to make single-use drinks bottles, clothing and carpets. The research from the University of Portsmouth in the UK was undertaken as part of the BOTTLE Consortium, an international collaboration between the US and UK to fight plastic pollution.
Bob Hawke Landcare Award nominations are now open to leaders in sustainable agriculture practices and natural resource management. The recipient will receive a prize package to the value of $50,000 towards their work. To be considered, eligible nominees must submit a project proposal by 1 May.
Enjoy the weekend and don’t forget to think green in work, home and play!
Rose
