Renew 166 out now: Sustainable building materials, underground homes, responding to heatwaves, barriers to innovation, greywater systems, PV oversizing, and more!

Renew 166 is out now! This issue of Renew looks at the myriad approaches taken to drive down emissions and address rising temperatures. Comedian and TV presenter Craig Reucassel discusses the role of media in shifting public attitudes on climate change and how we can contribute to Australia’s energy

Eco-concrete case studies

Adored for its thermal mass benefits and durability, concrete remains one of the most popular building materials in the world, but its shockingly high embodied carbon footprint cannot be ignored. Luckily, there are now a number of greener alternatives available. Jacinta Cleary examines how they have performed in three

On the drawing board: Pathways to carbon zero

The team at Melbourne-based design and build operation Positive Footprints has developed Carbon Zero Homes, a series of energy-efficient houses designed to generate enough electricity to offset the carbon footprint of their creation as well as their operation. Jeremy Spencer and Chi Lu tell the story.

Playing for keeps

There’s nothing new under the sun at Ali and Clay’s Sunshine Coast home: they bought and transported an unloved old house and rejuvenated it with reclaimed and second-hand materials and vintage finds.

Ticking all boxes

Jenni and Lance’s 8.7-Star Perth home is designed for excellent thermal performance, ageing in place, health, community connection and a love of gardening.

Design workshop: A higher-performing volume build

Kirsten and James are keen to make the project home they’re planning in Camberwell, Victoria, as energy-efficient and comfortable as possible, and have budgeted for some upgrades. Architect Penny Guild and ESD consultant Erika Bartak give the couple some advice on achievable tweaks to improve their home’s performance.

A house made for life

The first strawbale house in its urban area, this flexibly designed and highly efficient Perth family home is adapting well as the needs of its occupants change.

Project home powerhouse

This Melbourne couple worked with their volume builder to improve the sustainability of their standard project home, achieving an energy-efficient and spacious 7.5-Star family home.

Greywater systems and use

Greywater system buyers guide

Although many regions no longer have water restrictions, water is still a very precious resource in a country as dry as Australia. Greywater systems let you use water at least twice, which makes good environmental sense. Here, we look at what systems are available.

Using greywater for domestic irrigation

Renew and RMIT have conducted a study on a selected range of bathroom products and their potential impacts on soil chemistry and structure when they are present in bathroom greywater.

Renew’s greywater trial

Renew carried out a trial of six greywater systems at Melbourne homes to assess the usability and health and safety issues of domestic greywater reuse.