Benchmark Study on Green Buildings - Royal Architectural Institute ...

preserve the environment. The DoH also ran the Research House Project, which is
Queensland’s first ever house to test and demonstrate new and innovative technologies,
building practices and products in a single, living sub-tropical environment. The aim of
the project was to investigate ways to improve housing for Queenslanders. Supported by
contributions from sponsors and research partners, the Research House was officially
opened in December 2001 and put on public display until the end of April 2002. In
October 2002, a family of two adults and two teenagers moved into the Research House.
The family provided qualitative information about the comfort of the house, with
quantitative data being generated from their day-to-day lives and the surrounding
environment. The Research House was monitored for an initial period of two years from
November 2002 to November 2004. This research helped shape the direction of the Smart
Housing Initiative, and served as a real example of a sustainable home for the community
and the building industry. The research was meant to assist people in making choices that
effect how safe, comfortable and affordable their home is over its lifespan, and ensuring
cost savings and value for their investment over the longer term. More importantly, the
Research House demonstrated that comfortable living can be achieved while protecting
the natural environment.
The DoH also runs Urban Renewal Projects to revitalize large public housing estates that
have been disadvantaged by poor urban planning, poor social planning and over
concentration of public housing. Through a combination of housing realignments and
refurbishments and physical and social enhancement, the Urban Renewal process aims to
transform these areas into attractive, sustainable neighbourhoods that offer an improved
quality of life for current and future residents. By encouraging close tenant and
community involvement in renewal processes, local pride, self esteem and a sense of
community belonging is increased. The Program also trains local unemployed people in
the process of upgrading and improving public housing and community infrastructure.
Finally, and along the same lines as the Urban Renewal Projects, the DoH also manages
Community Renewal Projects. These projects are delivered in partnership between State
and local governments, business, residents and the community sector to improve the
quality of life in selected Queensland communities. Community improvements include
the construction of community centres, public parks, reforestation projects, and sports
facilities. The DoH has been running Community Renewal Projects in selected
communities since 1998.
Alternative Technology Association (ATA):
The Alternative Technology Association (ATA) is Australia’s leading not-for-profit
organization promoting sustainable technology and practices. The ATA provides services
to members who are actively walking the talk in their own homes by using good building
design, conserving water and using renewable energy. The Association advocates in
government and industry arenas for easy access to these technologies as well as continual
improvement of the technology, information and products needed to change the way we
live. With branches and members from across Australia and New Zealand, the ATA
provides practical information and expertise based on our members’ hands-on experience.
The ATA also offers advice on conserving energy, building with natural materials, and
reusing, reducing the use of and recycling natural resources. The Association promotes
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