From the President & CEO

From the President

By Ingrid Hornung, President, Design Matters National, 2020-2022

Welcome to our first INTERSECT of 2022!

I’m so proud of the entire Design Matters community, for the way you have responded so creatively, to the many challenges over the last two years. As has been brought home to us over that time, it has been a different ‘pandemic’ for each and every person; and I know I am not alone in looking forward to a fresh start this year!

In this issue, with International Women’s Day almost upon us, we take the opportunity to profile many of the wonderful women in our midst. In particular, we celebrate the life and achievements of Yael Kurlansky, of Yael K & Associates, who passed away late last year.

I was not fortunate enough to know her personally; but have found myself touched and inspired, learning about her, nevertheless. I hope you do too.

Enjoy!

Ingrid Hornung

President

I’m so proud of the entire Design Matters community, for the way you have responded so creatively, to the many challenges over the last two years.

By Peta Anderson, CEO, Design Matters National,

From the CEO

Recent studies suggest that every m2 of house is responsible for approximately one tonne of CO2 released before the house is even lived in.

I am excited to announce the True Zero Carbon Challenge, our newest design competition that involves an energy assessor and building designer teaming up to create the home of the future.

The aim of the competition is to design a custom three bedroom plus study home that produces more power than it uses over a year, calculates the embodied carbon in materials and, here’s the kicker… the home must repay its entire carbon debt by 2050, the year of net zero housing.

The home will be a minimum of 7 stars and projects will be judged on aesthetics, functionality, passive solar design elements, material choices and minimisation of broader sustainability objectives. This competition is like no other and will give participants a tremendous advantage when the 7 star Whole of Home energy efficiency rating is introduced under the new National Construction Code 2022.

The True Zero Carbon Challenge will pave the way for building designers and energy assessors to be publicly recognised, in particular by consumers, industry, government and home builders, for their incredible skillsets to design homes of the future.

The competition brief will be launched next month outlining the design requirements of the True Zero Carbon Challenge and will include details of how to enter. All entrants and their guests will be invited to attend the True Zero Carbon Challenge Awards gala event to be held later this year.

These initiatives are never possible without the volunteered and professional contribution by our members. The True Zero Carbon Challenge is the brainchild of our Committee of Management members Jeremy Spencer and Luke Middleton, both of whom are well recognised for their expertise and passion for sustainable design. I sincerely thank both Jeremy and Luke for bringing, what is going to be, an exciting and innovative new Awards competition for the built environment of the future.

To register your interest and receive a copy of the True Zero Carbon Challenge brief to your inbox please email our National Events Manager, Elaine Centeno at e.centeno@designmatters.org.au.

If you’re up for a challenge to be recognised as a trailblazer on the road to True Zero 2050, then this awards competition is for you!