Whole of Life Carbon in the Built Environment
Ross Donaldson was CEO and Chairman of Woods Bagot, Australia’s largest architectural firm. During his leadership from 2006-2016, the practice grew internationally to become the world’s 6th largest. He now consults on business strategy for design industry service firms, teaches at Curtin University and UWA University (where he is an Adjunct Professor) and also mentors mid-career professionals. He sits on the Australian Institute of Architects’ Climate Action and Sustainability Taskforce.
Ross presented on the following: ‘As we move the construction industry towards zero carbon for both operational and embodied energy, it is critical that we steadily increase the working familiarity with understanding of “whole of life carbon” and its measurement through Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs). A critical first step, prior to the introduction of performance benchmark targets, is to commence measuring and reporting whole of life carbon. Beginning the introduction of measuring now, will develop the skillset for both local government officers and design professionals. In this way those skillsets will be firmly in place before the introduction of the performance targets which will eventually be embedded with in the National Construction Codes’.
Click here to access the slides from the Afternoon Tea Q&A.
Unfortunately due to technical difficulties we weren’t able to record this session. However, we highly recommend reading this article Ross wrote in March 2022. It encapsulates and reinforces his key messages from his Afternoon Tea Q&A.
Ross Donaldson gave a presentation on this topic at a CPP event in WA in November, 2022. Click below to view the recording.
