Australia’s population has now tipped the scales at 25.4 million people, and is increasing rapidly. We have one of the world’s highest per capita greenhouse gas emissions, with the construction sector a major contributor representing 18.1 per cent of the country’s total carbon footprint through consumption of electricity, gas, water, and materials.
As a result, the construction industry has the unique opportunity to significantly reduce Australia’s national carbon footprint, and those who work in the built environment have the power to act as agents of change to push the needle in the right direction.
Regenerative design is emerging as one way to help
‘Regenerative design’ is a systems-based approach to design that replaces sustainability as the more effective benchmark for reducing carbon emissions. It goes beyond the goal of simply reducing harm to environmental systems, to creating positive impacts on people and the planet.
In the built environment industry, this usually involves thinking beyond the immediate project site and brief to come up with innovative design solutions that actively support and improve the surrounding ecology.
But there is still a distinct lack of understanding within the industry about what regenerative design is – how it works, how it is defined, and how it applies to construction projects – these were the key findings of a study led by our Research & Development team.
The team undertook an audience poll of key stakeholders within the Australian built environment and found a lack of consensus surrounding the definition of regenerative design, which helped inform their latest research paper.
Key findings of their research include that:
- There is no consistent application or definition of regenerative design among industry professionals.
- Achieving a consensus on regenerative design, a universally accepted definition, and consistent education on regenerative principles are crucial for interdisciplinary efforts and transformative change.
- Fundamental shifts are required to positively impact resources, given society is unlikely to sufficiently adapt through current practices.
At Hames Sharley, we recognise that best practice goes beyond the immediate site and brief to the broader intention of reducing harm and creating positive impacts on people and the planet.
As practitioners within the built environment, we must advocate for a universally accepted definition, consistent education on regenerative principles, and increased awareness of regenerative design with both stakeholders and the wider design community.
In doing so, we can all drive transformative change and create a better future for our communities.
Read the full paper to find out more:
