CLIMATIC DATA AND DESIGN PROCESS

GUIDELINES TOWARD A MORE SUSTAINABLE SUBDIVISION (Incorporating the principles of ecologically sustainable development)
Link to other sections: Cover Introduction and Background Climatic data and design process Subdivisional design Building and Landscape design Materials Appliances References Websites Researched compiled and authored by Ron Apelt LLB, Grad. Dip Land. Arch,
M. (Blt.Env) Land. Arch

Principal Project Officer Environmental Management Built Environment Research Unit Building Division Department of Public Works E-mail contact: [email protected] Endorsed by Director Built Environment Research Built Environment Research Unit Building Division Department of Public Works

First posted 24 December 2002 Last updated 28 July 2003

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CLIMATIC DATA ..........................................................................................3 DESIGN PROCESS .....................................................................................3 SITE DESIGN AND LAND USE PLANNING ................................................4 Reduce Resource Use ............................................................................4 Understanding the site ..........................................................................4 Value Existing Site Resources ..............................................................4 Evaluate site resources .........................................................................4 Existing vegetation ................................................................................5 Earthworks ............................................................................................6 Erosion and sediment control................................................................6 Locate buildings to minimise environmental impact ..............................6 Reuse .......................................................................................................6 Existing buildings ..................................................................................6 Reduce Energy Use ................................................................................7 Reduce Water Use ..................................................................................8 Provide responsible on-site water management ...................................8 Erosion and sediment control................................................................8

Link to other sections: Cover Introduction and Background Climatic data and design process Subdivisional design Building and Landscape design Materials Appliances References Websites

Disclaimer: The materials presented in this publication are distributed by the Queensland Government as an information source only. The State of Queensland makes no statement, representation, or warranty about the accuracy or completeness of any information contained in this publication. The State of Queensland disclaims all responsibility and all liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages and costs you might incur as a result of the information being inaccurate or incomplete in any way for any reason. The Guidelines: Towards a More Sustainable Subdivision (incorporating the principles of ecologically sustainable development) were written with a residential subdivision in mind, however the principles and practices identified are applicable to any land development involving buildings. The difference between residential buildings and other building forms are in its function, materials and specific design criteria.

The State of Queensland Department of Public Works 2003.

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CLIMATIC DATA It is important to understand the local climatic influences a location has on our personal comfort and to design living environments that respond to the climate. The type of climatic information that is sought is exampled below: Rockhampton has a Dry Subtropical/Tropical Climate, with hot and humid summer days and warm sultry summer nights and comfortable winter days and cool winter nights. Temperatures: Mean January 26o C; Mean July 16o C; Summer extremes range from 27o C 32o C; Winter extremes range from 10o C 5o C. Average annual sunshine percentage: Summer 59%; Winter 68%. Winds: Predominantly Summer northeasterly; Winter southwesterly. Prevailing breezes: Morning: Southeast direction; Afternoon: Northeast direction.
For more information about climatic data refer to: Bureau of Meteorology, (1989), Climate of Australia, AGPS, Canberra. Tapper N and Hurry L., (1993), Australias Weather Patterns An Introductory Guide, Dellastra Pty Ltd, Victoria. Website: Bureau of Meteorology http://www.bom.gov.au/ The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (Kyoto Protocol) at: http://unfccc.int/resource/convkp.html

DESIGN PROCESS The architect/designer has a number of design issues to resolve during the design process. One such issue is the control of the thermal environment by responding to the climatic variables in the development of the physical design of the building. Ensure that the design and construction team who are employed to undertake the work have the necessary understanding, experience, capability and sensitivity to environmental design, so that issues are carefully considered throughout the design process. (Note there is a trade-off between design costs and improved energy/environmental efficiency and consequent running cost savings).

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SITE DESIGN AND LAND USE PLANNING Reduce Resource Use Understanding the site Evaluate the site for alternative land uses that the market research is supporting. Conduct an inventory and analyse site resources, relationships and constraints to better enable the designers to maximise energy efficiency while conserving and restoring ecological and cultural resources.

Value Existing Site Resources Evaluate site resources Analyze the regional and local site context. This will allow the design team to better understand and respond to site conditions, opportunities and constraints. A detailed site analysis together with a careful site evaluation (inventory) can benefit a projects success. Investigate existing site features that will enhance the appearance or functionality of the design or reduce future development or operating costs. Site resources important to the building design include: existing vegetation and buildings, soils, water resources, important natural areas, solar access, wind (breeze) direction, slope and drainage systems. A basic graphic style presentation of a Site Analysis Plan of a suitable scale showing (as appropriate) the following will assist in more informed decisionmaking: contours; bar scale; north point; wind rose; soil conditions (if known); vegetation (plant species if known); microclimate; visual amenity; existing land use influences; circulation and access; flood lines (where appropriate 1 in 100 and 1 in 50 year); built influences; existing easements. Note: This is not a complete list.

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The plan should clearly highlight issues of: sensitive landscape or cultural zones; overland flow paths of stormwater catchment; areas appropriate for residential/commercial development; capacity of the site to visually absorb the proposed development without adverse impact on adjoining areas and vice versa; and development constraints and implications on staging, time and construction. These sustainable design practices assess the site and the intended development to determine the sites capacity to support the proposed development without degrading the existing systems, which can incur increased development expenditure if not suitably identified. The most appropriate ecological, economic and physical fit between site, building development and the resulting cultural landscape is a product of sound site analysis and assessment. This information will guide and inform the design process. Existing vegetation Conserve existing significant vegetation wherever possible. Significant vegetation includes any plant species that contributes to the visual and environmental quality of the site. Significant vegetation includes single or grouped trees, palms and shrubs that are healthy and have a life expectancy of more than 10 years if adequately managed with horticultural practices. Assessment criteria for retention of the plant species include but are not limited to: potential to damage property is minimal the plant species is not poisonous, allergenic or hazardous to human health and well-being contributes to the neighbourhood as a landmark cultural asset valued by the wider community contributes or will contribute significantly to the character and visual amenity of the site contributes to minimising the visual impact of the built development; the plant species is a known habitat or substantial food source for local fauna the plant species reduces or will contribute in reducing the albedo effect of a large pavement area the plant species is rare or unique to the locality the plant species is protected or listed by Vegetation Protection Ordinances (VPO), Local Authority Tree Preservation By-Laws or listed by the National Trust of Queensland and Australian Heritage Commission, or protected by such legislation as Queensland Heritage Act 1992, Cultural Record (Landscapes Queensland and Queensland

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Existing vegetation should be viewed as a resource. Minimise site disturbance by limiting and restricting areas to be cleared. Limit building site area and fence off adjacent areas to protect natural/existing vegetation as appropriate. Ensure adequate protection measures are undertaken and maintained throughout the building and construction process. Earthworks Use existing site opportunities and minimise excavation (cut and fill). If cutand-fill or regrading is required, retain and separately stockpile topsoil and rock materials for re-use in landscape construction. If parts of the site are being cleared retain existing topsoil on site wherever possible. Minimise soil compaction by restricting heavy activities to specific site locations. Erosion and sediment control Consider the consequences of disrupting overland flow during construction. Control stormwater during construction to minimise erosion and potential offsite contamination. Minimise cleared areas and use erosion control materials and techniques to minimise impacts both on site and in neighbouring areas. Restore site disturbances with appropriate landscape treatments as soon as possible after completion of the construction or building process. Mulch and recycle cleared vegetation for reuse on-site in public landscape zones. Locate buildings to minimise environmental impact Cluster buildings or build attached dwelling units to preserve open space and wildlife habitats, avoid especially sensitive areas including wetlands and keep roads and service lines short. Leave the most pristine areas untouched and look for areas that have been previously damaged to build on. Seek to restore damaged ecosystems.

Reuse Existing buildings Consider renovating an existing building rather than constructing a new building. Conscientious renovation of existing buildings is the most sustainable form of construction because it reuses materials and therefore avoids production, energy, transport, building and resource use costs.

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Reduce Energy Use Reduce the need to heat or cool your building by siting it to benefit from existing or planted vegetation. Passive cooling Provide shading to dramatically reduce cooling loads by utilising existing trees on the east and west sides of your building, or selecting and placing additional trees. Planting moderate size shade trees to the southeast and southwest will assist in providing summer shade to the walls and roof. Hedgerows and shrubbery can block cold winter winds or help channel cool summer breezes into buildings. Passive heating Ensure trees and other plantings do not over-shade north-facing glazing in winter consider semi-deciduous or deciduous plantings and location of particular plant species on northern side of the building. Infrastructure Consider reticulated gas as part of the infrastructure. Gas is a preferred energy source to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Electricity as a fuel produces four times more CO 2 -e than natural gas. Encourage in-fill and mixed-use development (more for developers) In-fill development that increases density is inherently better than building on undeveloped (Greenfield sites) because it increases the rate of use of assets (sewers, water reticulation systems, public transport systems). Mixed-use development, in which residential and commercial uses are intermingled, can reduce automobile use and help to create healthy communities. Minimise automobile dependence Locate buildings to provide access to public transportation, bicycle paths and safe walking access to basic services. Commuting can also be reduced by working at home consider home office needs when planning building layout and internal wiring (pre-wire or provide provision for future service regardless of current needs). Emphasise pedestrian rather than vehicle movements and public transport modes rather than private vehicle.
Link to other sections:

Cover Introduction and Background Climatic data and design process Subdivisional design Building and Landscape design Materials Appliances References Websites

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Traffic congestion on many of our roads reminds us of our dependence on the car for transport. The average domestic household in Australia contributes approximately 38% of its greenhouse gas emissions from the motor vehicle. Information Source: Australian Greenhouse Office 2000, Global Warming Cool it! Photo: Queensland Transport.

Reduce Water Use Provide responsible on-site water management Facilitate water retention on site by designing landscapes to absorb rainwater runoff (stormwater) rather than having to carry it off site in stormwater systems. Retain vegetation cover to break rainwater impact. Use soft and porous materials (e.g. mulched planting areas) in preference to hard landscape surfaces. Minimise on-site flow concentration, which could cause erosion. Control stormwater runoff to adjoining properties. Consider creating water bodies with habitat and practical value and maintained with stormwater runoff. Erosion and sediment control Be aware of the consequences of disruptive overland flow during construction. Control stormwater during construction to minimise erosion and potential offsite contamination. Minimise cleared areas and use erosion control materials and techniques to minimise impacts both on site and in neighbouring areas (e.g. turf stripping, catch drains, geotextile sediment fence/barriers, mulching and hay/straw bale barriers, to name a few).

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Regenerate sites upon completion of the building process. Restore preexisting vegetation/ecology if possible.

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