Green Building / ESD in Australia

Factual Questions
1

This is a question to Aussie dopers in the construction industry / building engineering / just plain know fields:

I’m interested in the engineering side of green building in Australia (also ecologically sustainable development & design - ESD), but specifically for residential. Stuff like improved building construction, better insulation, building orientation, solar, highest efficiency units, options for micro wind generators, grey water, etc.

My question: who does this engineering? Is it done by mechanical (HVAC) consulting engineers, by the architects, or an engineer (or technologist) on the architect’s staff? Or is it done by engineers only for large project, and no engineer is typically required for houses?
Thanks!
NB

2

While this isn’t comprehensive, thislink will give you a headstart to understanding what the current requirements for homes built in Western Australia are expected to comply with. Pretty much all other states and territories have something very similar.

One other thing to understand is that Western Australia is fairly unique compared to the rest of Oz when it comes to method of construction for new homes. In WA, the vast majority of new homes are a double-brick construction (as opposed to brick veneer).

3

For NSW there’s a state government initiative, the Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) with a website that outlines what it’s for and hints at who you need to speak to.

There’s also a federal initiative with a website, yourhome.gov.au which should help as well.

4

Hi guys,

Sorry, I left out a word in my initial OP.

I am interested in doing this ESD engineering. I already have a background in mechanical engineering and I have already found a lot of info about ESD in Australia.

I just would like to know what kind of office this type of building designer would work for. The architect? Are there companies that just do building design?
Thanks!
NB