Conference article

Carbon Neutral Village: The Australian Model

Joanne Stewart
Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia

Martin Anda
Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia

David Goodfield
Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia

Goen Ho
Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia

Kuruvilla Mathew
Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia

Download articlehttp://dx.doi.org/10.3384/ecp110573161

Published in: World Renewable Energy Congress - Sweden; 8-13 May; 2011; Linköping; Sweden

Linköping Electronic Conference Proceedings 57:21, p. 3161-3168

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Published: 2011-11-03

ISBN: 978-91-7393-070-3

ISSN: 1650-3686 (print), 1650-3740 (online)

Abstract

This paper presents a model for carbon neutral land development as a mechanism to help drive innovation and emission reduction within the built environment sector. The carbon content model is comprised of the following:

  • The greenhouse gas (GHG) embodied in the materials of the buildings and the infrastructure;
  • The GHG emitted during the construction process with different approaches;
  • The electrical power and natural gas used in the buildings for different building types;
  • The transport fuels used in the construction and the on-going use by residents;
  • The GHG produced in the full water cycle
  • The GHG from the solid waste.

Understanding the interactions between the six elements of the model allows better decarbonisaton options to be developed. Two remote settlement cases are analysed. Firstly for a mine site camp; we introduce the “Smart Camp” digital control and monitoring concept . This includes sustainable village design; heating and cooling reduction; renewable energy; water use and reuse; and landscaping. Secondly; for the remote Aboriginal settlement; we address the need for sustainable livelihoods; including local food production and rangelands forestry and management.

Keywords

Carbon neutral; Life cycle analysis; Accreditation

References

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[3] International Energy Agency Annex 31 Project; Life cycle assessment methods for buildings. 2004: Ottawa.

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[13] Green; D.; S. Jackson; and J. Morrison; Risks from Climate Change to Indigenous Communities in the Tropical North of Australia; D.o.C.C.a.E. Efficiency; Editor. 2009; Australian Government: Canberra.

[14] Alchin; M.; E. Tierney; and C. Chilcott; Carbon Capture Project Final Report: An evaluation of the opportunity and risks of carbon offset based enterprises in the Kimberley-Pilbara region of Western Australia; D.o.A.a.F. WA; Editor. 2010; Department of Agriculture and Food WA: Perth.

[15] Fisher; S.; Applying the Sustainable Livelihoods approach in the

[16] Australian Indigenous context; Centre for Appropriate Technology: Alice Springs.

[17] Measham; T.; Y. Maru; and R. Murray-Prior; Outback Livelihoods: Defining and linking social and economic issues affecting the health and viability of Outback regions: Sample Discussion Paper. 2006; Tropical Savannas CRC and Desert Knowledge CRC: Darwin.

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