MEDIA RELEASE: Tropical green building expertise on show

[greenbuild]

MEDIA RELEASE

Tropical green building expertise on show to all

22 May 2012


NORTH Queensland’s expertise in tropical sustainable building was showcased at the state’s first trade expo dedicated to the building and design industries in Brisbane, May 9-11th.

The Tropical Green Building Network (TGBN), a Cairns-based industry group, exhibited at the Build and Design Queensland Expo (BDQ) with the support of the Queensland Government.

TGBN steering committee member Edi Piagno of Total Project Group Architects said low impact and energy-saving construction for the tropics was attracting growing interest around Australia and internationally. “More and more people are looking at materials and designs that improve ventilation and reduce reliance on energy use,” Mr Piagno said.

“Over 3000 professionals visited the expo and had the opportunity to learn more about tropical north Queensland’s unique expertise, products and services at the TGBN display. “BDQ brought together architects, building designers, interior designers, building specifiers, construction professionals, developers and engineers from across the state.This was an ideal opportunity to introduce the specialist businesses from our region that have adapted or developed products to meet tropical conditions.The 3000 BDQ visitors were looking at how sustainable building companies use processes which are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout the building life cycle in the tropics."

“Three Tropical Green Building Network members, representing Total Project Group and CA Architects, presented a sold-out seminar on “Sustainable Tropical Design” at the expo as part of a seminar series. They discussed principles of sustainable design for the tropics and presented case studies such as J Block at TAFE, William McCormack Building and several home projects.

The TGBN launched the newly compiled Advancing Tropical Green Build Business Directory at the expo. “The business directory outlines the services of businesses and profiles green building projects in tropical north Queensland,” Mr Piagno said. “These projects include the Sustainability Precinct at TNQ TAFE, William McCormack Building, the Cruise Shipping Terminal, and tropical display homes in Redlynch and the Atherton Tablelands. The business directory, funded by the Queensland Government, contains capability statements from more than 110 businesses in tropical north Queensland.”

The Tropical Green Building sector is growing rapidly worldwide because of scarce natural resources, rising costs of fossil fuel energy and rising material costs. “The economic growth forecast for the tropical zone, including India and south-east Asia, will lead to increased demand for innovative, climate resilient, energy efficient tropical green build solutions”.

TGBN is a group of local professionals with expertise in creating a sustainable built environment in the tropics. For more information visit http://www.tgbn.org.au or call 4032 1746.

Media contact:

Edi Piagno
Steering committee member and Director Total Project Group Architects
07 4032 1944 or 0418 884 656