publication

45 efficient buildings that perform well in extreme climates. Recognising this ability, Australian companies have bagged prestigious overseas projects that exhibit advanced green construc- tion techniques, including the Beijing National Aquatics Centre (the Watercube) and Arya Resi- dences in the Philippines. In addition to the Green Building Council of Aus- tralia, the country has several other institutions which are world-leaders in developing tech- nologies that help reduce the industry’s carbon footprint. One of these, the Commonwealth Sci- entific and Industrial Research Organisation, has developed OptiCOOL, which is helping building owners across Australia and the United States reduce their energy consumption while improv- ing comfort level of occupants. More than 60% of the energy consumption in Australian commercial buildings comes from heating,ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC). The OptiCOOL system intelligently alters the operation of a building’s HVAC control system