For true low carbon living, we need to extend the focus beyond individual buildings to the neighbourhood as a whole – considering aspects such as transport, infrastructure, land use and waste management. Through the creation of precinct design and assessment methods and tools, the CRCLCL aspires to drive new policies and practices for property development, where energy and carbon performance targets are routinely embedded at the planning and design stage.
We are developing a series of novel and effective Precinct Information Models (PIMs) – comparative 3D virtual models of carbon performance within precincts that will provide the functionality and scientifically validated evidence required for government and industry acceptance of low carbon developments. Resilient, low carbon precincts that also promote health and productivity benefits will be fundamental to the sustainability of our 21st century cities.