Sustainability has been a key focus for our Year 10 HASS students this term as they research innovative building practices.
Today they were treated to a special presentation by guest speaker Ken Bezant, who consults with local governments on sustainable housing developments and building codes.
Ken trained under Al Gore on the issues of climate change and global warming.
HASS Teacher Trudy Jensen said the incursion introduced students to a wide spectrum of innovative designs and changes to habits that could be implemented to make homes more sustainable.
“Ken discussed energy requirements in homes and how policy-makers can drive the need to use more innovative ideas that ensure a reduction in our use of fossil fuels, for example solar panels and batteries, LED lighting, and orientation to maximise our exposure to the northern sun in the winter and minimising glazing on east and west-facing walls in houses,” Dr Jensen said.
The students have been creating their own 2D or 3D sustainable houses with a focus on energy efficiency, water usage, orientation, landscape, waste disposal and material choices.