About this topic
A resilient built environment is capable of withstanding extreme events while providing shelter and essential services to people within, and be reasonably returned to normal operation after such events.
These events include: extreme weather events such as storms, floods, cold-snaps, and heatwaves; bushfires; and utility outages resulting in loss of power, water, telecommunications, and other associated disruptions. A more resilient built environment should also consider appropriate safeguarding against local or direct catastrophe (building attack) and social unrest (protests, service strikes, occupations, riots).
A resilient built environment is also capable of adapting to changing conditions while maintaining functionality and economical operation. In addition to the changing Australian and global climate — which will see increased temperatures, sea-levels, storm surges and increased flooding, altered rainfall, and the increased frequency of extreme weather events — other relevant changes that the built environment may experience include building program needs, regulations, energy costs, and disruptive economic activities.
Purpose and aims
The priority of AIRAH’s Resilience STG is to provide its members with a platform for involvement in issues affecting their industry in relation to indoor air quality (IAQ). This includes policy advice; regulation development; plus the development of, and access to, industry-leading advice. This platform promotes a whole-of-supply-chain integrated view on issues related to the activities of the STG and AIRAH, along with best-practice delivery in Australia and internationally.
The Committee aims to promote industry leadership with a whole-of-supply chain approach encompassing these key focus areas:
- Serve as a reference point for government in shaping relevant policy relating to the environmental, economic, and social impact of HVAC&R and related systems.
- Make submissions on behalf of members to influence policy setting, as collectively agreed by members, and work with government at all levels to establish workable regulations, frameworks, and guidelines.
- Identify and seek external funding for collaborative projects that support its objectives and aims of AIRAH and its members.
- Provide guidance to the HVAC&R industry to develop a considered, integrated, and technically objective approach to indoor air quality.
- Where needed, create special interest groups led by industry knowledge champions. These will help to further the interests of the Committee.
The Committee's deliverable and communication goals include:
- Input into AlRAH's formal responses to government and stakeholder policies and papers.
- Resilient HVAC&R awareness amongst membership and the broader property world.
- AIRAH branded white paper, design guideline, or a series of shorter reference documents.
- List of gaps in fundamental knowledge, best practice, or standards that require additional scrutiny or support through broader partnerships.
Projects:
The Resilience STG is currently working on:
- Increasing awareness of resilience as a design principle.
- Gathering knowledge of resilient design approaches and strategies.
- Filling resilience knowledge-gaps specific to the HVAC&R industry.
- Developing resilient design issues and design strategies across four industry segments:
- Building/system design
- Equipment engineering
- Installation and related construction
- Facility O&M.
- Developing information graphics to communicate the issues and opportunities.
- Researching future climate data.
- Publicising resilient design of HVAC&R and the built environment.
Resilience Checklist
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AIRAH's Resilience Checklist
The AIRAH Resilience Checklist (November 2021) seeks to set down knowledge of current practice regarding the resilience of HVAC&R systems and components. The document will be of use to all those engaged in the energy-efficient planning, design, construction, operation, servicing, and management of buildings and HVAC&R systems.
Download the Checklist
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Please note: these images are drafts and not for re-use. |
Resources and links
Related articles:
Committee
To view the members of AIRAH’s Resilience STG, click here.
Log in to the Committee portal
Get involved
Please click here for more information on AIRAH’s STGs and their work.
To get involved with the Resilience STG, please email [email protected]
