ZEMCH 2015 - International Conference Proceedings | Page 769

The technological aspects considered in sustainable conversion are a combination of the physical building aspects noted in Table 2, and using less materials and resources, less transport energy and pollution during construction. Considering embodied energy and retaining structure and fabric is done where possible. In addition, reduction of operational energy & water consumption belongs to the technological aspects. Societal aspects include increase of amenities and wellbeing for residents and building users where possible. Environmental assessment tools such as Green Star in Australia or BREEAM in UK and elsewhere could be adopted to evaluate re-use of existing buildings. However, where excessive amounts of deleterious materials, such as asbestos exist, or Sick Building Syndrome is prevalent, conversion adaptation might not be desirable or viable. The potential of offices to residential conversion is well recorded (Geraedts and van der Voordt, 2007, Remøy, 2010, Remøy and van der Voordt, 2014, Wilkinson et al, 2014) and described by market, location and building (functional, technical, financial, aesthetic and legal) characteristics. WATER Potable water Water usage Water meter Leak detection main water supply Self closing water supply sanitary functions Water recycling Irrigation system Car cleaning service MATERIALS Lifecycle impacts Responsible building materials Sustainable products Construction and demolition waste Building materials Sustainable products Robust design Building flexibility WASTE LAND USE & ECOLOGY Waste management building site Use of recycled material Storage for reusable material Compost Interior Ecological value Sustainable sites Urban heat island effect Stormwater Light pollution Microbial control Refrigerant impacts POLLUTION INNOVATION Reuse of land Polluted land Plants and animals on building site Plants and animals as users of the site Long term sustainable co-use with plants and animals Efficient land use GWP (global warming potential) of refrigerants for climate control Prevent leakage of refrigerants for climate control GWP of refrigerants for cool and freeze storage Heating related Nox-emissions Minimize light pollution Noise pollution Innovative technology or process Market transformation Improving on Green Star Benchmarks Innovation challenge Global sustainability Sustainability and office to residential conversion adaptation in Sydney 767