"To address the built environment’s impacts on our planet, we need to reduce all carbon emissions across the entire lifecycle."
Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council
OUR VISION
The built environment contributes 39% of all global carbon emissions. Australia's building industry accounts for one-fifth of the country's total emissions. Given that Australia's building stock is projected to double by 2050, transitioning to net-zero carbon is an industry goal.
The Australian Institute of Architects has been a strong advocate for national policies that set carbon targets for the built environment, with a goal of achieving net zero whole-of-life carbon by 2040. This transition includes mandatory embodied carbon reporting for all new buildings starting in 2025, and reaching net zero operational carbon for new buildings by 2030. As architects and members of the Institute, we acknowledge our responsibility to reduce carbon emissions and champion sustainable design practices
Durability, longevity and sustainability are at the core of our design philosophy, shaping each project to enhance the built and natural environments, and reduce their carbon footprint.
John Cockings has been advocating for environmentally responsive design. JCA's integrated design approach starts with a comprehensive understanding of a particular, its context and environmental features and an evaluation of climate impact.
JCA's passive design principles, prioritise durable, locally sourced materials and champion adaptive reuse practices—thoughtfully repurposing existing structures to reduce embodied carbon, minimise waste, conserve resources and create sustainable built environments for future generations.
JCA is committed to addressing and reducing whole of life carbon. We believe setting a strong example is crucial to promoting improved environmental practices.
"Buildings are currently responsible for 39% of global energy related carbon emissions: 28% from operational emissions, from energy needed to heat, cool and power them, and the remaining 11% from materials and construction."
- World Green Building Council
YOUR BENEFIT
LIFE CYCLE COST (LCC)
Our commitment and sustainability principles not only reduce carbon emissions but deliver meaningful cost savings from energy consumption and the ongoing maintenance/refurbishment cost common to educational and commercial buildings.
Traditionally, emphasis has been placed on the upfront costs of constructing, purchasing, or refurbishing a building. However, once a facility is in use, one of the most significant—but often overlooked—factors is the long-term cost of operating and maintaining it.
By understanding the principles of Life Cycle Cost (LCC), facility owners and managers can gain a clearer picture of the full financial impact of their decisions. While a lower initial investment might seem appealing, it often results in high operating costs, more frequent maintenance, replacement of components or full-scale renovation.
Awareness of life cycle cost implications allows construction and redevelopment projects to be planned and executed with a focus on minimising total costs over the building’s lifespan. This ensures more efficient use of resources and better long-term value.
It’s essential to assess every element not just by its upfront price, but by its long-term performance and durability. Though this may involve a higher initial outlay, it ultimately results in reduced operational, maintenance, and replacement expenses and typically lower ownership costs and whole-of-life carbon emissions are reduced, see project examples below:
"Developing a life cycle cost approach when considering your project’s parameters will provide you with a solid and informed base from which to make the most effective financial, economic and operationally sustainable decisions."
- Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries
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01 CASE STUDY
JOHN CUNNINGHAM STUDENT CENTRE
This project aims to double the lifespan of an educational building to at least 100 years. Life Cycle Analysis and selection of highly durable, long-lasting materials—designed to endure well beyond a century—were central to the design process:
Dry Pressed Bricks are known for durability and strength, when laid in English Garden Wall Bond. The wall is very stable with high resistance to movement. The 500mm wall thickness provides excellent thermal mass and acts as natural insulation, eliminating the need for additional insulation.
Lime render & plaster are used in place of contemporary cement render for their ability to regulate moisture, prevent dampness, condensation and mould growth. Lime render is self- healing and resistant to cracking. An oxide pigment was added to the mix, to minimise maintenance and eliminate the need to re-paint.
Sandstone in the facade was sourced from the excavation at 200 George Street during the construction of the EY Centre. This material was salvaged and repurposed, reducing the embodied carbon footprint.
Lead is used to form flashings, gutters and cladding. It is known for its durability, resistance to corrosion and high recyclability. With its exceptionally long lifespan, lead requires minimal up keep compared with contemporary materials.
Specification of Australian Certified Timber aligned with our commitment to environmental responsibility. It minimised the use of imported timber, lowering the embodied carbon footprint associated with logistics. Used as key architectural elements, solid hardwood meets the goal of lasting 100 years or more, including the parquetry flooring throughout.
Recycled ironbark has been used for architectural features including exposed roof rafters providing structural support, accentuating the vaulted roofline. As a structural element, Ironbark is very stable. It is also a very hard timber, suitable for high pedestrian traffic and has been used for stair treads, risers and landings.
Solid bronze frames and panels were used to create windows and doors which are durable and patina naturally, creating a visually-appealing protective layer, resistant to corrosion, which doesn’t require re-coating or re-painting.
HVAC system was designed to last a minimum of 25 years, exceeding the typical lifespan of 10–15 years.
Material selection and durable construction detailing eliminated the need for frequent maintenance typical of conventional buildings—removing the necessity to refurbish the façade and replace the fenestration every 25 years or to repaint the façade every 10 years.
Reusing the existing structure—including post-tension beams, concrete slabs, columns, and foundation piers—significantly reduced the embodied carbon associated with production and assembly of concrete structure
Read more about the project here >
02 CASE STUDY
MAIN SCHOOL BUILDING
This project exemplifies our dedication to the adaptive reuse strategy, showcasing innovation and sustainability. JCA has been working closely with the Client since 2006 progressively upgrading the heritage-listed building, while addressing the College's evolving needs and ensuring compliance with contemporary standards.
It was built in 1915, designed by Power and Adams Architects. It was part of an expansionary phase at the campus, introducing new classroom blocks for a growing cohort.
By carrying out facility upgrades and refurbishment, the lifespan of the building is greatly extended, reducing the embodied carbon that would otherwise result from demolition and new construction.
Moreover, future-proofing the facility represents a strategic financial advantage, eliminating the considerable upfront expense associated with constructing an entirely new building.
The ongoing conservation and adaptive reuse of the Main School Building ensures it will continue to serve for and be appreciated by the Scots Community for another century or more.
Read more about the project here >
