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What Does the Future of Sustainable Building Look Like?

 

While the number of countries announcing pledges to achieve net zero emissions over the coming decades continues to grow, it is clear the gap between the climate performance of the building sector and the 2050 decarbonisation pathway is widening.

Of the annual global CO2 emissions, 40% are caused by the built environment.1 Building operations account for 27% of those total emissions, while construction of buildings and infrastructure (commonly referred to as “embodied carbon”) accounts for another 13%.

According to international reports, the building and construction sector’s energy consumption and CO2 emissions have recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic to an all-time high, despite an increase in energy efficiency investment.

In 2021, 10 gigatonnes of CO2 equivalent were released into the atmosphere as a result of the sector’s operational energy use, which is 5% more than 2020 levels and 2% more than the pre-pandemic peak in 2019.4 Buildings’ operational energy needs for heating, cooling, lighting, and other equipment increased
by about 4% from 2020 and by 3% from 2019.

Against this backdrop, it is the duty of the building and design community to help address climate issues. There is a growing demand to build or retrofit buildings that aim for net-zero energy use, as shown by the growing trend of sustainable building frameworks and certification programmes, including Net-Zero, Passive House and Living Buildings.

To provide further impetus, the International Energy Agency highlights that retrofitting 20% of the existing building stock to a zero-carbonready level by 2030 is a necessary milestone toward the
Net Zero Emissions by 2050 target scenario.

Architects, designers and specifiers need to be aware of the design strategies that contribute to an efficient, compelling, and sustainable building. There are already technology and products available to reduce emissions in the built environment, and they are often practical and affordable. This leads to the following question—What does designing a sustainable building mean in 2023?

Approaches to sustainable building

When it comes to building design, there are a variety of ways to look at sustainability. The labels “Net Zero” and “Passive House”, for instance, are synonymous with the design of ultra-low energy structures that require very little energy to heat and cool them. “Living Buildings” is another design standard, created by the International Living Future Institute,7 providing the criteria for buildings that are designed from start to finish with sustainable parameters and that function in a similar way to structures in nature.

These different building design methods can have a significant impact on a variety of factors, including cost, comfort, real sustainability, environmental savings, and many others.
A net-zero home generates as much energy each year as it uses. To achieve zero net energy use throughout the year, design and engineering typically use energy-efficient technology and renewable energy sources, like solar panels. Maximising passive design strategies in the design of the home is also needed to reduce energy demand.

A study in 2019 by the Cooperative Research Centre for Low Carbon Living, identified the financial costs and benefits of upgrading typical display home designs to a net-zero energy standard in Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Townsville.9 The majority of the significant efficiency improvements were attributable to the addition of insulation, increased shading, improved glazing, and energy-efficient appliances like induction cooktops and air source heat pumps.

Passive House (otherwise known as Passivhaus) refers to a set of highly-engineered energy efficiency and design standards that use environmental factors, such as passive solar, to keep energy use as low as possible. The International Passive House Association describes the Passive House philosophy as follows: “Passive Houses require very little energy to achieve a comfortable temperature year-round, making conventional heating and air conditioning systems obsolete.” The five principles of Passive House include: Airtightness; Thermal insulation; Mechanical ventilation heat recovery; High-performance windows; and Thermal bridge free construction.

According to the International Living Future Institute, Living Buildings are: “Regenerative buildings that connect occupants to light, air, food, nature, and community. Self-sufficient and remain within the resource limits of their site. Create a positive impact on the human and natural systems that interact with them.”

What makes the Living Building Challenge unique is that success is outcomes-based and it is known for being one of the world’s most rigorous certification programmes for sustainable buildings. The Living Building Challenge comprises seven performance areas: Place; Water; Energy; Health; Beauty; Materials; and Equity.

 

Applying sustainable thinking to filtered water systems

According to a United Nations report, Australians spent about $580 buying 504 litres of bottled water per person in 2021. This figure ranks as the world’s second highest consumption rate, per capita, behind Singapore.

Not only are we paying dearly for water by the litre, but we are also contributing to a product that generates vast streams of waste that end up in landfills and our waterways.
The manufacturing side of single-use plastic bottles paints an even worse picture. It takes a greater amount of water in a bottle of water to make it as it does to fill it. As a petroleum product, plastic water bottles also require large amounts of oil and energy to produce.

Against this backdrop, identifying sustainable water solutions is an essential requirement to reduce the environmental footprint of buildings and create long-term value for customers. This is where Billi Australia excels, offering high-quality, environmentally-certified filtered water systems that support sustainable design as well as taking a holistic approach to reduce their own environmental impact as well as their customers.

 

Continue reading the Artichecture & Design whitepaper: 

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When choosing a drinking water filtration system, you first need to consider the type of contaminants to be removed from the incoming water supply, and how much drinking water might be needed every day.

Water filtration systems for the home will often have quite different capacity and flow requirements than their commercial counterparts.

Other practical considerations include budget, storage space, access to electricity and potable water, after sales support, and maintenance costs.

 

What does the filter remove?

The filter type you need will depend on what types of contaminants you are trying to remove from the water.

Filters and activated carbon (depending on the micron rating) will likely be enough to deliver better tasting drinking water for most households.

Reverse osmosis and UV purification may be needed where deeper contamination or the spread of infectious disease is a concern.

 

Most popular filters have a micron rating.

The micron is calculated based on the distance between pieces of filter media.

The lower the micron rating, the finer the filtration.

 

The Micron guide:

The quality of the unit plays a large part in its effectiveness. Cheaper units often incorporate mid-tier filtration performance and can be expensive to run in the long term.

Some units will have lower quality filtration due to being made up of granules that are held together with a resin (therefore decreasing surface area). Cheaper filters also often result in ‘tracking,’ where the incoming water supply takes the same pathway or ‘track’ thus negating any potential cleansing effects.

 

Is it accredited and certified?

Manufacturers make a lot of varied claims about their water filtration systems, making it difficult to be sure water filters will do what they say. In this regard, it is important to check if the product has been accredited and certified under the relevant product standards.

The Australian WaterMark Certification Scheme requires products, including water filters, to meet relevant standards to ensure they are safe and fit-for-purpose.

To achieve certification, the water filter must be tested by a recognised testing lab, comply with AS 3497:2021 “Drinking water treatment systems — Design and performance requirements”, be manufactured in accordance with an approved Quality Assurance Program; and carry a warranty.

The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) is probably the most widely recognised independent international body that monitors products that affect food or water safety. The NSF publishes several standards relating to water treatment systems.

While NSF standards are widely publicised, there are several equally well-accredited peer bodies, such as IAPMO R&T (International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials Research and Testing), that provide certification and testing in accordance with comparative NSF standards.

 

How long will it last?

When the filter needs to be replaced is dependent on multiple factors, including how many contaminants are in the water; the hardness & turbidity of the water; how often the filter is used; and the quality of the water filter membrane and media.

Manufacturers should provide clear instructions for how often you should replace the filters in the system.

Advanced filtration systems have indicators that will provide a warning, the filter needs to be replaced.

Higher-quality appliances can go as far as to include hygiene protection features in-built to ensure the same filter is not used in multiple machines.

 

Billi Water Filters

Billi water continues to partner with global leading experts BWT, Europe’s largest water treatment products company.

Billi’s range of premium filters utilises the unique Fibron X technology. Fibron X technology uses activated carbon fibre with minimal bonding agents in a graded density profile. Due to this structure, Fibron X media has a superior contaminant reduction performance and capacity than conventional water filters.

This advanced multi-stage filtration system filters out particles in water reduces chlorine and organic chemicals and enables minerals to flow through the appliance without allowing scale.

Billi filters have been independently tested and certified by IAPMO to international standards and Australian Watermark. Billi filter performance testing is conducted in accordance with international standards NSF, WRAS, and Watermark.

Billi’s range of filters allows to select the right filtration solution for all needs. The company’s 0.2-micron filter provides the highest level of filtration. The 5-micron filter provides a more standard option to improve your drinking water by removing chlorine and limescale which in turn improves taste and odour.

Billi filters are available on our website: Billi Filters

 

 

Access to clean, fresh water is fundamental to living a healthy life.

 

Due to the changing climate, rising pollution levels and Australia’s rapidly growing population, the demand for clean drinking water has never been higher. The government has a duty to provide Australians with safe drinking water, but despite their best efforts, water quality at the point of consumption may not always benefit our short or long-term health goals.

 

Filtering tap water ensures you have a safe, clean water supply, with obvious benefits to health and wellbeing. Filtering tap water can decrease exposure to the numerous known carcinogens and chemicals in tap water. It also improves the taste and smell of tap water, encouraging users to drink water more often. Not only does drinking more water lead to overall greater health and energy, but the fluoride found in tap water also promotes better dental health.

 

Billi systems deliver instant boiling, chilled, still or sparkling filtered water direct from the unit, reducing the demand for plastic bottled water in both the home and the workplace. With periodic plans and plans available for sites with multiple units, Billi offers a bespoke management system for any customer need.

 

Billi’s range of Quadra instantaneous Boiling & Chilled filtered drinking water products are our commercial flagship and are proudly Australian Made, from our facility in Melbourne. The water-cooled Quadra range is synonymous with innovation, sustainability, and quality.

Billi’s Quadra products continue to be designed with green building principles in mind, being Ecolabel Type 1 certified by Global Greentag to a Gold level certification, which is completely without peer in the drinking water industry. The Quadra Boiling & Chilled range encompasses 9 capacity specifications to suit any commercial project. It is fitted standard with the X series Levered dispenser (XL), offering AS1428 compliance and a range of 9 popular and contemporary architectural finishes.

 

Watch our YouTube Video

 

 

Tools for Increasing Collaboration and Productivity

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Digital Tools & Resources 

Billi is at the forefront of digital transformation, providing architects, designers and builders with digital tools and libraries for all their specification and installation needs.

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The COVID-19 pandemic has made design and construction companies adapt to a new era of workplace flexibility. More employees are working from home, with less people in the office at any given time. Travelling to key markets to meet with clients is a less common occurrence due to difficulties with travel and quarantine restrictions. A growing number of people are making
the move out of city centres and working in remote locations, leveraging digital technology as a way to remain connected to their working life.

However, for many workers, the shift towards remote working is not without its challenges. Loneliness, time management problems, increased feelings of isolation and digital miscommunication are only some of the problems employees face working from home for extended periods of time. Companies who fail to address these issues directly face a workforce whose motivation and productivity are significantly reduced.

As a collaborative practice, architecture, design and construction are acutely impacted by these issues. Face-to-face interaction, whether in a studio or on a construction site, is key to the production of a good design. Without effective solutions to connect remote employees, projects risk costly mistakes, project delays and poor quality outcomes. This can lead to unhappy employees, making it difficult for companies to attract and retain high-performing team members.

With today’s teams increasingly dispersed, developing ways to maintain and build motivation and productivity is more important than ever. A growing number of interactive tools are helping design and construction professionals streamline project delivery while enhancing collaboration and human connection both within the organisation and with external clients and stakeholders.

Bridging the digital divide

From design through to construction, the importance of collaboration is paramount. Projects involve a wide range of stakeholders, all of different backgrounds, skills and knowledge levels. Meaningful communication is important to ensure all aspects of a project remain coordinated and stakeholders are all working towards a shared objective.

New digital tools are not only imperative to allow team members to communicate and to achieve tasks, but also to maintain motivation and focus through human connection. Tools such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Slack have been used to allow face-toface interactions and foster dynamic team discussion.
Newer platforms such as Miro, a collaborative whiteboarding platform, present further opportunities to embed collaborative practices among distributed teams. Asana and Jira, already commonly used by software companies, can also be adapted to help coordinate team management and project tracking.

The architecture industry has long been designing digitally, with Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools such as AutoCAD and Revit making significant advances over the years. BIM collaboration tools represent another important step in digital design, providing the ability to track issues and include questions, comments and requests for information within the BIM platform. This capability enables project stakeholders to share, review, and comment on data-rich building models in real time, and create a single source of truth for
architectural, engineering and construction teams.

When team members are distributed geographically, with no access to the actual building site, this is key to minimising errors and miscommunication.

Virtual and augmented reality software tools are increasingly being used by companies to further build capacity in remote teams. Virtual reality (VR) is software that creates an immersive, simulated experience, whereas augmented reality (AR) adds digital elements to a real-life environment. Digital tools that use VR or AR allow design teams to collaborate in 3D environments. A building or structure can be simulated digitally, and users can immerse themselves within it before it is constructed. This allows teams to test run ideas before construction work has started.
VR and AR can greatly benefit clients, as they can be walked through simulated environments and decide whether it meets their requirements.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to streamline projects and help stakeholders deliver greater value to clients. AI refers to technology that mimics human cognitive functions, like problem-solving and pattern recognition. Applied to construction, AI can analyse construction data and apply those learnings to individual projects. Predicting cost overruns, project planning and improving scheduling and productivity are some of the potential applications. Software can be programmed to analyse performance requirements and generate the optimal building design, resolving any clashes between architecture, engineering, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing models.

Digital Tools & Resources

Billi is a leading Australian manufacturer and supplier of high quality drinking water and washroom systems.
The Billi brand is synonymous with Australian innovation, providing products of uncompromising quality. Billi’s range of superior instant filtered water systems are suitable for a wide range of professional applications and environments.

Billi is at the forefront of digital transformation, providing architects, designers and builders with digital tools and libraries for all their specification and installation needs.
For easy reference and accessibility, Billi provides a central online information repository of technical documentation, including Data Sheets, BIM Files, Install and User Guides, Warranties and

Certifications. This comprehensive library provides valuable assistance for every project stage, from pre-design and construction through to operation.

The Billi BSPEC Generator allows users to quickly identify the Billi solution that best meets their project requirements. Select the combination required, how many users, preferred dispenser type and whether there is an optional hot and cold mixer required, and this interactive online tool presents to you the most suitable instant filtered water system. By guiding you step by step to find the ideal system, the SPEC Generator is a valuable time-saver.

A key innovation in the design and specification process, Billi’s 3DBuild tool provides the same level of technical information as the BSPEC Generator with additional 3D visualisations. In a few simple steps, you can see how your chosen product profile interacts with the environment by customising your preferred underbench module, dispenser installation and finish option alongside 12 popular benchtops and 10 trendleading joinery colour palettes. Full document sets are available in conjunction with your specification and additional features to support product specifi cation and document collation are soon to be released.

These digital tools are supported by Billi’s world class customer service experience. Billi offers comprehensive customer care with their Australia-wide network of trained service technicians and service agents providing technically correct, prompt and reliable service.

 

FULL ARTICLE: ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN WHITEPAPER FLIPBOOK 

 

 

Drinking water is an essential component to human health so it is important to ensure the safety and reliability of systems used to deliver water for human consumption.

Choosing the right drinking water system is not always easy in today’s complex regulatory landscape.

A “Good. Better. Best.” approach will help you separate products that meet the minimum regulatory requirements from those that deliver industry-leading performance and sustainability.

 

What is the “Good. Better. Best.” approach? An easy way to evaluate drinking water systems.

Good

At a minimum, drinking water systems should adhere to the basic standards and mandatory regulatory requirements governing the product category.

Better

Manufacturers may choose to demonstrate compliance with other regulatory schemes and standards to offer even greater peace of mind.

Best

There are a range of schemes that certify products not just for performance, but also in terms of their sustainability, contribution to health and wellness, and environmental impact. Many of these schemes are voluntary, and require an accredited third-party certification body to evaluate the product against very stringent environmental criteria.

 

Billi Instant Filtered Water Systems

For more than 25 years, Billi has been the market leader in high performance water filtration solutions for healthy and sustainable work and living spaces. Billi’s reputation for quality and reliability is globally renowned, pairing state of the
art Australian manufacturing with strong research and development capabilities.
Every Billi drinking water appliance is manufactured under a certified quality control system. All Billi commercial range models have been tested and comply with all required standards and more, including:

 

 

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Drinking water is an essential component to human health so it is important to ensure the safety and reliability of systems used to deliver water for human consumption. Sub-standard drinking water systems not only put occupants and the community at risk, but they can also be expensive to repair or replace in the event of a product failure. Furthermore, companies who are involved in the project risk damage to their reputation by delivering low quality solutions that fail to meet the needs of end-users.

Choosing the right drinking water system is not always easy. The regulatory landscape for drinking water is complex – from mandatory schemes and standards that determine the minimum performance of products, to sustainable or industry-led certification programmes that take a broader view of a product’s health and environmental impact. There are also ongoing efforts to design ‘greener’, more sustainable buildings, requiring products to meet increasingly stringent standards for efficiency and performance.

 

Designers and specifiers need a detailed understanding of how compliance and certification works in the drinking water industry to identify solutions that meet project objectives for performance, accessibility and sustainability. Given the mix of mandatory and voluntary standards for the performance of drinking water systems, an easy way to evaluate products is by using a “good, better, best” approach:

While most products claim to be compliant, being certified should be seen as a step above, because certification is provided by a third-party entity.
Certification provides assurance that an accredited third-party certification body has evaluated the product against the appropriate standards and codes, providing greater peace of mind for all involved.

Setting a higher standard with Billi

Billi is at the forefront of innovation and continues to expand their diverse catalogue of stylish, high performance and sustainable filtration products. All Billi operations are grounded in a strong, future-oriented sustainability focus. Billi has been GreenTag certified since 2014, and has since continued to hone its progressive, innovative approach to green design.

Billi has recently joined the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) as a cornerstone member. IWBI nurtures collaboration with organisations who are leading the global movement to advance human health in buildings and communities. Billi can tap into IWBI’s expansive resources and work alongside other WELLfocused organisations that are similarly committed to transforming the built environment and enhancing health and wellness.

Every Billi drinking water appliance is manufactured under a certified quality control system. All Billi commercial range models have been tested and comply with all required standards and more, including:

 

CONTINUE READING ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN WHITEPAPER FLIPBOOK 

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Tap water can contain many impurities, both natural and artificial. Some are harmless, only affecting the way water looks, tastes or smells. However, other contaminants can spread infection, or slowly damage the health of end users over time.

The filter type you need will depend on what types of contaminants you are trying to remove from the water.

 

What does the filter remove?

Most filters have micron rating, which refers to the distance between pieces of filter media. The lower the micron rating, the finer the filtration.

 

Evaluating and Selecting Water Filtration Systems

 

What type of filter do I need?

 

Is it accredited and certified?

 

How long will it last?

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Access to clean, fresh water is fundamental to living a healthy life.

Due to the changing climate, rising pollution levels and Australia’s rapidly growing population, the demand for clean drinking water has never been higher.

The government has a duty to provide Australians with safe drinking water, but despite their best efforts,
water quality at the point of consumption may not always be beneficial to our short or long-term health goals.

Tap water can contain many impurities, both natural and artificial. Some are harmless, only affecting the way water looks, tastes or smells. However, other contaminants can spread infection, or slowly damage the health of end users over time.

Filtering tap water ensures you have a safe, clean water supply, with obvious benefits to health and wellbeing. Filtering tap water can decrease exposure to the numerous known carcinogens and chemicals in tap water. It also improves the taste and smell of tap water, encouraging users to drink water more often.

For these reasons, many Australians are considering water filtration systems to meet basic hydration needs. There is a wide variety of water filtration solutions on the market, but relatively little awareness in relation to what contaminants are removed by different filter types, and the life expectancies of filtration systems.

When choosing a water filtration system, the main considerations relate to the type of contaminants that
need to be removed from the water, and how much drinking water is needed everyday. Water filtration
systems for the home will have different capacity and flow requirements than commercial units, for example.

Read the full Architecture & Design whitepaper for more information regarding filtration. 

 

Billi Water Filters

Billi prides itself on offering world class water filtration products and continues to partner with global leading experts in all areas of water filtration.

Partnering with BWT, Europe’s largest water treatment products company, Billi’s range of premium filters utilise the unique Fibron X technology. Fibron X technology uses activated carbon fibre with minimal bonding agents in a graded density profile. Due to this structure, Fibron X media has a superior contaminant reduction performance and capacity than conventional water filters.

This advanced multi-stage filtration system filters out particles in water reduces chlorine and organic chemicals and enables minerals to flow through the appliance without allowing scale. Certain high performance models can remove parasitic cysts Giardia and Cryptosporidium (994052 and 994060 only), and reduce heavy metals (994052 and 994060 only).

Billi filters have been independently tested and certified by IAPMO to international standards and Australian Watermark. Billi filter performance testing is conducted in accordance with international
standards NSF, WRAS, and Watermark.

Billi’s range of filters allows you to select the right filtration solution for your needs. The company’s 0.2 micron fi lter provides the highest level of filtration. The 5 micron filter provides a more standard option to improve your drinking water by removing chlorine and limescale which in turns improves taste and odour.

The Billi range offers a solution that can cater to any home or work environment.
Genuine replacement Billi filters are available on their website and from your local approved supplier. Billi also offers extensive customer support and service plans to suit customers’ requirements.

To make maintenance even easier, all Billi filters contain a digital protection device to ensure single use, hygiene and an ability to monitor water volume throughput.

 

Select the ideal filter for your Billi product based on your filtration needs: SHOP FILTERS  

 

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Check out the new water filter trends for 2022

 

It has never been more difficult to predict the future. Who would have guessed, just a few short years ago, that a massive plague would shut down the entire world? Thankfully, some things are still within our powers of divination. For example, experts in water filter technology can estimate with flabbergasting insight which water filters will be most popular next year.

Looking to get a water filter in 2022? Don’t be caught installing a backwards or unfashionable model. Read on to find out the latest in water filter technology, and hop onboard the latest aquatic filtration trends.

Hot, cold, ambient and sparkling: more kinds of filtered water than ever before

The old-fashioned, traditional water filter could really only provide one kind of filtered water: room temperature. If you wanted to do something a bit different with that water (have it carbonated, for instance, or at a different temperature) you had to augment it yourself.

In 2022, the new trend is for futuristic water filters that give you whatever kind of water filter you want. From practically boiling water (for instant teas, coffees and speedy cooking) to chilled out water for those sweltering Summer days, these new water filtered taps have it all. Bubbly water? Check, they can do that too. And regular old room-temperature filtered water is still available for those who want it.

Some of the most popular water filter taps of 2022

 

Here are just a few of the taps that are likely to be very popular in 2022:

 

Australian made water filters are a must!

Global supply chains have never been so precarious. Across the world, businesses and consumers are finding it incredibly difficult to get their hands on goods and services. It has never been more important to shop local.

Australian-made taps and water filters are set to have a big year in 2022. A water filtration system can only work effectively if it has a fresh filter installed. How can you be sure that new filters will be available? By getting a water system that accepts filters made in Australia. It’s sensible, it’s convenient, and it’s a boon for Aussie manufacturing.

Incredible water filter technology for offices and working spaces

Offices stood empty for much of 2020 and 2021, as people worked from home. In 2022, it is predicted that more and more people will be able to return to more conventional working locations. And, you arrive back at the office, you may notice something has changed: the water filter.

 

In offices in 2022, you can expect to see water filter systems that are:

 

Author: Water People