Lower North Shore developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen-group">Abadeen</a> has secured development approval for its ultra-luxury residential project on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/34-burran-avenue-mosman-nsw-2088">dress circle Burran Avenue</a>.

The project, just&nbsp;50 metres from Balmoral Beach within Mosman’s prestigious Golden Triangle, will commence construction in early 2026,&nbsp;following the successful completion of its nearby Hampden Mosman project.

Lodged in April 2025 and approved in September 2025, the development will comprise three whole-floor residences, each designed to capture panoramic harbour views through Sydney Heads.

<img alt="34 Burran Avenue, Mosman" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7f4c7816-0ac8-4ef7-be0a-8ef23b693b68" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/BURRAN%20EV01%20R04%20option%201%20%281%29.jpg?VersionId=gVzI8pT6_K59Nhzaz0FLEvY6Kj9Kc8Fg" />

Set on an elevated 550 sqm corner site at the junction of Burran Avenue and Stanton Road, the building has been designed to sit within Balmoral’s natural slope. The façade mixes stone and metal cladding with angular forms, while oversized terraces and full-height sliding doors create a connection between interior living spaces and outdoor entertaining areas.

The delivery team from Abadeen’s Hampden Mosman project, which includes construction company Reform Projects and interiors company Mathieson, has been retained to bring the same level of execution and craftsmanship to Burran Avenue.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/platform-architects">Platform Architects</a> has been appointed project architect, bringing extensive experience from recent luxury residential projects in Manly, Fairlight and Freshwater.

&nbsp;

Justin Brown, Executive Chairman and Founder of Abadeen, said sites of this calibre, this close to Balmoral, are incredibly rare.

“Burran Avenue is an extraordinary site; its location, its scale and its outlook make it truly one of a kind. Receiving DA approval marks an exciting milestone for Abadeen."

"We’re proud to be moving forward with an exceptional team to deliver a project that will set a new standard for ultra-luxury living on Sydney’s Lower North Shore. Construction is planned to commence in early 2026, and interest is already strong from discerning local buyers who recognise the uniqueness of this address."

Brown anticipates prices will set new Mosman benchmarks above $20 million. Sales are expected to launch in March 2026.

Joel Robinson

Abadeen approved for Mosman's priciest apartments

Lifestyle developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gurner">GURNER™ Group</a>, in partnership with Costa Property Group, has announced plans to reimagine Cunningham Pier in Geelong, one of Victoria's most recognisable heritage landmarks.

The announcement follows the City of Greater Geelong’s release of its Draft Geelong Waterfront Master Plan, which seeks to revitalise the waterfront with new energy, tourism, and investment. GURNER and Costa Property Group’s vision aligns with the Council’s ambitions to create a vibrant, connected, and economically powerful precinct for the community.&nbsp;

The future of Cunningham Pier will draw inspiration from Sydney Harbour’s luxury waterfront residences through to Dubai’s sculptural pier-edge towers, blending architectural excellence with &nbsp;resort-style living, hospitality, and public amenity.&nbsp;

The concept, described as “Saint Moritz on the Sea”, is envisioned to include:&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Six-star hotel accommodation and services&nbsp;</li>
	<li>World-class restaurants, bars, and public spaces&nbsp;</li>
	<li>High-end residential offerings&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Entertainment and cultural venues&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Potential cruise ship port facilities, integrating Geelong into the global travel network&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

The transformative project aims to become a magnet for tourism, investment, and innovation, while &nbsp;ensuring continued public access and connection to Corio Bay’s pristine waterfront.&nbsp;

Cunningham Pier has been operated by Costa Property Group for more than 15 years, with the City of Greater Geelong expressing strong support for strategic commercial partnerships that unlock &nbsp;tourism-led economic development for the region’s fast-growing population.&nbsp;

Tim Gurner, Founder &amp; Executive Chairman, GURNER™ Group, said the project is a "once-in-a-generation opportunity to put Geelong on the global map," adding that their version will be of what icons like the Opera House, Story Bridge or Empire State Building have done for other great cities.

“We’ll be working hand-in-hand with the Mayor, Council, the local community, and State Government to deliver something truly iconic that positions Geelong on the world stage. This project brings together everything we’ve built our brand on – world-class design, hospitality, &nbsp;lifestyle, and experience – all in one place. From six-star hotels and restaurants to the possibility of a &nbsp;new cruise ship terminal and luxury residences, the vision is extraordinary.”&nbsp;

City of Greater Geelong&nbsp;Mayor Stretch Kontelj said he welcomes the "bold and inspiring vision reimagining our beloved Cunnigham Pier as a global destination."

"This ambitious plan and the opening of Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre next year have the potential to take our already world-class waterfront to even greater heights.”

Sydney Harbour, Dubai pier towers, to influence Gurner's Cunningham Pier, Geelong development

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bates-smart">Bates Smart</a> is one of Melbourne's longest standing architecture firms.

Founded in Melbourne in 1853 by Joseph Reed, the firm began as Reed &amp; Barnes and has evolved through various partnerships before adopting the Bates Smart name in the 20th century. With a continuous presence spanning more than 170 years, the practice has played a pivotal role in shaping Melbourne’s architectural identity.

In the 19th century, Bates Smart designed several of Melbourne’s enduring landmarks, including the Royal Exhibition Building (1880), a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Melbourne Town Hall. The firm’s influence continued into the 20th century with notable works such as Ici House (1958), considered Melbourne’s first modern skyscraper and a milestone in post-war Australian architecture.

One of their landmark designs was&nbsp;The First Church of Christ, Scientist, at 336-340 St Kilda Road. The building, which is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register, was designed by Bates, Peeble and Smart with construction completed in 1922. Architecturally, the building is significant as a rare example of early twentieth century classicism applied to a religious building. Historically, the building is significant as the first church of the Christian Science movement.

Melbourne developer Time &amp; Place decided to bring Bates Smart back to the area to design their next residential apartment project, Park Modern.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138453 project_image_fid=2138]

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/park-modern-south-melbourne-1-middleton-lane-south-melbourne-vic-3205">Park Modern</a>, on one of the largest island sites on the Melbourne CBD fringe, bordered by Dorcas Street, Wells Street, and Middleton Lane, will comprise two sculptural towers. It is being positioned as a design-forward response to evolving owner-occupier preferences in the Domain precinct.

Tim Price, Director at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/time-place">Time &amp; Place</a>, says&nbsp;Bates Smart have got a footprint on this city, probably like no other architect.

"It’s a really nice kind of next chapter story, that they created from a design perspective so long ago," Price told Apartments.com.au.

Park Modern will be the third time Time &amp; Place has worked with Bates Smart, having successfully designed and delivered Collins House and Opera on St Kilda Road together.

The brief focused on creating a built form that would feel contextually appropriate while offering a contemporary evolution of inner-city apartment living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138453 project_image_fid=2137]

The focus for Park Modern is squarely on owner-occupiers.

“It’s not always about downsizing," Price says.

"Sometimes it’s just about creating a space which is easily maintained, lock up and leave, reflecting people’s aspirations, whether they’re entertainers, big dining room spaces, big open terraces, they’re important parts of any design consideration.”

The building includes a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, as well as penthouses, with layouts and floor plans designed to suit a broad demographic. The architecture has been shaped to capture&nbsp;view corridors to the Botanic Gardens, Port Phillip Bay and the CBD skyline.

Each apartment has been oriented to maximise natural light and provide a clear outlook, elements often cited by owner-occupiers as key criteria.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138453 project_image_fid=351806]

Rather than defaulting to a generic luxury offering, the amenity strategy at Park Modern reflects specific insights into how residents want to live. The ground floor will include co-working areas, wellness facilities, and a concierge-led lobby that blends indoor and outdoor design cues.

“Wellness has become a more thoughtful consideration, not just gyms or lap pools, but things like magnesium plunge pools, saunas, daybeds, and studio spaces for Pilates and the regular cardio workout,” says Price.

One notable inclusion is a substantial porte-cochère, a covered vehicle drop-off zone integrated into the site plan. It’s a feature rarely seen in inner-urban developments and speaks to the team’s emphasis on ease of arrival and departure for residents and guests.

A display suite for Park Modern is now open by appointment, giving prospective buyers an early look at the project.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=138453]

100 years on, Bates Smart returns to South Melbourne's Domain Precinct to design Park Modern

One of the most significant beachfront projects ever proposed for the small suburb of Miami on the Gold Coast, has taken a major step forward.&nbsp;Monaco Property Group has secured approval for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nalu-miami-122-marine-parade-qld-4220">NALU</a>, a $500 million development comprising just 45 ultra-luxury residences on the iconic former Nobby’s Outlook site.

Acquired by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/monaco-property-group">Monaco Property Group</a> in 2024 for $70 million, the rare 7,238 sqm Marine Parade parcel boasts more than 80 metres of uninterrupted ocean frontage.

With approvals now secured, Monaco Property Group will move NALU into its delivery phase. The project has been designed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, who collaborated with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/ldg-landscape-architecture">LDG Landscape Architecture</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/tom-mark-henry">Tom Mark Henry Interiors</a>&nbsp;to create the low-rise building, its landscaping, and interiors.

<img alt="NALU" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3fdf578e-7cc4-4b17-bbc2-ba853522a5d8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/122_Marine_Parade_002.jpg?VersionId=zFhJWVzX0jmCO.5iIIxNELImHesTjWS4" />

Residences will range from 237 sqm layouts to beachfront homes exceeding 1,400 sqm.

At the heart of the project is a 2,200 sqm lifestyle precinct with a bathhouse, fitness centre and resort-style pool, elevated by a concierge service.

Jonathan Grasso, Co-Founder of Monaco Property Group, said the council approval marks an exciting milestone for NALU, which will launch in Q1 2026.

“The project will now progress toward construction, working alongside our world-class collaborators to bring NALU to life," Grasso said.

“Our vision is to create a legacy project for the Gold Coast, one that not only honours the history of the site but also elevates its future, setting a new standard for coastal living in Australia. NALU embodies the pinnacle of design and location and will stand as an enduring icon of prestige and liveability.”

<img alt="NALU" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6ae8545b-87ca-4dea-90ed-ac273ec6515d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Image7.jpg?VersionId=Wnmie4bu3x2WQonnG4Pwmh39NdZVKeOV" />

Originally developed in the 1970s as Nobby’s Outlook and later refurbished in 2019 as Nalu, the property has long held a place in the local community’s coastal identity. The new vision will build on this legacy, creating luxury residences that capture ocean views while fostering a lifestyle defined by wellness, connection, and ease.&nbsp;

Beyond its residential offering, NALU will deliver significant economic benefits to the Gold Coast through job creation and opportunities for local suppliers and contractors. Construction is anticipated to commence in early 2026, with completion expected in Q3 2028.

Monaco Property Group approved for $500 million NALU apartments on Miami beach

The most elevated residential tower in Palm Beach, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/corallo-palm-beach-5-palm-beach-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Corallo</a>, has officially launched this week, however only a handful of buyers will have an opportunity to buy in to the 17-storey project.

The $200 million mixed-use project includes ground floor dining and retail and is considered so valuable its developer, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/changfa-group">Changfa Group</a>, will be staging its release of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses to the market.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112194 project_image_fid=806]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/colliers">Colliers</a> International, Director, David Higgins, said the development’s location just metres from the beach on the corner of Palm Beach Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway influenced the sculptural design by the acclaimed Plus Architecture studio.

“<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a> locals understand the rare opportunity here at Corallo, particularly being the tallest building in the suburb and its proximity to the beach and local restaurants, and they’ve represented the bulk of pre-launch enquiries,” Higgins said.

“The orientation of the apartments captures views of the coastline from Surfers Paradise to Currumbin, and the diversity of floor plans and apartment types provide an exceptional level of choice.

“The first release includes just 59 one-, two and three-bedroom apartments and two half-floor penthouses, with flexible use designed to appeal to both owner-occupiers and investors."

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112194 project_image_fid=799]

In addition to the ground floor amenity, residents will also have access to a private dedicated wellness level offering 734 sqm of resort-style amenities including a pool, cold plunge, wet deck, steam room, sauna, gym, day bed, fire pit, barbecue area, dining area and yoga/stretch deck.

The project is located within walking distance of Tallebudgera Creek, Burleigh Heads village, Currumbin Alley and Palm Beach Currumbin High School. The Gold Coast Airport is under 10 minutes away.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112194 project_image_fid=814]

Higgins said Palm Beach remained a hotly contested suburb for home buyers, with prices doubling in the past five years.

“What makes Corallo so appealing to the local market is the diversity of apartment types and pricing, with one-bedroom apartments starting from $841,000 and two-bedroom apartments starting from $1.34 million,” he said.

“The ground floor retail and dining offering will further expand on Palm Beach’s village atmosphere and create a meeting place for locals, and those opportunities for connection are highly valued.”

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112194 project_image_fid=807]

The on-site sales display, which includes a fully fitted kitchen, bathroom and bedroom, will be open until early works commence in Q1 2026. Each residence at Corallo will feature premium finishes including natural stone, artisanal brickwork, and warm copper accents.

Changfa Group has a two-decade history of delivering premium developments in Australia and internationally, having recently completed its collection of premium townhomes at Lyra, Hope Island, as well as apartment projects in Leichhardt, Carlingford, and Chatswood in New South Wales.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112194]

$200 million Corallo Palm Beach launches with limited apartment release

Carbon Emission

<html><body>
Buildings in Australia account for over 50% of electricity use and almost a quarter of our carbon emissions but the failures, frailties and fragmentation of the construction sector have created a major obstacle to long-term reductions. 
Reducing our carbon footprint plays second fiddle to the multibillion-dollar work of replacing flammable cladding, asbestos and other non-compliant materials and ensuring buildings are structurally sound and can be safely occupied.
Buildings – whether residential, commercial or institutional – do not score well under the nation’s main emissions reduction program, the A$3.5 billion <a href="https://www.environment.gov.au/climate-change/climate-solutions-package" target="_blank">Climate Solutions Package</a>. This is intended to help meet Australia’s 2030 Paris Agreement commitment to cut emissions by 26–28% from 2005 levels.
This climate fund has very successfully generated offsets under the vegetation and waste methods – these projects account for <a href="https://www.afr.com/companies/energy/climate-solutions-fund-aims-to-way-exceed-paris-targets-20191107-p5389w" target="_blank">97% of Australian carbon credit units</a> issued. But <a href="https://www.hvacrnews.com.au/news/buildings-to-the-rescue-for-erf/" target="_blank">built environment abatements have been very disappointing</a>.
Australians have <a href="http://climatecollege.unimelb.edu.au/facts4paris-australias-capita-emissions-remain-highest-among-its-key-trading-partners" target="_blank">very high emissions per person</a>. That’s partly due to how we use our buildings.
Our states and territories control building regulations. This year the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) <a href="http://coagenergycouncil.gov.au/publications/trajectory-low-energy-buildings" target="_blank">set ambitious energy-reduction trajectories</a> for buildings out to 2022 and beyond. This was to be achieved through amendments to national codes and implementing energy-efficiency programs.
<h2>Making the best use of our buildings</h2>
Last month, the Green Building Council and Property Council launched a policy toolkit, called <a href="https://new.gbca.org.au/news/gbca-news/making-every-building-count-industrys-practical-plan-lower-emissions-and-deliver-practical-savi/" target="_blank">Making Every Building Count</a>. The councils urged governments to adopt practical plans to reduce emissions in the building sector.
The toolkit contains no fewer than 75 recommendations for all tiers of government. These are the result of work done through industry and university research partnerships in places like the <a href="http://www.lowcarbonlivingcrc.com.au/" target="_blank">Low Carbon Living Collaborative Research Centre</a> – now disbanded after its seven-year funding ended.
Most energy-efficiency studies and programs focus solely on the operational aspect of buildings, such as the energy used to heat and cool them. However, various studies have proved that the energy and emissions required to manufacture building products, even <a href="https://theconversation.com/pink-batts-not-a-scandal-but-not-as-good-as-claimed-10213" target="_blank">energy-saving products such as insulation</a>, can be just as significant.
A more holistic approach is to look at the embodied energy already in our building stock, which then poses a <a href="https://www.adelaidereview.com.au/form/2019/06/25/book-extract-the-impact-of-overbuilding-on-people-and-the-planet/" target="_blank">serious question about our consumption</a>. So, besides aspirational codes for net zero-energy buildings, we should be asking: can we meet our needs with fewer new buildings?
In Melbourne, for example, an estimated <a href="https://www.sbs.com.au/news/the-feed/melbourne-s-60-000-vacant-houses-uncovered" target="_blank">60,000 homes are sitting unused</a>. Commercial property has very high vacancy rates – <a href="https://www.afr.com/property/commercial/retail-woes-blow-through-iconic-melbourne-strips-20190813-p52gi9" target="_blank">up to one in six premises are unoccupied</a> in parts of the city. This points to a less-than-effective market in valuing our embodied carbon emissions in property.
If we are to get serious about reducing emissions, we need to tackle inefficient space use.
<h2>Empowering people to cut emissions</h2>
In occupied commercial buildings, some evidence suggests most building managers are grappling with complexity and challenging tenant behaviours. They also don’t get the clear information they need to continually <a href="https://tfespecialreports.com.au/energy-efficiencys-big-secret-a-major-retrofit-of-performance-can-be-surprisingly-affordable/" target="_blank">improve their building’s performance beyond a selected benchmark</a>.
In residential property, home energy performance is very much in our own hands. So we need to consider the means, motivations and opportunities of households, which I did in my <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://minerva-access.unimelb.edu.au/handle/11343/220478" target="_blank">doctoral study</a>. A major barrier is that most of us don’t even know what we are getting when we buy or rent an ageing stock of more than 9 million homes.
Europe and the United States moved to <a href="https://www.gov.uk/buy-sell-your-home/energy-performance-certificates" target="_blank">mandatory residential energy disclosure</a> at point of sale and lease well over a decade ago. If you rent or buy a home in these countries you get an energy performance certificate. It identifies emissions intensity and gives advice on how to operate the home more efficiently and hence with lower emissions.
In Australia, we have just sat on a commitment made by <a href="https://www.coag.gov.au/sites/default/files/communique/2009-04-30.pdf" target="_blank">COAG back in 2009</a> to introduce a nationwide scheme.
Size matters, too. Residential space per person is <a href="https://www.commsec.com.au/content/dam/EN/ResearchNews/2018Reports/November/ECO_Insights_191118_CommSec-Home-Size.pdf" target="_blank">high by international standards</a>. Although McMansions are on the wane, our <a href="https://www.afr.com/property/residential/mcmansions-no-more-as-house-sizes-shrink-20191108-p538oi" target="_blank">apartments are getting a bit bigger</a>. The average size of freestanding houses built in 2018-19 shrank by 1.3% from 2017-18 to a <a href="https://www.commbank.com.au/guidance/newsroom/commsec-home-size-trends-report-201911" target="_blank">17-year low of 228.8 square metres</a>.
And we are putting more solar on our roofs as a carbon offset. As of September 30 2019, Australia had more than <a href="https://pv-map.apvi.org.au/analyses" target="_blank">2.2 million</a> <a href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-what-is-photovoltaic-solar-energy-12924" target="_blank">solar photovoltaic</a> (PV) installations. Their combined capacity was over 13.9 gigawatts.
However, the trend towards high-rise living is not helpful for emissions. <a href="https://www.solarchoice.net.au/blog/solar-for-strata-apartment-blocks/" target="_blank">Solar for strata apartments is tricky</a>.
I recently worked with colleagues in Australia and overseas in a <a href="https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007%2F978-3-030-04293-6_40" target="_blank">study</a> of the user experience of PV. We found residents face a range of issues that limit emission reductions. These issues include:
<ul>
<li>initial sizing and commissioning with component failures such as faulty inverters</li>
<li>lack of knowledge about solar and expected generation performance</li>
<li>regulatory barriers that limit the opportunity to upgrade system size.</li>
</ul>
Looking to improve regulations and codes and billion-dollar funds may be sensible ways to meet emission targets, but human empowerment is the secret weapon in improving energy performance and lowering emissions. Good low-carbon citizens will help create good low-carbon cities.
A set of clear guides on how to use a building is a good starting point. The <a href="http://builtbetter.org/lowcarbonguides/" target="_blank">low-carbon living knowledge hub</a> provides these.
What will make every building count in lowering emissions is the behaviour of occupants, the commitment of owners to make their buildings low-carbon and building managers’ ability to become more adept at reducing building-related emissions.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/126930/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/timothy-oleary-685735" target="_blank">Timothy O'Leary</a>, Lecturer in Construction and Property, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-melbourne-722" target="_blank">University of Melbourne</a>
This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/making-every-building-count-in-meeting-australias-emission-targets-126930" target="_blank">original article</a>.
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Making every building count in meeting Australia’s emission targets

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Concrete is the most widely used man-made material, commonly used in buildings, roads, bridges and industrial plants. But producing the Portland cement needed to make concrete accounts for 5-8% of all global greenhouse emissions.
There is a more environmentally friendly cement known as MOC (magnesium oxychloride cement), but its poor water resistance has limited its use – until now. We have developed a water-resistant MOC, a “green” cement that could go a long way to cutting the construction industry’s emissions and <a href="https://gccassociation.org/sustainability-innovation/" target="_blank">making it more sustainable</a>.
Producing a tonne of conventional cement in Australia emits about <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267233444_SCM's_potential_to_lower_Australia's_greenhouse_gas_emissions_profile" target="_blank">0.82 tonnes of carbon dioxide</a> (CO₂). Because most of the CO₂ is released as a result of the chemical reaction that produces cement, <a href="https://www.carbonbrief.org/qa-why-cement-emissions-matter-for-climate-change" target="_blank">emissions aren’t easily reduced</a>. In contrast, MOC is a different form of cement that is carbon-neutral.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/301205/original/file-20191112-178520-1o0tfjn.PNG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/301205/original/file-20191112-178520-1o0tfjn.PNG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
Global CO₂ emissions from rising cement production over the past century (with 95% confidence interval). <a href="https://www.earth-syst-sci-data.net/10/195/2018/" target="_blank">Source: Global CO2 emissions from cement production, Andrew R. (2018)</a>, <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" target="_blank">CC BY</a>
What exactly is MOC?
MOC is produced by mixing two main ingredients, magnesium oxide (MgO) powder and a concentrated solution of magnesium chloride (MgCl₂). These are byproducts from magnesium mining.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/301216/original/file-20191112-178498-1i9iftz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/301216/original/file-20191112-178498-1i9iftz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
Magnesium oxide (MgO) powder (left) and a solution of magnesium chloride (MgCl₂) are mixed to produce magnesium oxychloride cement (MOC). Author provided
Many countries, including China and Australia, have plenty of magnesite resources, as well as seawater, from which both MgO and MgCl₂ could be obtained.
Furthermore, <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/acs.chemrev.5b00463" target="_blank">MgO can absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere</a>. This makes MOC a truly green, carbon-neutral cement.
MOC also has many superior material properties compared to conventional cement.
Compressive strength (capacity to resist compression) is the most important material property for cementitious construction materials such as cement. MOC has a much higher compressive strength than conventional cement and this impressive strength can be achieved very fast. The fast setting of MOC and early strength gain are very advantageous for construction.
Although MOC has plenty of merits, it has until now had poor water resistance. Prolonged contact with water or moisture severely degrades its strength. This <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/suco.201800077" target="_blank">critical weakness has restricted its use</a> to indoor applications such as floor tiles, decoration panels, sound and thermal insulation boards.
How was water-resistance developed?
A team of researchers, led by Yixia (Sarah) Zhang, has been working to develop a water-resistant MOC since 2017 (when she was at UNSW Canberra).
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/301217/original/file-20191112-178494-1jalea4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/301217/original/file-20191112-178494-1jalea4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=237&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
Adding industrial byproducts fly ash (above) and silica fume (below) improves the water resistance of MOC. Author provided
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/301393/original/file-20191112-178511-1he0duz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/301393/original/file-20191112-178511-1he0duz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=237&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
To improve water resistance, the team added industrial byproducts such as fly ash and silica fume to the MOC, as well as chemical additives.
Fly ash is a byproduct from the coal industry – there’s plenty of it in Australia. Adding fly ash significantly improved the water resistance of MOC. Flexural strength (capacity to resist bending) was fully retained after soaking in water for 28 days.
To further retain the compressive strength under water attack, the team added silica fume. Silica fume is a byproduct from producing silicon metal or ferrosilicon alloys. When fly ash and silica fume were combined with MOC paste (15% of each additive), full compressive strength was retained in water for 28 days.
Both the fly ash and silica fume have a similar effect of filling the pore structure in MOC, making the cement denser. The reactions with the MOC matrix form a gel-like phase, which contributes to water repellence. The extremely fine particles, large surface area and high reactive silica (SiO₂) content of silica fume make it an effective binding substance known as a <a href="https://concretecountertopinstitute.com/free-training/the-use-of-pozzolans-in-concrete/" target="_blank">pozzolan</a>. This helps give the concrete high strength and durability.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/301218/original/file-20191112-178498-1kb1a8v.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/301218/original/file-20191112-178498-1kb1a8v.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
Scanning electron microscope images of MOC showing the needle-like phases of the binding mechanism. Author provided
Although the MOC developed so far had excellent resistance to water at room temperature, it weakened fast when soaked in warm water. The team worked to overcome this by using inorganic and organic chemical additives. Adding phosphoric acid and soluble phosphates greatly improved warm water resistance.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/301219/original/file-20191112-178516-1qpuacx.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/301219/original/file-20191112-178516-1qpuacx.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=237&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
Examples of building products made using MOC. Author provided
Over three years, the team has made a breakthrough in developing MOC as a green cement. The strength of concrete is rated using megapascals (<a href="https://www.hunker.com/12304046/definition-of-concrete-mpa" target="_blank">MPa</a>). The MOC achieved a compressive strength of 110 MPa and flexural strength of 17 MPa. These values are a few times <a href="https://infostore.saiglobal.com/preview/is/en/2011/i.s.en197-1-2011.pdf?sku=1492629" target="_blank">greater than those of conventional cement</a>.
The MOC can fully retain these strengths after being soaked in water for 28 days at room temperatures. Even in hot water (60˚C), the MOC can retain up to 90% of its compressive and flexural strength after 28 days. The values remain as high as 100 MPa and 15 MPa respectively – still much greater than for conventional cement.
Will MOC replace conventional cement?
So could MOC replace conventional cement some day? It seems very promising. More research is needed to demonstrate the practicability of uses of this green and high-performance cement in, for example, concrete.
When concrete is the main structural component, steel reinforcement has to be used. Corrosion of steel in MOC is a critical issue and a big hurdle to jump. The research team has already started to work on this issue.
If this problem can be solved, MOC can be a game-changer for the construction industry.
Yixia (Sarah) Zhang, Associate Professor of Engineering, Western Sydney University. 
Khin Soe, Research Associate, School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics, Western Sydney University.
Yingying Guo, PhD Candidate, School of Engineering and Information Technology, UNSW.
This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/green-cement-a-step-closer-to-being-a-game-changer-for-construction-emissions-126033" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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Green cement a step closer to being a game-changer for construction emissions

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Political debate about a “big Australia” has re-emerged in response to <a href="https://theconversation.com/factcheck-is-australias-population-the-highest-growing-in-the-world-96523" target="_blank">high levels of immigration</a>, increasing congestion and high property prices in Sydney and Melbourne, where <a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/immigration/90pc-of-migrants-settling-in-two-cities/news-story/8746797d36bf40f41587d267e8dcdbc4" target="_blank">90% of migrants settle</a>. In 2010, <a href="https://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_Departments/Parliamentary_Library/pubs/rp/rp1617/Quick_Guides/MigrationStatistics" target="_blank">China overtook the United Kingdom as Australia’s largest source of permanent migrants</a> (a position <a href="https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/about/reports-publications/research-statistics/statistics/live-in-australia/migration-programme" target="_blank">now held by India</a>). Since then, China-born migrants have <a href="https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/about/reports-publications/research-statistics/statistics/live-in-australia/migration-programme" target="_blank">averaged around 15% of the annual intake</a>. That’s a significant contributor to the “Asianisation” of Sydney and Melbourne that <a href="https://books.google.com.au/books?redir_esc=y&amp;id=Yw-QVvwebDsC&amp;q=Peter+McDonald#v=onepage&amp;q=Demographic%20Transitions&amp;f=false" target="_blank">Peter McDonald pointed to a decade ago</a>.
In this context, <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1745-5871.12316" target="_blank">our research</a> focused on the much-neglected dimension of the <a href="https://www.macrobusiness.com.au/2018/08/professor-ian-lowe-mass-immigration-mass-environment-killer/" target="_blank">environmental impact on cities</a> of population and immigration. Australian cities are world-leading – in the worst sense – in terms of the size of their <a href="https://www.footprintnetwork.org/our-work/ecological-footprint/" target="_blank">ecological footprints</a>, a measure of <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877705817316685?via%3Dihub" target="_blank">their resource use and greenhouse gas emissions</a>. And we found China-born residents more than triple their average levels of consumption compared to when they lived in China, even surpassing Australia-born residents’ consumption.
What did the study find?
We were interested in understanding the urban consumption behaviour of China-born 21st-century migrants (as measured by their ecological footprint) when they settled in Box Hill. This is a middle-class middle-ring suburb of Melbourne with the <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/this-map-shows-where-migrants-from-around-the-world-have-settled-in-melbourne-20170822-gy1dqh" target="_blank">greatest concentration of China-born residents</a>. We compared their consumption to their pre-migration footprint (when living in China) and to that of Australia-born residents in the same suburb.
Our findings are based on an extensive face-to-face survey of 61 China-born and 72 Australia-born residents. The main findings were as follows.
Within a decade of arrival in Melbourne, China-born urban consumption patterns were more than three times their consumption before their migration. They even surpassed the consumption levels of other residents of the suburb. Their housing consumption was 5.4 times higher than when in China, food consumption 4.7 times higher and carbon footprint 2.7 times bigger.
In part this is due to higher incomes, settling in a city with housing sizes and costs among the highest in the world and where the private car is the dominant form of transport. But cultural influences are also in play.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/243129/original/file-20181031-76416-1yk5cwu.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/243129/original/file-20181031-76416-1yk5cwu.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=237&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
Figure 1. The gap in the CALD Index between residents born in China and in Australia suggests a strong cultural influence on consumption behaviours. (Click to enlarge.) <a class="source" href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1745-5871.12316" target="_blank">Ting, Newton &amp; Stone (2018)</a>, Author provided
It is apparent that consumer acculturation is the major process by which Chinese migrants have come to mirror the host society in Australia. Cultural integration is less evident – it lags consumer acculturation. This was clear from a comparison of scores on a Cultural and Linguistic Difference (CALD) Index.
The index incorporated measures of birthplace, English proficiency, religion, food preferences, participation in entertainment and festivals, avenues of social interaction and engagement with neighbourhood communities. The gap between the China-born and Australia-born groups’ scores on the CALD Index was significant (see Figure 1). This suggests a strong cultural influence on the China-born group’s urban consumption behaviours is likely.
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/243131/original/file-20181031-76408-6migwa.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/243131/original/file-20181031-76408-6migwa.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=237&amp;fit=clip" alt=""></a>
Figure 2. China-born residents in Melbourne tend to have much larger housing in all categories than they had in China. (Click to enlarge.) <a class="source" href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1745-5871.12316" target="_blank">Ting, Newton &amp; Stone (2018)</a>, Author provided
A comparison of the different components of the ecological footprints of China-born and Australia-born residents was also revealing. Housing footprints measuring the size and type of dwelling occupied by the China-born residents were 18% larger overall.
This may be due to the role housing plays in reflecting an attained status (mien-tzu, or “to save face”) within the host society. Consumption levels that outstrip those of Australia-born residents indicate the potential danger of housing consumption being used to indicate “successful” settlement in Australia.
Food footprints of the China-born were 16% larger than the Australia-born. This reflected higher consumption of meat and dairy products and lower consumption of home-grown vegetables.
Carbon footprints of the China-born were 37% bigger, mainly as a result of more frequent overseas travel.
A rising burden on the planet
The global implications of these findings are potentially huge. The <a href="https://www.michaelwest.com.au/ross-garnaut-the-future-of-chinese-economic-growth/" target="_blank">rise of incomes among China’s population into the range of those in developed countries</a> can be expected to unleash new levels of urban consumption as this population aspires to the urban liveability enjoyed by people in Australia and North America. In these countries, however, city liveability ratings are closely related to <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877705817316685" target="_blank">ecological footprints that are almost triple those of China</a>.
Based on the rate of growth of the mainland Chinese middle class and the increase in consumption by the China-born middle class now living in Australia, the ecological footprint of China’s population of 1.4 billion can be expected to more than double over the next 10 to 20 years. This has significant consequences for planetary ecosystems and geopolitics.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/103921/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
Peter Newton, Research Professor in Sustainable Urbanism, Centre for Urban Transitions, Swinburne University of Technology
Christina Ting, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Swinburne Business School, Swinburne University of Technology
Wendy Stone, Associate Professor, Centre for Urban Transitions, Swinburne University of Technology
This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/chinese-migrants-follow-and-add-to-australian-city-dwellers-giant-ecological-footprints-103921" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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Chinese migrants follow and add to Australian city dwellers’ giant ecological footprints

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GUEST OBSERVATION
The carbon footprint of tourism is about four times larger than previously thought, according to a world-first study published today in Nature Climate Change.
Researchers from the University of Sydney, University of Queensland and National Cheng Kung University – including ourselves – worked together to assess the entire supply chain of tourism. This includes transportation, accommodation, food and beverages, souvenirs, clothing, cosmetics and other goods.
Put together, global tourism produces about 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, much more than previous estimates.
Adding it all up
Tourism is a trillion-dollar industry, and is growing faster than international trade.
To determine the true emissions produced by tourism, we scanned over a billion supply chains of a range of commodities consumed by tourists. By combining a detailed international trade database with accounts tracking what goods and services tourists bought, we identified carbon flows between 160 countries from 2009 to 2013.
Our results show that tourism-related emissions increased by around 15% over that period, from 3.9 gigatonnes (Gt) of carbon-dioxide equivalent (CO₂-e) to 4.5Gt. This rise primarily came from tourist spending on transport, shopping and food.
<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/217900/original/file-20180507-166903-1irt6n0.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="">
World map showing bilateral embodied carbon movements. In 2013, international travel was responsible for 23% of the global carbon footprint of tourism. [The carbon footprint of global tourism] 
We estimate that our growing appetite for travel and a business-as-usual scenario would increase carbon emissions from global tourism to about 6.5Gt by 2025. This increase is largely driven by rising incomes, making tourism highly income-elastic and carbon-intensive.
Whose responsibility is it?
In the study, we compared two perspectives for allocating responsibility for these emissions: residence-based accounting and destination-based accounting. The former perspective allocates emissions to the country of residence of tourists, the latter to the country of destination. Put simply, are tourism-related carbon emissions the responsibility of travellers or tourist destinations?
If responsibility lies with the travellers, then we should identify the countries that send the most tourists out into the world, and find ways to reduce the carbon footprint of their travel.
On the other hand, destination-based accounting can offer insights into tourism spots (like popular islands) that would benefit most from technology improvements and regulations for reducing the carbon footprint of tourism.
Tracking emissions under destination-based accounting over a specific period could help researchers and policymakers to answer questions about the success of incentive schemes and regulations, and to assess the speed of decarbonisation of tourism-related sectors.
So how do countries rank under the two accounting perspectives? The United States is responsible for the majority of tourism-related emissions under both perspectives – many people travel both from and to the US – followed by China, Germany and India.
But on a per-capita basis, the situation looks rather different. Small island destinations have the highest per-capita destination-based footprints. Maldives tops the list – 95% of the island’s tourism-related emissions come from international visitors.
Tourists are responsible for 30-80% of the national emissions of island economies. These findings bring up the question of the impact of tourism on small island states.
Islands as tourist destinations
Small islands depend on income from tourists. At the same time, these very tourists threaten the native biodiversity of the islands.
Small island states typically do not have the capacity to embrace technology improvements due to their small economies of scale and isolated locations.
<img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/217909/original/file-20180507-166903-2md88e.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" alt="">
Sustainable tourism on islands. Author provided
Can we lend a helping hand? Directing financial and technical support to these islands could potentially help with efforts to decarbonise their infrastructure. This support would be a reflection of the share of consumer responsibility, especially from developed nations that are “net travellers”.
Maldives, Mauritius and other small islands are actively exploring ways of building their renewable energy capacity to reduce the carbon intensity of local hotels, transport and recreational spots.
Creating awareness at multiple levels
We hope that our study provides a starting point for conversations between the public, companies and policymakers about sustainable tourism.
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/96200/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">Ultimately real change will come from implementing regulations and incentives together to encourage low-carbon operations. At a personal level, though, it’s worth looking at the carbon-cost of your flights, choosing to offset your emissions where possible and supporting tourism companies that aim to operate sustainably.
Dr Arunima Malik, Lecturer in Sustainability, University of Sydney
Dr Ya-Yen Sun, Senior Lecturer, The University of Queensland
This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-carbon-footprint-of-tourism-revealed-its-bigger-than-we-thought-96200" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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The carbon footprint of tourism revealed (it's bigger than we thought)

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Leading office-products supplier COS has invested $1 million in installing over 1,500 solar panels at its facilities as it works towards zero carbon emissions.
The decision to invest in the panels came after an audit showed electricity to be contributing almost 50 per cent to the company’s carbon emissions.
COS’ solar energy farms in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are expected to produce 80 per cent of power usage at each site. The panels at its Sydney facility alone covers over 6,060 square metres. 
These three sites will produce more than 611 megawatt hours per annum and reduce COS’ carbon emissions by 532 tonnes per year – equivalent to removing 133 cars off the road and growing 3,191 mature trees — according to a media release.
COS managing director Dominique Lyone said the company being privately owned means it has the freedom to make long-term decisions that may not have an immediate return on investment. 
“This move reflects our commitment to embracing new technology to protect natural resources and create sustainable solutions that benefit current and future generations. We hope this inspires other organisations to reduce their carbon footprint,” he added
COS worked with solar energy equipment supplier Sun Connect to install the solar panels at each site.
Sun Connect CEO Mark Tuke said the COS project was one of the largest commercial solar panel installations Sun had undertaken.
The COS website will also feature live data showing the amount of energy generated from its solar energy farms. 
“The solar energy farms actually produce more energy than we need with 25 per cent being fed back into the electricity grid. The next phase of this project will involve further investigation into battery storage solutions to move us closer to our goal of a zero emissions future,” said Lyone.
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