Australian Zero Carbon Housing Challenge

The Low Carbon Challenge, founded in the ACT in 2020, is now opening its doors nationally in 2025 — calling on Australian architects to lead the transition to a low-carbon built environment through good design that delivers real impact. Supported by the The Low Carbon Challenge, founded in the ACT in 2020, is now opening its doors nationally in 2025 — calling on Australian architects to lead the transition to a low-carbon built environment through good design that delivers real impact.

Supported by the Australian Institute of Architects’ Architecture Industry Decarbonisation Plan 2025–2050, the Challenge offers a powerful platform to showcase how design excellence can drive carbon reduction, improve wellbeing, and build resilience from the very first sketch. It also complements the Institute’s continuing efforts to strengthen education and recognition through its national Architecture Awards, particularly for residential projects up to three storeys.

Today, the National President proudly opens the 2025 Challenge, inviting architects across Australia “to demonstrate their commitment to designing efficiency and resilience into homes from the outset — proving that good design not only reduces emissions, but enhances health, wellbeing, and consumer confidence through the expertise of registered architects.”

Introduction and event opening:

Adam Haddow, National President of the Australian Institute of Architects and Partner at SJB

MC:

Jane Cassidy, GHD Director of Design

Demonstration methodology of assessment:

Sarah Lebner from Cooee Architecture

Speaker:

Patrick Kelly from Breathe

Plus

Dr Melinda Dodson and Rob Henry discuss how to enter the Challenge.

Kevin Miller as the Challenge Registrar.