Southern Highlands Future Forum 2025: Building a Sustainable Tomorrow

The Southern Highlands Future Forum is set to return this August for its second year, once again in partnership with WinZero, with a timely focus on Sustainable Building.

The event will bring together industry professionals, architects, designers, policy experts and community members to explore how we can build smarter, live more efficiently, create climate‑resilient homes, save on energy costs and reduce environmental impact through better design and materials.

Practical strategies for smarter building

Experts will share how passive solar and natural design techniques can maintain year‑round comfort, while retrofitting and advanced insulation can improve energy efficiency in existing homes. Attendees will learn how circular economy principles—including material reuse, end‑of‑life planning and responsible sourcing—can reduce waste in construction. Sessions will also unpack the fundamentals of Passive House design, highlighting airtightness, thermal performance and the elimination of heat loss. Participants will walk away with the tools to select healthy, durable and recyclable building materials that support climate goals and community resilience.

Why it matters

The built environment contributes nearly 40% of global emissions, and locally, 40% of community emissions come from electricity use—a figure that can be reduced through efficient building practices and retrofitting. Every choice, from insulation to layout to material sourcing, has the potential to lower this impact. Embedding sustainability into homes and infrastructure not only reduces emissions but also lowers costs, improves health outcomes and strengthens communities against climate change.

Keynote speakers and presenters

• Andy Marlow – Director, Envirotecture & Passivhaus Design & Construct. Architect and certified Passive House designer with extensive experience in sustainable design.

• Laura Hamilton‑O’Hara – CEO, Living Future Institute of Australia (LFIA). Brings over two decades of experience in regenerative design and sustainability leadership.

• Susan Stannard – Manager Strategic Outcomes, Wingecarribee Shire Council. Will discuss state planning changes and building a more resilient future, including the role of tiny homes.

• Rhys Howards – Founder, Highlands Insulation. Specialist in thermal and acoustic insulation solutions focused on energy efficiency and comfort.

• Dr Alan Green – Senior Research Fellow, Sustainable Buildings Research Centre, University of Wollongong. Expert in building physics, thermal performance, ventilation and bushfire‑resilient building practices.

Details

• When: Sunday, 17 August 2025 | 10:00 AM – 02:30 PM
• Location: Bowral Memorial Hall, Bendooley Street, Bowral.

Register now

Spaces are limited. Secure your free spot today and join the growing movement toward regenerative, climate‑ready housing in the Southern Highlands.

More info + ticket bookings (free): wsc.nsw.gov.au