It seems rather fitting, doesn’t it? Design luminary, Architecture & Design Contributor and reigning Lifetime Achievement award winner Tone Wheeler has been entrusted with emceeing the Sustainability Summit.

The Principal of environa studio, Wheeler has been on the pulse of sustainable design dating back to the 1970s, when he assisted in the construction of Autonomous House, made completely of recycled materials.

The former AIA National Environment Committee Chairman and recent Leadership in Sustainability Prize (awarded by the Institute) says he is delighted to be hosting the summit and the array of topics and discussions at hand.

“I’m thrilled, if I’m honest, to be back in an in-person capacity for the Summit. While discussions over video call are still imperative, the opportunity to be able to host the event after being away for so long is sensational,” he says.

“I’m pleased to continue with my advocacy in sustainability. I’ve worked in all six areas that the Summit Sessions will discuss, and more than anything I’m very excited to provide both commentary and leadership for the audience in all six areas.”

Wheeler has consistently championed the Indigenous ideals and values of connecting with Country. He says the acknowledgement and utilisation of these values have led to stronger social outcomes within architectural projects.

“Architects now tend to look at our physical environment from a social sense as opposed to a scientific sense. For mine, the connection to Country and the awareness of built environment professionals is resulting in sustainable, socially-conscious projects.”

Wheeler has circled two sessions in as his personal favourites of the day.

“Circular economy wasn’t a phrase that existed in our vernacular five years ago. Nowadays it guides everything that we do and sits at the very centre of sustainability. The constant evolution of that ‘circle’ if you like is going to make for some intriguing discussion in the fourth session.

“Social and affordable housing is being spoken about everywhere. We need to take action, and quickly, given the size of waitlists for people to move into these dwellings. To have both a panel and audience that will be able to discuss and provide an array of potential solutions, that is certainly not one to be missed.”

The Sustainability Summit kicks off at 8am on Thursday 10 November. To secure your ticket and join in the discussions with some of Australia’s foremost designers, click here.

Image: Supplied

Jarrod Reedie

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