All News & Events
Stories featuring #ResponsibleDesign
Slices of Real Design with Australian focus plus highlights from around the world. Responsible Design examples, direction, education, discussion, connection & more. The term Responsible Design is quite broad and encompasses all thinking and practice that is intended to give positive and tangible longer term benefits. Most of the technology is there and just needs application, re-development and scaling.
South Pole Destination Zero report 2024 Worth a read for many insightful and innovative perspectives. South Pole surveyed 1,400 businesses across 12 countries and 14 sectors to produce 2024’s definitive report on the corporate landscape and progress towards net zero. Building on earlier research reports, they dig deep into some of the biggest trends in corporate sustainability right now: *How on track are climate conscious companies in reaching big climate targets? *Why and which sectors are greenhushing the most? *What is holding them back and what solutions are they turning towards to move from ambition to action? https://www.southpole.com/publications/destination-net-zero-report
📣 *Can we Reverse Climate Change by 2030?
Australia’s SRD charity asked to pen Journal Chapter on Climate Action;
your input invited.
After our conference paper series advancing sustainability, ISDRS.org asked us to submit a Chapter for new Routledge Journals on UN SDG progress. Most people know the SDGs are grossly under-achieving, so the Chapter Title asks the provocative question(*): This asks the important ensuing questions; “If Not, by when?”, “Does anybody know by when?” and, to respond best, “How may we best resolve the closely related issues, especially as time is running out?” plus “Where are the best current ideas for achieving this?”
You are invited to contribute a paragraph (or 2) for this Journal to enable real Climate Action by 2030. We must share the keys to change perceptions that it can’t be done. Many say it has to be done. Governments show they’re not up to the task alone.
We already have several great responses from published authors and experts in different fields, from Energy to Consumerism and Built Environment. Getting to the heart of answering how we may advance the urgent issues. The well-received brief: https://bit.ly/CCby2030_SDG-Journal-Chapter-draft
The original reference paper: https://bit.ly/RenewSDGsViaResponsibleLivingEconomy You need to be well-considered and to the point about how the world needs to change. Your input for early 2024 is requested. srd@srd.org.au
SRD National Charity asked to pen Journal Chapter on Climate Action;
your input invited (detail above).
VERGE 23 by Greenbiz USA have good grounds to say they’re the leading climate tech event accelerating solutions to the most pressing challenges of our time. It is the center of gravity for the climate community — leaders from business, government, solution providers and startups — working together to address the climate crisis. Verge23 videos Email SRD your take or addition to the discussion & action. (many may see SRD is working on a Journal chapter!)
Design for Planet returned 17-18 Oct 2023 Review their recorded videos for An inspiring selection includes: Design for Environment; UX & visual design; Design with Nature; Disruptive Design; Starting behavioural revolution. Inspiring the social revolution, designed by people focusing on Carbon & the Biodiversity crisis. 17-18 Oct 2023. 8-9 Nov 2022 Agenda videos, Festival EZine. Also see Design for Planet by DCUK 2021. Cool collection of multi-sectoral videos explore how to leverage the design collective. Show we have the Power to design and the Responsibility to do just that. See 2021 videos
📣 The Global Week to #Act4SDGs!!
15-25 September 2023
Join in to send a message of hope, possibilities, and action through unity. Let’s show world leaders that people all around the world are taking action on the SDGs — and that they expect them to do the same. The time to act is now!
SRD Charity AGM 20th Nov 2023 Online & Live 6pm AEDT Monday 20th November at Church Point, NSW & via Zoom: (email srd @ srd [dot] org [dot] au for the Home address) Members will soon receive Minutes of great progress this year and the start of plans for more. Look for your email & Proxy Form or send your request for more details. Join us to attend from other regions and states via Zoom. Assist our next Journal Paper “Can we Reverse Climate Change by 2030?” (If not, when?) See references; Advance a truly ‘Responsible Living Economy’ https://bit.ly/RenewSDGsViaResponsibleLivingEconomy & Responsible Design, Prevention over cure. https://bit.ly/ResponsibleDesignIsApexDesignMode Your input to improve is welcome.
SRD is officially recognised as a full charity. Well done everyone!
In early 2023, the recognition of progress over many years. An independent, membership based, volunteer run, Australian NotForProfit with members and connections in most states and territories has now become a registered ACNC charity. This will enable us to further grow the value of education, culture and benefits for Responsible Design thinking and practice. Thanks SRD members. This welcome news will give SRD further credibility and a better position to apply for grants, conduct events and pursue a wider range of projects. We’ve initiated & supported many so far. 2023 SRD Charity
SRDnews editions
Stories of positive change, amazing design, breakthrough technologies, local and global initiatives and more across all forms of design …
Latest SRDnews 27feb24 https://bit.ly/SRDnews_v8n1_27feb24 Billions can be saved. 2023 07dec23 https://bit.ly/SRDnewsv7n3dec23_ReverseCCby2030 02aug23 https://bit.ly/SRDnewsv7n2_RLEpaper 24may23 Australia’s newest charity https://bit.ly/SRDnewsv7n1, AGM2022, Help introduce the ‘Responsible Living Economy’ https://bit.ly/SRDnewsV6n10
2022 04nov22 Developing the ‘Responsible Living Economy’ https://bit.ly/SRDnewsV6n9 15aug22 Au Election issue https://bit.ly/SRDnewsV6n8 29may22 SRD transitioning to Full Charityhttps://bit.ly/SRDnewsV6n7 01mar22 SRDnews Special #COP26 Edition https://bit.ly/SRDnewsv6n6n
2021 01nov21 Growing Recovery https://bit.ly/SRDnewsv6n5-2 10apr21
2019 SRDnews v5n11 31dec19 http://bit.ly/SRDv5n11 SRDnews v5n10.1 30jul19 http://bit.ly/SRDv5n10-1 SRDnews v5n9 01may19 http://bit.ly/2vBVfTm SRDnews v5n8 jan19 https://bit.ly/2G4GbnO
The Living Future Institute of Australia hosted the first National Biophilic Design Awards in 2023 The awards recognise achievements in Australian buildings, interiors, and communities, that demonstrate the principles and benefits of biophilic design. National winners will automatically be entered into the International Living Future Institute’s Stephen R. Kellert Biophilic Design Award in 2023. National Biophilic Design Award Winners are now announced from built and occupied Australian projects. AWARD CATEGORIES: INTERIOR AND RENOVATION : BUILDING SCALE PROJECTS : COMMUNITY AND URBAN SCALE PROJECTS : Living-future.org.au/national-biophilic-design-awards For inspiration, see the published Stephen R. Kellert Biophilic Design Award case studies.
Webinar. Introducing the Project Drawdown Roadmap: Accelerating Action to Address the Climate Crisis. Highly recommended Climate Action webinar. Free. We’ve seen an earlier one and can confirm its high value. Solid research and science underpin clear graphics and the best directions to get the biggest carbon emission reductions while investing for results quickly. An early 5am AEDT start in Oz for this but well worth the effort. SRD shall monitor and report further… #ClimateAction #ClimateCrisis #ClimateFinance #ClimateAdaptation #ClimateEmergency #ResponsibleInvesting #ResponsibleLeadership #ResponsibleDesign https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XVwMBcovRhy60eBr-TR-CQ
Tues 08Dec / Wed 09Dec check registration page for local times
SRD AGM 15Nov 2022 Online & Live 6pm AEDT Tuesday 15th November at 80 Bay st Broadway, NSW & via Zoom: Members will soon receive Minutes of great progress this year and the start of plans for more. Look for your email & Proxy Form or send your request for more details. Join us to attend from other regions and states via Zoom.
We enjoyed another PURPOSE Conference
SRD and friends attended the Purpose Conference 19-20 October 2022 at Carriageworks in Sydney, Au. A two-day immersive event for the purpose-driven business community. Since 2015, Purpose has explored, celebrated and amplified the growing momentum around ethical, regenerative and social impact business. In 2022, they continued with more world class speakers, boundary pushing ideas and life changing connections… https://www.purposeconference.co @purpose__conf #ethicalbusiness #responsiblebusiness #consciousleadership #PurposeConference #Purpose2022
FULL HOUSE !! Free Film Screening and Q+A at Narrabeen ‘Regenerating Australia’ + ‘A fistful of Rubbish’ both by talented Aussie filmmakers
The Society for Responsible Design and ACF Northern Beaches Community Group are excited to invite you to a free screening of two short documentaries – flyer Join us for a drink and supper as we watch and discuss these two short films which explore Australia’s potential if we transition to a fairer, cleaner, more community focused economy and our relationship with natural environments. We’ll start the evening in Sydney with an introduction from ACF Northern Beaches and the SRD. After the screenings we’ll have a Q+A discussion about the issues raised. Thurs, 1 September 2022 : 6:30pm – 8:30pm RSVP essential: Please register using the form here https://www.acf.org.au/film_screening
Being Responsible is Cool. 😎 🌻
SRD suggests to Look to encourage everything that’s Good for the Longer Term and discourage or even better, work to Stop those that are not.
The Transition to a ‘Responsible Living Economy’ starts with you.
Join SRD: Membership Form nov21 pdf
Assist and support SRD to help progress:
*Developing a Best Practice Network for general use and every major industry, here and OS *Assist SRD Transition to full charity
*SRDnews stories and Web review quarterly
*Writing / editing / input for the next paper
*Any new project worthy of SRD’s connections and support
Russian Invasion of Ukraine It is Black and White. This is a Putin created humanitarian disaster, with huge global and environmental consequences. In the face of this Russian Invasion, the worst thing we can do is nothing! Be outraged, but always stay safe. Be heard and do things that support and create positive change. Assist yourself to become more Responsible, your world needs you. (Repeat in Russian) Российское вторжение в Украину Это гуманитарная катастрофа, созданная Путиным, с огромными глобальными и экологическими последствиями. Перед лицом этого российского вторжения худшее, что мы можем сделать, это ничего не сделать! Возмущайтесь, но всегда оставайтесь в безопасности. Будьте услышаны и делайте то, что поддерживает и создает позитивные изменения. Помогите себе стать более ответственным, ваш мир нуждается в вас. (24th February 2022) Please support Peace & Ukraine 🇺🇦
The Big Switch: Australia’s Electric Future – Saul Griffith. Essential reading. Insightful no-bull look at how to lead the world in Renewables if we respond to the best options. Climate change is a planetary emergency. We have to do something now and Australian visionary Saul Griffith has a plan. Saul lays out a detailed blueprint – optimistic but feasible – for fighting climate change while creating millions of new jobs and a healthier environment. He explains exactly what it takes to transform our infrastructure, grid and households. Paperback & eBook. blackincbooks.com.au/books/big-switch (SRD knows several mentioned in the book, yet receive no monetary benefit from it). 23mar22 Recorded talk well worth a listen: www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYOAda8S9wE
EXHIBITION ONLINE
Explore an immersive virtual reality exhibition to discover international projects offering solutions to the climate crisis. Accessible globally from a laptop, tablet or mobile device, this exhibition invites everyone to learn about innovative and sustainable ideas for buildings, cities and infrastructure that are having a positive impact on people’s lives. Visit the Exhibition here virtualpavilion.co
The ‘COP26 Built Environment Virtual Pavilion shows global projects that offered replicable solutions to the climate crisis. These projects, along with a centrepiece installation, are on display Live in the Build Better Now exhibition. An international selection committee brought a worldview to the exhibition, advising of the sustainability standards in different countries and the challenges projects in different areas might face. buildbetternow.co/exhibition/
EARTHSHOT PRIZE 2021 WINNERS & FINALISTS. The first ever annual global search for the most innovative solutions to the greatest environmental challenges facing our planet. Each of the five Winners receive £1million prize money and a global network of professional and technical support to scale these cutting-edge environmental solutions. Together this team includes incredible leaders, inspiring activists, brilliant innovators, a forward-thinking city and even an entire country making a real difference. All 15 of the Finalists receive tailored support to help scale their solutions and realise an even greater impact with their ground-breaking work. earthshotprize.org/london-2021/the-earthshot-prize-winners-finalists/
#SDG ACTION ZONE2021 SEPT 22-24 Over the course of three days during the UN General Assembly, the SDG Action Zone brings together the highest levels of UN leadership, activists, government officials, business leaders, changemakers and disruptors in a virtual collaborative space – to highlight the ecosystem-wide solutions, plans, and investments needed to positively impact people’s lives and the future of our planet. #SDGACTIONZONE2021 & #FORPEOPLEFORPLANET Note: Session times are in EDT (UTC-5) 14hrs behind Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney AEST (UTC+10) https://sdgactionzone.org
“A Fistful of Rubbish” Australian Premiere short doco and Q+A
METROPOLIS Sustainability Next: “These guys are getting very close to Responsible Design” SRD ED
SDG Global Festival of Action program, March 25 – 26 2021
180+ speakers from 60 countries 
1 Main Stage 
1 Japan Stage 
4 Interactive Spaces 
28 Workshops 
20 Exhibits 
& more! 25-26 March 2021 https://globalfestivalofaction.org
Dr Robert Crocker, UniSA, accomplished author on Design, Consumerism, UnMaking Waste
Guest Facilitator, Matthew Wright-Simon, Ecocreative, SA Featuring
Selena Griffith, Senior Design & Innovations Lecturer, Design & Art, UNSW
Cameron Little, GM Sydney Sustainability Centre, VP Sustainable Events, NSW
Greg Campbell, SRD Convenor, DesignOz studio, SDGs supporter, NSW
NOW. Find a time to watch the Story of Plastic here, then See the whole SRD Panel recording with many great insights : https://youtu.be/B4Se1QZ7tnA
Then, review the Story of Plastics, SRD Q&A panel Calls to Action (Oz version): https://bit.ly/PlasticsSRDCallsToAction
A circular economy is a systemic approach to economic development designed to benefit businesses, society, and the environment.
In contrast to the ‘take-make-waste’ linear model, a circular economy is regenerative by design and aims to gradually decouple growth from the consumption of finite resources. After defining what an economy actually is, this learning path explores the nuances of the concept of a circular economy, including the difference between biological and technical materials, the different opportunities that exist to keep materials and products in use, and the history of the idea. Finally, the benefits of shifting from a linear to a circular economy are highlighted. [add #ResponsibleDesign to perfect]
SRD Pro Active Top 25% is Growing. Encouraging and promoting those with credible work that are genuinely improving the future for us all. SRD Members and supporters may start advising or considering businesses and products in the top 25% of their industry that clearly demonstrate long term benefits for Life-on-Earth. Submit your suggestions to srd@srd.org.au Ideally, advise website, brief, connections you may have to them and why their inclusion is deserved. Regularly updated to grow into your best reference srd.org.au/pro
The value of design & planning for the SDGs
Responsible Design thinking and practice has significant capacity to assist with the big issues in the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Explore the goals and combine responsible design rethinking with powerful business management planning for maximum effect. Sustainia has many options to review with this in mind at their global opportunity explorer.
Comprehensive FREE report : A new textiles economy: Redesigning fashion’s future
(or Ellen & Stella take on the High Fashion industry) Huge CO2 savings & environmental benefits if we: 1. Phase out substances of concern and microfibre release 2. Transform the way clothes are designed, sold, and used to break free from their increasingly disposable nature 3. Radically improve recycling by transforming clothing design, collection, and reprocessing 4. Make effective use of resources and move to renewable inputs. Great work and report from EMF https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/publications/a-new-textiles-economy-redesigning-fashions-future
Young Persons’ Plan for the Planet Program is a huge step forward for Youth and Environmental Education
After 1st round-the-world solar flight,
the Solar Impulse Foundation is launching the second phase of its climate action agenda: the World Alliance for Efficient Solutions – that will federate actors (businesses, investors, associations and institutions) active in the field of sustainability and offer a variety of free services all its members, from matchmaking and technical expertise to opportunities for greater visibility, in order to create synergies and facilitate implementation of clean technologies.
Cities100 from Sustainia
confirms innovative and progressive climate action is well underway in cities around the world. 100 solutions from 61 cities which show how local governments around the world are taking significant steps and creating valuable co-benefits for their economies, communities and citizens’ health./ Explore here.. : Global relevance
Discover your place in biomimicry
and learn how to apply this knowledge to the design opportunities in your communities through the Biomimicry Global Network.
Interactive Shipping Map
Shows the amazing extent of trade around the world and the variety of goods exported. Each ship and its contents would benefit from a healthy responsible design perspective. A great real time graphic www.shipmap.org For developing solutions see… explorer.sustainia.me/solutions/hybrid-ships-reduce-emissions-at-sea and rmi.org/our-work/transportation/shipping-efficiency/