Releasing its Thriving Cities policy platform, ASBEC professor, Ken Maher, said Australia is one of the most urbanised countries in the world, and this is set to continue to keep pace with population and economic growth.

The UTC building was specifically designed to indoor air quality specifications that can double occupants' cognitive function test scores compared to a conventional building environment.

The three day event was attended by 30 senior business leaders representing 15 independent building automation companies covering 10 regions in Australasia.

A $32,000 grant will allow three high-profile commercial buildings on George Street – The Strand Arcade, the Queen Victoria Building and The Galleries – to undergo energy audits in a bid to minimise energy consumption. .

It will cost another $60 million to expand the program from 1600 apprentices to 3200.

Engineering is one of the few professions in Australia without a mandatory licensing scheme.

The centre is expected to open in late 2019.

Just last week apartment owners were awarded more than $5.7 million in damages following the 2014 flammable cladding-fuelled fire at Melbourne’s Lacrosse building.

In 2014 a fire at the Lacrosse Tower also raised concerns about aluminium cladding which has been used on thousands of buildings across Australia.

Faltering new home building activity has been occurring against the backdrop of falling house prices.

This means thinner building materials to maximise floor area while still delivering higher fire and acoustic performance.

The portal has many features including the Power Advantage training academy and a 24- hour turnaround on deal registrations.

The solar plant will be built on approximately 2,000 acres near Darlington Point, NSW.

Flashover occurs when the contents of a room spontaneously ignite due to radiant heat.

James Grose will complete his 12-year tenure as CEO in January 2019.