When progressive developers and early adopters attempt to push boundaries and test innovative new approaches to delivering precinct-scale eco-infrastructure,they invariably hit a range of obstacles.

As extreme heat comes our way and threatens to impact on our buildings, it’s time to acknowledge that the quality Australia’s urban fabric is not on a par with other parts of the world.

Cooling hot suburbs, low tech ways to save energy in pools and breakthroughs in wastewater treatments were highlights at the recent CRC for Low Carbon Living conference last week in Adelaide. Each pointed to the sound body of evidence underpinning good urban planning decision.

Urban policymaking, plan-making and place-making in Australia could be about to get smarter, writes Peter Newton and Mark Burry.

The Fifth Estate's exploration of how Australia can deliver innovative, sustainable urban developments, featuring a high-profile Salon on Sustainable Precincts.