What are the key considerations for selecting sustainable building materials for new residential developments in temperate Australian climates?

Selecting sustainable building materials in temperate Australian climates necessitates prioritising thermal performance, embodied energy, and durability. Materials should contribute to passive design strategies, reducing heating and cooling loads, with low embodied energy to minimise environmental impact from production to disposal. Consideration of local sourcing reduces transport emissions. Moisture resistance and pest resilience are also crucial for longevity. Health impacts from volatile organic compounds must be assessed. Ultimately, the chosen materials should support a healthy indoor environment and provide long-term operational efficiency.