Two efficiency-related events are fast approaching. CIBSE, the Chartered Institute of Building Sustainability Engineers, is hosting a series of seminars in Australia and NZ in November to introduce the Soft Landings tool. The Energy Efficiency Council (EEC) has its annual conference in Sydney on December 2.

The Soft Landings Seminar will include a video address by Bill Bordass of the UK Usable Buildings Trust. Members of the Sydney Green Buildings Alive team are likely to be there, so come and say hello if you heard about it here or on Twitter. Their promotion says the tool "will ensure both clients and occupiers get the best out of their new or altered buildings. It is designed to reduce tensions and frustrations that so often occur during initial occupancy. At its core is a greater involvement of designers and constructors with building users and operators before, during and after handover of building work, with an emphasis on improving operational readiness and performance in use." Remaining dates are November 12 in Wellington, Movember 15 in Auckland, November 17 in Sydney, and November 23 In Melbourne. Full details available via the CIBSE website.

The EEC Conference features guest speaker Eoin Lees, Vice President of the European Council for an Energy Efficient Economy. The conference streams will cover: bold strategies for big energy users, cogeneration and energy market reform, moving beyond the office and designing a National Energy Savings Initiative. Full details at the EEC website.