The planning and development industry, often with local government, has been ‘trialling’ new approaches to achieve sustainability objectives through development.

 

There are a number of development rating tools, which are generally either design or performance based, including FirstRate, AGBR, NABERS and BASIX.

Sustainability as a decision-making consideration exists in the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and is contained in the policy framework of the Victorian Planning Provisions.

 

Many councils have or are seeking to implement specific sustainability requirements as part of their development approval processes. These initiatives may address stormwater recycling, grey water use, low embodied energy construction materials or energy use and other relevant topics.

 

There is a range of mechanisms and requirements that can be applied to the planning and design of development proposals to achieve green design and building outcomes that are truly sustainable. In Europe, carbon neutral development is being explored.

MAV Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) Advocacy Group Launched
At the launch of the MAV ESD Advocacy group, by Planning Minister Justin Madden on 29 November councils were invited to sign a statement of commitment towards a sustainable built environment as well as to work collaboratively in progressing their priorities with State government departments, industry, government agencies and the community.

Key priorities for the group include

• Development of a web based resource to facilitate information sharing and knowledge transfer among councils and those interested in ESD
• Projects such as the Manningham “Greening Council Buildings” and Mornington Peninsula Shires “ training design practitioners in ESD
• Working through some of the issues and recommendations in the Hansen / SBE report
• And achieving a comprehensive state-wide or national approach to achieving ESD outcomes integrated into both the planning and building frameworks.

The Advocacy group has 35% of councils from across Victoria interested and participating and 9 councils now using the STEPS/SDS tools.

The presentations and outcomes of the launch will be available shortly.

Sustainability Assessment in the Planning Process - report funded by the Accord, prepared by Hansen / SBE
 Sustainability Assessment in the Planning Process File size: 2 MB

This project recognised the benefits to be achieved by progressing a common approach to the application of sustainability requirements in the planning system and other regulatory systems relevant to the built environment.

A discussion paper was released in September 2003 and a working group established to discuss a range of implementation options for applying the sustainability principles. The reference group included MAV, local government and industry representatives. A report was expected in 2005.

 

A draft computer-based assessment tool, "Integrating Design into Environmental Assessment Software" (IDEAS) was developed and include targets for energy, water, stormwater performance. The project has not progressed. The MAV is working with the ALGA at a national level, Sustainabilty Victoria and DSE, and councils to progress sustainabilty objectives through planning and development decision making.

 

Nationally, the desire for a consistent approach to assessing sustainability has been expressed by government and industry.

To work towards a standardised and meaningful approach, while maintaining flexibility and transparency of sustainability requirements, the MAV has supported the establishment of a local government Ecologically Sustainable Development  (ESD) advocacy group (see Land Use Planning Committees section).

 

The work of individual councils, links to best practice, supplier information and case studies will be progressively added to this section of the website. It is intended that this site will  become a ‘portal’ for knowledge on sustainability in the planning and building area, and facilitate exchange of ideas and expertise between councils.

Websites

BASIX
Sustainability assessment tool used in NSW
www.basix.nsw.gov.au/information/index.jsp

Our Environment Our Future - Sustainability Action Statement
www.dse.vic.gov.au - Reducing our everyday environmental impacts
www.epa.vic.gov.au - Environment Protection Authority
www.seav.vic.gov.au - Sustainable Energy Authority Victoria

Presentations

MAV – Presentation to ESD Advocacy group - Meeting 1
Download MAV ESD Advocacy group Mtg 1 October 2006 File size: 1.2 MB

Presentation by City of Port Phillip and Moreland
Download October 2006_Forum_Presentation File size: 1.3 MB
Download Rating the Rating Tools - Presentation by Kath Willaims File size: 848.6 KB
Download Sustainable Building Rating Tools: Implications for Local Government - Jodi Harris File size: 478.9 KB
Download Rating Tools - Help or Hindrance? - Kerryn Wilmot File size: 194.3 KB
Download Rating the Rating Schemes - Are our rating schemes sustainable? - Alan Pears File size: 188.4 KB

Publications

MAV - Sustainability in the Built Environment Project – Thoughts
Download Sustainability in the Built Environment Project Thoughts File size:284.2 KB

MAV – Summary of current rating tools
Download Sustainability rating tools summary File size:67.6 KB