3. Demonstration projects

3.1 Sustainable Precincts Program

Sustainability Victoria's Sustainable Precincts Program supports the development of sustainable neighbourhoods and precincts across Victoria, through demonstration, partnerships, funding support, research and leading thinking.

The Program consists of four main initiatives:

• Smart energy zones
• Zero emission neighbourhoods
• Armstrong Creek
• Building the business case for sustainable precincts

3.2 Smart Energy Zones

The Smart Energy Zones program provides competitive grants to projects that demonstrate that communities can dramatically and cost-effectively reduce their greenhouse emissions through increased community engagement, renewable energy, innovative energy supply and demand solutions, developing local energy opportunities, sustainable building and smart meters.

Among the Smart Energy Zone projects that have received funding are:

• VicUrban is installing a central services hub to supply electricity, heating and cooling for the precinct using tri-generation.
• Manningham City Council, Banyule City Council and Boroondara City Council are installing gas-fired cogeneration/trigeneration systems.
• CERES is installing a biogas plant, solar thermal electricity generation, wind generators, conversion of a van to an electric vehicle and constructing new buildings which will incorporate energy efficiency measures.
• Department of Human Services is installing wind generators, solar PV and cogeneration facilities.

Examples of energy demand solutions being showcased are passive building design, smart metering, double-glazing, activated thermal mass and natural ventilation.

Community engagement and awareness programs such as open days, demonstrations and educational displays are also core to all projects.

3.3 Zero Emission Neighbourhoods

Zero Emission Neighbourhoods (ZEN) is a $6 million Victorian Government funding grant program designed to showcase innovative water, waste, transport and energy solutions, such as local renewable energy supply, sustainable master planning and design, onsite recycled water and smart meters to help manage energy usage.

The program focuses on collaborative work with local government, developers and industry partners. Both financial and non-financial support will be provided for selected projects to implement best-practice sustainable communities.

Four to six prototype zero emissions communities will be developed over four years.

3.4 Armstrong Creek: a compelling business case for sustainable development

One major project that is breaking new ground for Victorians is Sustainability Victoria's recent study into creating a sustainable urban development at Armstrong Creek, south of Geelong.

Armstrong Creek is one of the principal urban growth areas in the Geelong region. The area comprises 2,350 hectares of developable land. The City of Geelong's vision for Armstrong Creek is a 'sustainable community that sets new benchmarks in best practice in urban development. The development should also protect and enhance natural environmental features and create a distinctly "green" urban character'.

Sustainability Victoria, on behalf of the Victorian Government, sponsored the development of a business case which identified opportunities to achieve better environmental outcomes for Armstrong Creek, without compromising the economic and social objectives of the City of Greater Geelong.

3.5 ResourceSmart Commercial Buildings Demonstration Projects

Through the ResourceSmart Commercial Buildings Program, Sustainability Victoria has partnered with organisations to assist them in the green refurbishment of existing building stock. The completed refurbishments serve as demonstration projects for the commercial property sector.