New framework to guide sustainable cities

The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) has released a new national framework for sustainable communities at the opening of the Green Cities 2010 conference.

Launching the new Green Star - Communities framework, GBCA Chair Tony Arnel said that the framework would establish an independent, national language to guide the development of sustainability communities and precincts.

"The framework - and its guiding principles - provides a dual purpose. It is a national resource for those creating sustainable communities and it establishes the context for the GBCA's Green Star - Communities tool, which will commence development in June."

The national framework has been developed by the GBCA and its partner VicUrban, in collaboration with industry and government, and outlines five national principles for sustainable communities:

1. Create liveable communities
2. Provide opportunities for economic prosperity
3. Enhance environmental quality
4. Design great places
5. Promote good urban governance.

According to the GBCA's Chief Executive, Romilly Madew, launching the framework at Green Cities 2010 reflects the evolution in the GBCA's focus - from individual buildings to communities, precincts and cities themselves.

"The GBCA is confident that the construction and property industry now has sufficient momentum and interest to keep driving forward on both an individual building and community basis. While the GBCA expands its influence beyond the building envelope, Green Star continues to advance to ensure we have the right tools - and the right skills - to push the boundaries of best practice sustainability benchmarks," Ms Madew said.

The new framework complements the Australian Government's new reforms which will require states and territories to develop capital city strategic plans by 2012 that meet national criteria for transport, housing, urban development and sustainability.

"This framework will provide valuable support for, and complement, the federal government's sustainable cities agenda, and we expect everyone from planners and designers, through to builders and community neighbourhood groups will find the framework useful," Mr Arnel concluded.

The GBCA's Framework for Sustainable Communities has been developed with the support of principal project sponsor, Rock Development Group, together with other sponsors Brisbane City Council, Grocon, Lend Lease, Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, Barangaroo Delivery Authority and Stockland.

Read more about the Green Star Communites framework.

Contact:
Karen Jamal
Communications
Green Building Council of Australia
Phone: 0412 179 135
Email: karen.jamal@gbca.org.au