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.
?The framework provides a resource for those creating sustainable communities and a context for Green Star communities tool, due to be released in June 2010.
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: Create liveable communities; Provide opportunities for economic prosperity; Enhance environmental quality; Design great places; 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 association’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,” Madew said.
The framework will “complement” and “support” the federal government’s sustainable cities agenda, GBCA chair, Tony Arnel, said.
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.
