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| EnviroDevelopment Update No. 8 |
Welcome to the latest edition of EnviroDevelopment News, a bi-monthly newsletter providing updates on the EnviroDevelopment program.
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| EnviroDevelopment Launches in South Australia | |
The national rollout of the Queensland-born EnviroDevelopment initiative began in earnest on 6th May, with South Australia officially becoming the first state to implement the system outside of Queensland. Following the overwhelming success of the initiative in Queensland, where 10 projects have already been certified, the launch coincided with the formal certification of three South Australian EnviroDevelopment projects. Presented by the Minister for Environment and Conservation, Jay Weatherill, Lochiel Park, Mawson Lakes and Blackwood Park joined the ranks of leading sustainable development projects.
Land Management Corporation’s Lochiel Park estate was certified in all six elements of EnviroDevelopment, while Delfin Lend Lease’s Mawson Lakes was certified in ecosystems, waste, energy, water and community. Adelaide Development Company’s Blackwood Park (phase 2) sought and gained certification in ecosystems, waste, energy and community certification.
The three projects were instrumental in the implementation of EnviroDevelopment in South Australia and along with UDIA (SA) were involved with trialling and refining the technical standards to reflect local conditions.
Ian Marker, President of the UDIA (SA), says the EnviroDevelopment system will provide clear guidelines and standards for sustainable developments in the industry, and help consumers identify such properties in the marketplace.
“This system will help to increase awareness of the value of sustainable living, educate the public about what constitutes an environmentally outstanding development, and provide unprecedented motivation for both homebuyers and developers to invest in environmental sustainability,” said Mr Marker.
“The three certified projects are great examples of how environmental sustainability can be achieved, and we hope to see many more projects in SA promoting sustainable living.”
The UDIA’s long term vision for EnviroDevelopment includes negotiation with councils to provide incentives for certified projects, including rebates and fast-tracking development applications.
 | | L-R: Richard Osborne (UDIA SA Vice-President), Nick Drummond (Adelaide Development Company), Phil Donaldson (Land Management Corporation), Vince Rigter (Delfin Lend Lease), Ian Marker (UDIA SA President) |
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| EnviroDevelopment National Rollout Update - Western Australia | |
Enthusiasm for EnviroDevelopment in Western Australia continues and its trial introduction is progressing well with developers continuing to collate information, and Board of Management WA established.
The Board will hold its inaugural meeting late May and will hit the ground running by commencing an assessment of a number of developments following an induction to the program by Kirsty Chessher (QLD) and Natalie Sharp (WA).
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| Urban Edge Skill Series – Cutting through the Green-wash | |
The business case for sustainable development has developed substantially, with sustainability features now highly valued by home buyers, tenants and government. This event will look at the new and amended legislation relating to sustainable developments in Queensland, as well as presentations from developers who have undertaken projects incorporating significant sustainable initiatives.
The event will feature presentations from industry experts pertaining to new and amended legislation relevant to development projects, integrating cutting edge sustainability with affordability in the current climate and a case study on the practical implementation and associated challenges of leading a sustainable development project.
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WHEN: Friday 29 May 2009
VENUE: HopgoodGanim Presentation Room
Level 7, 1 Eagle Street, Waterfront Place, Brisbane
TIME: 7.00am for 7.15am until 9.00am (Breakfast served from 7.00am)
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| Federal Budget Measures (Sustainability) | |
$4 Billion Energy Efficient Homes Package
The three components of the Energy Efficient Homes Package include:
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 | Homeowner Insulation Program - installing ceiling insulation, capped at $1,600, to eligible home owner-occupiers with very little or no existing ceiling insulation. | |
Low Emission Assistance Plan for Renters - providing assistance to landlords and tenants, with up to $1,000 to install insulation in private rental properties. | |
Solar Hot Water Rebate - providing a $1,600 rebate to help households install a solar or heat pump hot water system to replace their old electric storage hot water system. |
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National Strategy on Energy Efficiency
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| $8.7 million over four years to increase the minimum energy efficiency requirements for all classes of new residential buildings in the 2010 version of the Building Code of Australia (BCA). The BCA requirements are proposed to be increased from the current five-star to six-star level, or equivalent, and to include specific performance requirements for hot water systems and artificial lighting in new residential buildings. | |
$3.3 million over four years to increase the energy efficiency requirements for commercial buildings in the 2010 version of the BCA. The new requirements will apply to new buildings and new work in existing buildings. |
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| Western Australian Budget | |
The Western Australian budget outlines increases in usage charges for electricity by 26% and water by 10%.
The increased tariffs have been estimated to add approx $334/yr for the average household and $250 for pensioners.
Now, more than ever consumers need to understand the true value of purchasing decisions and the impact those decisions can have on the cost of living. Developments certified to relevant EnviroDevelopment standards can assist householders manage their living costs by incorporating energy and water efficiency measures into estate and housing design.
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Significant increases in the landfill levy have been proposed to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill and support the adoption of environmentally sustainable management practices. Again, developments certified to relevant EnviroDevelopment standards can assist consumers by incorporating management practices that reduce material being sent to landfill, thus avoiding rising landfill costs.
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| UDIA to Launch Sustainable Intensive Management Course - 18 JUNE | |
UDIA has developed a new course in its Intensive Management Series called Managing Sustainable Development in the Development Industry which will launch on 18 June. The seminar will provide developers and professionals with the latest information on sustainable issues and provide practical ideas and innovations to stay ahead in the field, from town planning to legal parameters, design trends, and marketing power. The course is facilitated by Professor Michael Hefferan from the University of the Sunshine Coast and includes a host of practitioners highly experienced in a wide range of sustainability related components of the development industry.
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| Register to Receive EnviroDevelopment Newsletters Electronically | |
If you would like colleagues or associates to receive this newsletter or you would like to be taken off the EnviroDevelopment newsletter mailing list, please forward the relevant email details (contact name and email address) to kchessher@udiaqld.com.au or visit: http://www.envirodevelopment.com.au/05_user/register.asp
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