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Let’s Go for Zero

By July 28, 2022August 8th, 2022No Comments

Elevating sustainability requirements for buildings

We are proud to be one of 24 councils collaborating on an innovative planning project to ensure sustainable development for our communities.

In a show of unity across the local government sector, 24 councils on July 21st lodged a planning scheme amendment with the State Government, seeking to introduce planning policy that elevates sustainability requirements for new buildings and encourages a move towards net zero carbon development.

The councils are all Council Alliance for a Sustainable Built Environment (CASBE) member councils with the project supported by the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV).

The amendment seeks to build on the current Environmentally Sustainable Development (ESD) requirements for new developments and in doing so, better protect the natural environment, reduce resource and energy consumption, and support the health and wellbeing of future occupants. The amendments includes detailed, measurable targets that will deliver meaningful outcomes in practice.

The 24 councils represent approximately half the Victorian population and planning activity.

Comfortable, resilient and green homes

Under the proposed changes, new developments would:

  • Produce net zero carbon emissions.
  • Reduce household bills by making buildings more energy efficient.
  • Provide a healthier and more comfortable environment for building occupants.
  • Better manage water quality, use and collection.
  • Protect and enhance greening and biodiversity.
  • Be more resilient to changing climate impacts.

More information

For more information go to  the CASBE website