Fishermans Bend final Framework embraces Green Star at scale
26 October 2018
GBCA:
The
Victorian Government has lifted the bar on
both the environmental and social sustainability credentials of
Australia’s largest
urban renewal project with the release of the final
Fishermans Bend Framework today in an announcement welcomed by the Green
Building Council of Australia (GBCA).
The final Framework builds on the commitments made in the initial draft
requiring that all developments in the new
precinct achieve a minimum 4
Star
Green Star rating, with
buildings over 5,000 square meters to be
built to a 5 Star Green Star standard.
The Government has also increased the inclusivity of Fishermans Bend
with the introduction of a
social housing uplift scheme.
GBCA Head of Public Affairs & Membership Jonathan Cartledge
congratulated the Andrews Government on its close engagement with
industry and the community throughout the consultation period.
“When governments really take the time to listen and consult extensively
and in good faith, the outcomes for the community are invariably
improved, as is the case with this city-changing precinct,” Mr Cartledge
said.
“We are delighted the Government has embraced the Green Star –
Communities model and chosen to require even more environmental rigour
at Fishermans Bend with the increase in requirements to a 5 Star Green
Star rating for large-scale buildings which will boost the standard from
best practice to Australian excellence.”
Though pleased with the decision to lift the site’s
environmental
sustainability credentials to meet 5 Star Green Star or equivalent
standards, Mr Cartledge cautioned that independent certification was
vital.
“Benchmarking Fishermans Bend developments against the GBCA’s 4 and 5
Star Green Star rating requirements is important but only certification
will provide community confidence that these goals are being met,” he
said.
“A key benefit of certification is that it provides independence, rigour
and transparency to the assessment process.
“Independent third-party certification from the GBCA provides assurance
and integrity, unlike unverifiable claims of ‘equivalency’. Such
outcomes should not be permitted as they risk undermining in the
implementation phase for the bold vision the Government has set out for
Fishermans Bend.
“Green Star is Australia’s only holistic rating system for the
sustainable design, construction and performance of
buildings, fitouts and communities.
“We look forward to continuing our engagement on this vital project
through our ongoing collaboration with the Fishermans Bend Taskforce to
support the Government’s work and inform how Green Star may be taken up
at a building level within the precinct utilising the planning
frameworks and other initiatives.
“A holistic approach to sustainability is multifaceted, and it is
encouraging to see the government also promoting social and economic
sustainability outcomes through commitments to social and affordable
housing and a focus on job creation.
“These planning controls enshrine environmental and social
sustainability at the heart of Fishermans Bend as a site that will
define
Melbourne’s future, embracing its eight sustainability goals.
“Moving forward, certainty in governance and leadership will be
essential in delivering Fishermans Bend and maintaining the renewed
community confidence that has been established. This will require
transparency and careful planning.
“The GBCA believes government must lead by example in requiring the
highest possible standards for any new developments on government-owned
land in Fishermans Bend.
“This is a rare opportunity for government to lead in development best
practice and must be embraced.
“We applaud the hard work the Victorian Government has already put in
and look forward working with them as Fishermans Bend comes to
fruition.”
--ENDS--
Source: Green Building Council of Australia - www.gbca.org.au
Contact: Media contact: Fiona Benson - M: 0407 294 620
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