Matthew BoyleDiscover the innovative sustainability initiatives undertaken by Georges River Council in Sydney’s south with the development of a cutting-edge ” sustainability calculator “. Designed by Council’s planning and environment teams, this tool aims to revolutionize the assessment process for major developments, ensuring environmental friendliness before construction approval.
Explore the functionality of the calculator, which employs a point-based scoring system to evaluate various criteria such as solar panel installation, indigenous plant landscaping, light-reflective roof colors, and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. Understand its role in reducing approval complexities, particularly for high-density housing projects, in response to growing housing demands.
Mayor Nick Katris emphasizes the significance of streamlining assessment processes for new developments, aligning with the community’s need for increased housing. The calculator not only facilitates industry compliance but also contributes to Council’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Prepare for the tool’s anticipated launch in January 2024, following further enhancements to ensure user-friendliness. Eligible applicants for developments in high-density personal and employment zones will have access to the calculator, aligning with the objectives of the Georges River Local Environment Plan (GRLEP) to uphold urban design standards and accommodate demographic shifts within the LGA.
Georges River Council Introduces Sustainability Calculator for Assessing Environmental Friendliness of Major Developments
While RSE commitments are clear on paper, properly assessing data is sometimes hard. A ” sustainability calculator” is being developed by Georges River Council in Sydney’s south that calculates how environmentally friendly major developments are before they are given construction approval.
The website tool was created by Council’s, planning, and environment teams for developers to use before submitting applications for large-scale projects in personal and employment zones. It is expected to go live starting in January 2024.
A point-based scoring system based on a variety of criteria is used by the calculator.
For instance, if an application has a specific number of solar panels, it will receive points.
The system also promotes the use of indigenous plants in landscaping, light reflective roof colors, and EV charging infrastructure.
Streamlining High-Density Housing Approvals with Sustainability Calculator in Georges River Council
The calculator will also simplify high-density housing approvals as Council prepares to meet increasing demand for housing, Nick Katris, mayor says.
By streamlining the assessment process for fresh apartment buildings, this tool will  , according to Cr Katris, “help to meet the community’s need for increased housing.”
In order to streamline the approvals process for new high density personal, professional, and commercial buildings, “our goal is to provide clear guidance for industry and Council staff who assess DAs.”
Additionally, it will aid in achieving Council’s goal of online zero emissions by 2050, he claims.
Before its rollout second year, the tool will undergo additional improvements to ensure that it is user-friendly.
All applicants for proposed developments in high density personal and employment zones with a total floor area of 1, 500m2 or more will be eligible to use it.
The Georges River Local Environment Plan ( GRLEP ) aims to promote a high standard of urban design and built form as well as housing to accommodate shifting demographics and populations in the LGA.
Advancing Urban Sustainability: Georges River Council’s Innovative Approach to Eco-Friendly Development
In conclusion, the introduction of Georges River Council’s pioneering “sustainability calculator” marks a significant step towards fostering eco-friendly urban development practices. By streamlining the assessment process for major developments, this innovative tool not only ensures environmental sustainability but also addresses the pressing need for increased housing in the community. Through its point-based scoring system, the calculator incentivizes developers to incorporate key sustainability features such as solar panels, indigenous landscaping, and EV charging infrastructure into their projects, thereby contributing to a greener future. Mayor Nick Katris’s emphasis on simplifying approval processes aligns with the Council’s overarching goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, underscoring their commitment to environmental stewardship. As the calculator prepares for its anticipated launch in January 2024, further enhancements will ensure user-friendliness and accessibility, empowering developers to make informed decisions in line with Georges River’s Local Environment Plan. Ultimately, this initiative sets a commendable precedent for other municipalities striving to balance urban development with environmental conservation.
