Sustainability
Sustainable development is defined by the United Nations as development that meets the needs of present generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Not only does sustainable development conserve resources, it also improves total quality of life, now and in the future.
VicUrban is taking a leading role with developers to incorporate principles of ecologically sustainable development (ESD) within Melbourne Docklands.
Melbourne Docklands is one of Australia’s best examples of applying Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) principles to connect the community with their environment in a sustainable way.
Docklands has already set new standards for sustainability through its Melbourne Docklands ESD Guide, a first in Australia. Developed in 2002, the Guide raises the standard for ecologically sustainable development and provides clear expectations, standards and references for developers.
Cutting edge, sustainability initiatives in Docklands that are setting new standards include features such as:
- Large campus style buildings with open floor spaces and natural light
- Using space for cooling, fresh air circulation and ventilation
- River cooling and underfloor air conditioning
- Solar and wind power
- Storm, grey and black water re-use
Currently, Docklands has the highest condensed number of sustainable commercial developments in Australia.
Kangan Batman TAFE’s Automotive Centre of Excellence and 1010 Latrobe Street at Digital Harbour have already been awarded the 5-Star Green Star rating (for low environmental impact) while the AXA building and 370 Docklands Drive developments have also been awarded a 5-Star Green Star rating.
The Gauge at 825 Bourke Street, the new Victorian head office for Lend Lease, is the first privately developed 6-Star Green Star rated office building in Australia. ANZ’s new Docklands headquarters is also being designed to achieve high environmental credentials, with the intention of becoming the largest ‘green’ building in Australia.
Even Docklands Park is a state-of-the-art park that captures rainwater from the surrounding seven hectare catchment area in a series of three wetlands. From there, water is treated and then stored underground for later use in parkland irrigation. This saves approximately 10 million litres of Melbourne’s precious drinking water each year.
Illustrations, diagrams and plans shown in this website are artist impressions for presentation purposes only and are subject to change.
