The City of Greater Bendigo has introduced a new sustainable design policy for medium to high density developments in Bendigo. The council has become the first regional Victorian council to include such a policy in its planning scheme.
According to the policy, developments with at least three dwellings will require seven-star ratings, as well as a number of sustainable design features:
- Reduction in energy demand at peak periods
- Use of low-toxicity chemicals
- Reduced reliance on mechanical heating and cooling
- Minimise noise transfer
- Reduce stormwater run-off
- Maximise the use of active transport
The policy will apply to residential, commercial and industrial developments.
“We have spent the last 15 months working with developers to offer voluntary assessments to assist people to consider ESD in their building designs,” says Bernie O’Sullivan, City of Greater Bendigo’s director of strategy and growth.
“By targeting developments of three or more dwellings, the amendment will ensure the biggest impact without affecting smaller ‘mum and dad developers.’”
“There is a lot more to be done in this space, but the approval of this amendment is a very positive step forward and will ensure a higher standard of design is incorporated to all new medium-large scale developments in Greater Bendigo.”
