Australian Design Review

The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) has announced the development of a new rating tool, Green Star – Communities, to aid in the delivery of more socially, economically and environmentally sustainable communities.

The Green Star – Communities tool will be designed to facilitate greater connectivity in new developments by encouraging the creation of better pedestrian infrastructure, cycling tracks and public transport hubs. It is envisioned that these features will help reduce the environmental footprint of new communities, with marked reductions in water and energy use and in cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

The project has the support of state and territory Government Land Organisations (GLOs) Australia-wide. The GLOs have agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding to support the development of the tool, and for its use in future development projects.

GBCA’s Chief Executive, Romilly Madew, claimed that the agreement was “a strong sign of national leadership and commitment to a unified approach to the development of sustainable communities”, making Green Star – Communities a project of national significance.
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The Green Star – Communities framework can be downloaded here":http://www.gbca.org.au/green-star/green-star-communities/].