As Lot 12 is part of an industrial precinct which emphasises sustainability, the building is connected to a number of precinct-wide services adhering to strict environmental standards. Services include a precinct supply of non-potable water, recycled irrigation water and fire system water. The precinct operates a central building management system which monitors the energy and water consumption of all buildings within the precinct through a network of smart energy and water meters. Lot 12’s commitment to water-saving systems at the precinct level is certainly leading edge. While Green Star has encouraged higher levels of water efficiency for nine years – until now this has been at the individual building level. Now, with the release of the Green Star – Communities sustainability rating tool in June 2012, we can broaden our focus. Green Star – Communities will support the planning, design and delivery of communities, neighbourhoods and precincts that prioritise environmental sustainability – such as minimising energy and water consumption, and reducing dependence on motor vehicles – alongside broader issues such as
economic prosperity, liveability and community health and wellbeing. The rating tool includes two credits which reward projects that implement water saving strategies. The ‘Potable Water Consumption’ credit (Env-7) awards points to projects that integrate alternative water sources into the community’s design, such as water recycling plants and rainwater systems. It also rewards the provision of real-time, site-wide leak detection and monitoring systems for all potable water sources. The ‘Stormwater’ credit (Env-8) encourages and recognises projects that minimise the adverse stormwater impacts of urban development on receiving water bodies. The approach of current stormwater policy often ignores the frequent flow events which research suggests have an adverse affect on aquatic ecosystems. Managing the volume, frequency and rate of flows being discharged from a site can lessen the impact on the environment. Up to three Green Star points are awarded for stormwater harvesting, evaporation or retention within the community, in addition to effective treatment of water.
The first project to register for a Green Star – Communities PILOT rating was the ‘loop’ precinct – a 40,000 square metre development at the Belconnen Fresh Food Markets in Canberra. Rock Development Group’s plan for the precinct includes Green Star-rated buildings, electric vehicle recharge points, a residential car-pooling scheme, precinct-wide energy generation, waste management, and a focus on healthy, active living. Water recycling and harvesting measures will be integrated throughout the precinct. All roof areas will collect rainwater which will be filtered into a tank stored below the central car park, potentially holding a maximum volume of 1,000 megalitres. The harvested rainwater will be used throughout the precinct to maintain landscaped areas and provide water for showering throughout the residential buildings. In addition, Rock Development Group aims for all the residences to recycle blackwater that will be reused throughout the precinct for wash down and toilet flushing. With smart, sustainable planning and design, we can ensure our future water resources are as ‘right as rain’.
GREEN STAR – COMMUNITIES WILL SUPPORT THE PLANNING, DESIGN AND DELIVERY OF COMMUNITIES, NEIGHBOURHOODS AND PRECINCTS THAT PRIORITISE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
AUSTRALIAN PLUMBING INDUSTRY MAGAZINE
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SEPTEMBER 2012