UrbanGrowth NSW building a sustainable Sydney

Developments on government-owned land in Sydney will become carbon neutral, water positive and produce zero waste by 2028, under a new sustainability strategy released for public comment today.

UrbanGrowth NSW’s Draft Sustainability Strategy sets a number of goals and 31 targets for sustainable development across the organisation’s urban transformation projects and greenfield developments.

“UrbanGrowth NSW has a legacy through Landcom as a development industry leader in sustainability, and was among the first development agencies to report on sustainability performance,” said UrbanGrowth NSW Acting Chief Executive Michael Brodie.

“Our new targets will be monitored annually to ensure they remain at, or exceed, industry leading standards. We want to create a legacy of sustainable places for future generations in New South Wales.

“UrbanGrowth NSW will be responsible for the targets on land within our delivery control. Our delivery partners, such as developers, will need to meet our targets, which will be clearly established during Expressions of Interest or tender phases, and embedded into our delivery contracts,” said Mr Brodie.

The Draft Sustainability Strategy is aligned with global commitments from the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and New Urban Agenda, the COP21 Paris Agreement, and the 100 Resilient Cities program.

“Our aim is to create innovative and productive urban places with world class liveability, resilience, inclusion, affordability and environmental quality,” said Senior Manager of Sustainability Lauren Kajewski.

“The 31 sustainability targets will lead to greater water and energy efficiency, reduced waste, innovation, less car dependency and higher liveability across Sydney.”

The targets include:

• reducing the use of potable water (drinking water quality) by 50%
• diverting 95% of all construction waste from landfill with a focus on recycling
• 100% of timber sourced for construction to be Forest Stewardship Council Certified
• 20% of all new housing designed and built to Liveable Housing Design Silver certification (in addition to any legislative requirement); and
• all developments to incorporate high-speed broadband and free wifi in key open spaces.

UrbanGrowth NSW is seeking industry and community feedback through an online survey over a 10- week period from 1 March to 7 May 2017.