06 September 2022
Earlier this week the NSW Government announced a new state environmental policy (SEPP), this new Sustainable Buildings SEPP follows after the removal of the Design and Place SEPP introduced by the former NSW Planning Minister, Rob Stokes. This new SEPP will set new standards for energy, water and thermal performance of new homes and it will extend the BASIX environmental rating standards. There are also provisions for net zero commercial buildings. As part of this new SEPP there will also be an increase BASIX standard to line up with the National Construction Code (NCC).
There will be a one-year transition period with the policy coming into force on 1 October 2023, this transition period will give the construction sector time to adjust to the new standard.
Why is this important?
Well, currently there are no rules that cover Carbon Emissions for non-residential buildings. The new SEPP will be a means to hold the performance of developments with respect to Carbon Emissions to account - it’s our best chance to embed this commitment into policy.
Excluded from this SEPP are any Mining sites, Residential Care, Boarding houses, Three ports of Botany, Newcastle and Kembla, industrial sites and infrastructure. This exempts those projects where sensitivity to environmental impact is most critical. We should have input to this and advocate for their inclusion.
There is no mention in this new SEPP about any external environments – leaving this to the developers which will likely result in a declining urban environment.
So to all of you Landscape Architects/Urban Designers reading this we need to step up and speak up. We have a voice – we can use it through our designs and how we interact with our clients and together we can build a better place.
A reminder to all AILA Members that membership fees are now overdue, please get in touch with AILA NSW Chapter [email protected] should you need to speak to anyone. Stay connected, keep updated and have your say on what matters most to you. RENEW NOW .The NSW Chapter will reach out via email to those whose membership is outstanding over the coming weeks.
This coming week the Member Connect Webinar is focusing on everything you need to know about AILA Registration. Join Ben Stockwin CEO and AILA Members as they chat through the different pathways to registration, encourage any of your younger team members who are starting their journey or those that are curious to join in at 1pm, 7th September.
At AILA there are so many ways to be involved: Register for webinars, sign up to Be A Landscape Architect program ambassador, join us at the upcoming Festival, join an AILA committee, or for the 18-30 year old members share your thoughts on the future via the Youth Advisory Committee -there are so many opportunities for everyone to be involved. Can’t decide e-mail the NSW Executive team [email protected]
Don’t Forget the AILA Festival and the AILA National Awards are coming up – the countdown is on with only 6 weeks to go. Tickets are nearly sold out so Book your tickets, Flights and accommodation and join in what is meant to be a truly different and emotive experience. Keep an eye out for your Executive members and come say hi.
NSW Executive Member
Miriam Enoch