So we can add several more weeks for Building Approval time frames shall we?

Congratulations to Minister for Sustainable Building and Construction, Rebecca Vassarotti and the building ministers from each state and territory for reaching agreement to raise the energy efficiency requirements in the National Construction Code from 6 stars to 7 stars. Minister Vassarotti comments that ‘The homes we build today will stand for many decades, so it is vital that we build homes that are climate-resilient, comfortable and accessible.’

Housing ACT constructs around 100 dwellings per year and this provides an opportunity to spend public money on best practice design and sustainability with a great outcome for tenants. The building industry will scream that improved housing standards will add to the cost. The Government can demonstrate to the market that sustainable housing is competitive and cost efficient.

There was a crowd of local politicians (August 10) basking in the green glow opening of ‘Canberra’s most sustainable demonstration home’ at Ginninderry’s Display Village. The solar passive building is a collaboration between Commonsense Sustainability and SEE-Change. 8 star. Loads of information is available on how anyone can build a similar home. It demonstrates that building sustainably delivers low emission housing and a great environment for residents.

Housing ACT can start this dream by throwing out their current proposal for an unsustainable building in Holt (DA 202240430) on a block ripe for solar passive design. We’re spending the money anyway and can do a lot better. Start building a sustainable future – this is the real ‘win for the community’.