The creation of a subdivision is the creation of a community. Subdivision design commences with a relatively blank canvas, setting up the life of the community that will extend over hundreds of years. The initial subdivision design presents an enormous opportunity to create the fundamental conditions for a sustainable and resilient community.
The long-term nature of subdivision planning is now set against the backdrop of our climate fundamentally changing. Many councils are currently planning for population growth for the next 20 to 30 years in some cases via Precinct Structure Plans, without consideration of the 2050 net zero emissions target. Despite clear objectives in existing planning policy, which seek to influence sustainable design outcomes in the built environment, there are limited information requirements and standards to support a robust evaluation of a subdivision from a sustainability perspective.
What is the Sustainable Subdivisions Framework?
The framework seeks to mitigate the impacts of future climate projection scenarios, creating sustainable and liveable subdivisions that can adapt to the changing climate. The framework identifies seven (7) categories that can assist in creating environmentally sustainable subdivisions.
• Site Layout and Liveability
• Streets and Public Realm
• Energy
• Ecology
• Integrated Water Management (IWM)
• Urban Heat
• Circular Economy (Materials and Waste)
The seven framework categories each include objectives and measurable standards to facilitate stronger sustainability outcomes and apply innovation and implementation considerations to all categories.
Wodonga Council with partnering other local governments will be testing the Sustainable Subdivisions Framework through existing planning processes for an 18-month trial commencing on the project launch date of September 2, 2020.
Please visit the Council Alliance for a Sustainable Built Environment (CASBE) website for more information.