Leading independent Queensland law firm HopgoodGanim Lawyers has sponsored the Urban Development Institute of Australia’s new Queensland EnviroDevelopment standards, to be launched in Brisbane today.
The EnviroDevelopment scheme is Australia’s only comprehensive sustainability rating tool for commercial, industrial and residential development projects.
The new version of the scheme’s technical standards takes into account changes to Queensland legislation, community expectations and standard development practices since the scheme was originally launched in October 2006.
HopgoodGanim Planning and Development Partner, David Nicholls, says “HopgoodGanim has a long standing relationship with the UDIA and we’re proud to support a sustainable development accreditation scheme specifically for the development industry”.
Mr Nicholls says there are many benefits to EnviroDevelopment accreditation. “As well as reducing the impact on the environment, sustainable development increases community awareness of the environment, helps developers market their projects and reduces operating costs”, he says.
The EnviroDevelopment scheme has been designed to encourage social and economic, as well as environmental, sustainability. The scheme allows developers to gain accreditation for sustainable practices in six different areas: ecosystems, water, energy, waste, materials and community. Certified developments can be branded to show that the project is sustainable and uses resources responsibly.
Mr Nicholls says it’s becoming increasingly important for developers to embrace sustainable development solutions. “Queensland’s legislation is becoming more and more focused on climate change and achieving better outcomes for both the environment and our community,” he says. “Developers are well advised to consider sustainability issues right from the beginning of their projects.”
Contact:
Esther Cohen, Communications Advisor
Tel: 07 3024 0192
