By Mr Lindsay Walker, Director,Department of Local Government & Planning
The Queensland Government leads the way in improving sustainability in the built environment and has made a substantial contribution to the global fight against climate change. Tackling climate change continues to be a fundamental challenge and a core priority of governments both within Australia and across the world.
The energy used by our buildings accounts for almost a quarter of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions, and opportunities for transforming this sector are readily available at little or no cost.
This Sustainability Business Conference (May 2012) presentation discusses how Building Codes Queensland (BCQ), as a division of Growth Management Queensland within the Department of Local Government and Planning, is ideally positioned to implement reforms that promote sustainability in the built environment. Growth Management Queensland brings together the growth program coordination, planning policy and services, building and development, transit orientated development and infrastructure program management functions of the department.
BCQ works to ensure that building legislation, regulation and codes are practical and relevant. By mandating minimum building and construction standards, we can ensure Queensland’s residential and commercial buildings meet minimum standards for the efficient use of energy and water.
This presentation will describe the range of building sustainability measures and initiatives BCQ is responsible for and the impact of those measures. For example, as a result of sustainable housing measures the 33,000 new houses approved for construction each year now make passive energy savings that would otherwise not be made: reducing carbon emissions, protecting our environment and saving householders money on their electricity bills.
It will also demonstrate the Queensland Government’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and tackling climate change by promoting sustainability in the building sector. BCQ is striking the right balance between promoting a strong economy with robust industries, building a sustainable future and protecting our enviable way of life for future generations.
Lindsay Walker, Director,Department of Local Government & Planning
Taking Care of Business: Sustainable Transformation Conference
Radisson Resort, Gold Coast, May 2012
