Shire leading towards net zero emissions for new builds

Published on 22 July 2022

Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has joined forces with 23 other Victorian councils to push for more sustainable design within planning requirements.
 
The Shire has lodged a planning scheme amendment with the State Government, seeking to introduce planning controls that elevate sustainability requirements for new buildings and encourage a move towards net zero carbon development.
 
The amendment seeks to build on the current Environmentally Sustainable Development (ESD) requirements for new developments and better protect the natural environment, reduce resource and energy consumption, and support the health and wellbeing of future occupants.
 
To strengthen its call, the Shire collaborated with councils from across the state, sharing the project with Ballarat, Banyule, Bayside, Boroondara, Darebin, Frankston, Glen Eira, Greater Bendigo, Greater Dandenong, Greater Geelong, Hobsons Bay, Knox, Maribyrnong, Mitchell, Moonee Valley, Moreland, Port Phillip, Stonnington, Strathbogie, Warrnambool, Whitehorse, Whittlesea, and Yarra.
 
These 24 councils represent about half the Victorian population and planning activity.
 
Under the proposed changes, new developments would:

• Produce net zero carbon emissions.
• Reduce household bills by making buildings more energy efficient.
• Provide a healthier and more comfortable environment for building occupants.
• Better manage water quality, use and collection.
• Protect and enhance greening and biodiversity.
• Be more resilient to changing climate impacts.

 The Shire is undertaking this work as a member of the Council Alliance for a Sustainable Built Environment (CASBE), supported by the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV). More information can be found at:  mornpen.vic.gov.au/c246
 
Quotes attributable to Mayor Anthony Marsh
“This is crucial work, and we are proud to be collaborating with so many other councils from across the state on this project. Local governments are leading the way towards net zero carbon in new builds, but it will take all three levels of government working together to create the change needed to tackle climate change.”
 
“We call on Minister Blandthorn to give this important issue the attention it deserves and help make net zero carbon in new builds a reality across Victoria.”
 
“We see this amendment as the next step following the State Government’s recent introduction of new planning policy objectives under its ESD Roadmap. The changes we have called for include detailed, measurable targets that will deliver meaningful outcomes in practice.”
 
“Council is committed to doing everything it can to tackle climate change and help our community reach net zero emissions by 2040.”