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Leading the way to a sustainable future

  • August 02, 2016

Leading the way to a sustainable future


5 Good Ideas for a Sustainable Future is the Property Council’s publication on new ways to tackle future sustainability challenges of the built environment.  On 26 July 2016, The Hon Mark Speakman MP SC, NSW Minister for the Environment launched the publication at a breakfast event along with special presentations from innovators in the field.

“I’m really proud of the leadership of the property industry in NSW in sustainability – the property sector will play an important role in achieving our ambitious energy efficiency target to save households and businesses 16,000 gigawatt hours of power by 2020,” Minister Speakman said.

Cr Sally Betts, Mayor of Waverley Council shared the vision for Bondi Junction as the Heartbeat of the East with ambitious targets of:

  • a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
  • 75% of all waste recycled
  • zero increase in mains water use
  • improved stormwater quality

Bondi Junction is going to be transformed into a world-class place with buildings, spaces and streets for everyone.

Lisa McLean, Executive Manager Corporate Affairs, Marketing & Low Carbon from Flow Systems urged the audience to contemplate the reality that water and energy infrastructure is last century, costly and slow.  Technology has brought new solutions. What could we do with infinite sustainable water and energy?

Over in Parramatta, Barry Mann, Director Property & Significant Assets of Parramatta City Council shared a future of transforming hot open roads to cool, pleasant, tree-lined streets. This would create a green grid people could walk.

Scott Taylor, Head of Living Utilities at Lendlease highlighted the importance of putting people at the heart of their strategy for construction, investment and development. As Lendlease founder Dick Dusseldorp said “Companies must start justifying their worth to society, with greater emphasis placed on environmental and social impact rather than straight economics.”

For a copy of 5 Good Ideas for a Sustainable Future and of the presentations please see below.