SUSTAINABLE BUILDING DESIGN GUIDELINES

Public Developments (Council Owned/Managed) - Development of new buildings, redevelopment of existing buildings.

The City of Greater Bendigo (CoGB) is committed to leading by example in best practice for sustainable development. The CoGB Sustainable
Building Design Guidelines will assist project managers to comply with the requirements of the Sustainable Building Design Policy.

The CoGB Sustainable Building Design Guidelines provides an overview of opportunities to improve the environmental performance of
building projects. They are intended to stimulate ideas and encourage innovation rather than prescribe limitations. They should be seen as an
evolving resource, and will become more refined as new technology and information becomes available.
These guidelines must be considered during the concept & design phase of new buildings, and the refurbishment of existing
buildings.

Opportunities for considering increased sustainability are not limited to the final product, but must be included throughout all phases of
project management.

Plan Develop Design Construct Own/Occupy Manage/Maintain

For further information about the opportunities for planning sustainable building projects, refer to the Department of the Environment and
Heritage (2006) ESD Design Guide: for Australian Government Buildings page 12. which can be found at
http://www.environment.gov.au/settlements/publications/government/esd-design/index.html

Additional resources:
Australian Greenhouse Office ESD Design Guide
Australian Greenhouse Office Green Office Guide
Sustainability Victorias Energy Efficient Housing Manual
City of Greater Bendigo Natural Environment Strategy 2007-2010
Green Building Council of Australias Model Clauses for Green Star Guidance
Moreland City Councils STEPS: Sustainable Tools for Environmental Performance Strategy www.morelandsteps.com.au

ENERGY

Buildings which are constructed without giving consideration to passive design principles frequently have substantially greater heating and
cooling costs. Designing a building for energy efficiency enables substantial savings to be made on the running costs of heating, cooling and
lighting, and also minimises greenhouse gas emissions and pollution from the use of fossil fuels.

Influences Considerations
Minimum overall energy rating compliance with current regulations and star ratings is to be considered as a basic start-point, rather than and
end-goal.
Solar design aims to maximise heat gain in winter and minimise heat gain during summer. This is achieved by using the sun as
an energy source and adapting building design to the local climate.
Solar Passive
Design
Movement of the sun The sun and the seasons
The tilt of the Earths axis as it orbits the sun creates the different paths and angles of the sun from
summer to winter. In one half of the year the northern hemisphere receives more sun than the
southern hemisphere, with the reverse occurring in the other part of the year. Between these two
extremes is the equinox, when both hemispheres receive the same amount of sunlight.
EQUINOXES
At the equinoxes (21 March and 21 September), the sun rises exactly in the east and sets exactly in
the west. The point directly above the observer is called the zenith. The angle between the zenith
and the position of the sun at noon (solar noon) is equal to the site latitude. The relative angles and
position of the sun vary according to latitude.
WINTER SOLSTICE
The winter solstice on 21 June has the least daylight of the year (around nine hours). In Melbourne
the sun rises from a position on the horizon about 30 north of due east, travels low across the sky
and sets about 30 north of due west. Its maximum altitude angle at solar noon is about 29.
SUMMER SOLSTICE
The summer solstice on 21 December has the most daylight of the year (around 14.5 hours). In
Melbourne the sun rises from a position on the horizon about 30 south of due east, travels high in

the sky and sets about 30 south of due west. Its maximum altitude angle at solar noon is around
75.
Refer to Sustainability Victorias Energy Smart Housing Manual Chapter 3.
Orientation of the
building
With an understanding of the daily and seasonal movements of the sun, a building can be orientated
to optimise thermal comfort. Orientation concerns the position of the building on the site and the
rooms within it. It means getting the maximum benefit out of the suns energy particularly in winter
where the sun can be a major factor in heating and lighting buildings. Maximum solar access can be
achieved by orientating rooms and areas that are used most (living and work areas) to the north.
Window orientation
and shading
The daily and seasonal movement of the sun is also an important consideration in the positioning of
windows in a building.
North Facing Windows - Ideally most of the windows in the building should face north. North facing
windows should be horizontally shaded to allow low winter sun into the window whilst providing
shade from high summer sun. Horizontal shading devices include eaves, pergolas, awnings and
upper floor balconies.
East and West Facing Windows - West and east facing windows receive little autumn, winter or
spring sunlight, but excessive summer sunlight. This means that they can be serious sources of
heat loss in winter and overheating during summer. As such, their size should be restricted and
they should be well shaded with vertical shading devices such as vertical blinds, blade walls and
thick vegetation.
South Facing Windows - South facing windows receive no direct sunlight in winter and only receive
early morning and late afternoon sunlight in summer. As such, minimal shading devices are
required. South facing windows are good for cross-ventilation, however, their size should be
minimised to reduce heat loss.
Thermal
Mass
Thermal mass refers to the ability of building materials to store heat (ie thermal storage capacity). The basic characteristics of
materials with thermal mass is their ability to absorb heat, store it, and at a later time release it. The use of such materials
helps to reduce extremes in temperature experienced inside a building, making the average internal temperature more
moderate year round and the building more comfortable to live in.

Building materials that are heavy weight store a lot of heat and are said to have a high thermal mass. Materials that are light
weight do not store much heat and are said to have a low thermal mass. The use of heavyweight construction materials with
high thermal mass (concrete slab on ground and masonry walls) can reduce heating and cooling energy requirements by up to
25% compared to a building built of light weight construction materials with a low thermal mass (brick veneer and timber
floors etc).
In summer, thermal mass helps keep a building cool by absorbing heat that enters the building. The thermal mass generally
has a lower initial temperature than the surrounding air and acts as a heat sink. By absorbing heat from the atmosphere the
internal air temperature is lowered during the day, with the result of improved comfort without the need for supplementary
cooling. This stored heat is then slowly released at night to passing cool breezes.
In winter, thermal mass in the floors and walls absorbs radiant heat from the sun through north facing windows. During the
night the heat is gradually released back into the room helping to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Generally, the more thermal mass the better. A double brick or masonry building on a concrete slab offers the best comfort
levels and energy savings. However, the cost of heavyweight materials can outweigh the value of energy savings. For this
reason, use as much thermal mass as you can to achieve comfortable indoor conditions. In most cases, give first priority to
the provision of a concrete slab and supplement this with heavyweight walls.
Ventilation assists in keeping a building cool in summer and warm in winter. To assist summer cooling, it is important to
replace hot air inside a building with cooler air from outside. In winter it is important to be able to close off areas so that
only those areas which need heating are heated. The following design principles can be incorporated to maximise the
effectiveness of ventilation in a building.
Ventilation
Cooling & Heating If a building is designed to maximise natural ventilation, it is possible to all but eliminate the need for
fuel-based space heating and cooling. Natural ventilation can be optimised by:
Correctly positioning windows and doors to allow summer breezes through the building in
Bendigo prevailing summer cooling winds are from the south or south west so windows should
be lined up north and south to allow for efficient flow-through ventilation (window size and
shading should be selected according to solar design principles). Wind does not travel around
corners so windows should be lined up in a reasonably straight line.

Using windows which may be locked in a partly open position. This will provide security while still
allowing for natural ventilation.
Minimising internal obstruction allows for unimpeded flow-through ventilation.
Using convection air flows. Convection air flows result from hot air rising and exiting at the
highest point, while simultaneously drawing in cool air from shaded external areas to replace it.
Convection air flows can be set up by positioning low to high window openings across a space.
Using external vegetation to cool incoming air. External temperatures can be reduced up to 6
o
C
by using ground cover or lawn instead of paving. Substantially greater reductions may be attained
by drawing air through more densely vegetated areas around the building.
In the event that air conditioning is deemed unavoidable, consider reverse cycle air conditioning.
This reduces the need for separate equipment for heating and cooling.
Ensure the design incorporates zoning (or the ability to close off certain areas), so that only those
areas which need to be, are heated or cooled.
Ensure ducting is insulated to at least R1.5 and that any refrigerant lines are insulated with at least 20
mm of foam insulation. This will minimise the potential for heat loss and heat gain between the air
conditioning unit and targeted areas.
Ensure there is no likelihood of airborne odour or pollutants being transmitted between specific
work or recreation areas. This may involve giving careful consideration to the location and
placement of intake and exhaust vents.
Roof Spaces Ventilating the roof space of a building during the warmer months is an effective way of replacing
accumulated hot air with cool air from outside and reducing heat radiated from the inner parts of
the building through the ceiling. Controls should enable the ventilation to be stopped during the
cooler months.
Insulation Insulation is one of the most effective energy efficient measures and should be installed in the roof, walls and ceilings of the

building. Insulation controls the rate at which a building loses or gains heat, keeping it warm in winter and cool in summer.
There are generally two types of insulation:
Bulk insulation (batts of fibreglass, sheep wool, cellulose etc and straw bale construction) is important in ceilings, walls and
floors. These materials contain millions of tiny pockets of still air which form an effective barrier to heat flow.
Reflective insulation (eg reflective foil laminate or sarking) is made of thin sheets of highly reflective aluminium foil laminate
which reflects heat from its polished surface. This is particularly effective in summer.
A materials resistance to heat flow, which is known as R value, measures the effectiveness of insulation. The higher the R
value the greater the insulating effect. Buildings must include the provision of roof and ceiling insulation with a minimum R 2.5
- 3.0 rating; and wall insulation of a minimum R1.5 rating, to reduce the amount of energy needed to heat and cool a building
(Australian Greenhouse Office, ESD On-line Technical Manual, 2002). Most commercially available insulation is rated with an
R value. If a manufactures information is not available, R values can be calculated using the data and methods contained in
the following:
Australian Standards AS2627.1 (1993): Thermal insulation of dwellings.
The Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating Handbook.
Windows Insulation can also be used to control heat transfer through windows. Up to a kilowatt of heat can enter a
building through a square metre of clear glass exposed to direct sun equivalent to switching on a single-bar
electric heater at the hottest time of the day. Winter heat loss through each square metre of single glazing
is three times that through an uninsulated wall, and more than ten times the loss through a square metre of
insulated wall. This adds to peak electricity demand and requires increased heating and ventilation system
capacity. The following measures can help reduce energy flows through glass.
Advanced Glazing Technologies - Glass can be treated to reduce the amount of solar energy transmitted
through it. This can be an alternative method of preventing summer heat gain where external shading
devices are inappropriate, such as for windows which are inaccessible, or have views which must be
maintained. However, treated glass must be used with caution as it reduces heat gain and light in winter as
well as summer.

Toned Glass - Toned Glass has a tint applied to the glass during manufacture, to reduce the amount of heat
transmitted through it.
Reflective Coatings - Reflective coatings are thin films of metal or metal oxide that are applied to standard
glass. They stop greater amounts of heat gain than some toned glasses, however, they should be used with
caution as they have the potential to create glare problems for neighbouring properties.
Double Glazing - Double glazing is an effective method of reducing heat loss through windows. Double glazed
windows consist of two panels of glass separated by a layer of dry air which provides a barrier to conducted
heat flow. Some manufacturers offer alternative gases for filling double glazed units, with the most common
being argon. Argon increases the performance of units by around 20% due to its lower conductivity than air.
Double glazing does not reduce the amount of solar radiation entering a building so appropriate shading will
still be required to avoid overheating.
Other Advanced Technology Glazing Systems - Advanced technology glazing systems are also available which
change the physical characteristics of the glazing in response to external conditions. For example,
photochromic glass darkens on exposure to sunlight, while thermochromic glass reduces solar energy
transmission in response to increasing temperature. For more information advanced technology glazing
systems, visit the Australian Greenhouse Office website at www.greenhouse.gov.au/yourhome/technical
Other Methods of Reducing Heat Flow Through Windows - Metal window frames are disproportionately
important paths for heat flow. Light colours are preferred as they reflect most radiant heat and this can
reduce heat flow markedly.
For display windows in information centres, consider separating the display area from the main shop area
with insulated partitions or glass panels to cut heat flow. In the case of partitions, this measure should be
balanced against loss of daylight and visual access.
Walls, Floors,
Ceilings
Insulation is also useful for controlling heat losses or gains through suspended floors and on-ground
concrete slabs. For suspended timber floors, perforated concertina-style reflective foil batts can be used.
Perforated foil maintains a still layer of air under the floor boards, whilst allowing moisture to escape,
preventing warping and deterioration of the flooring. The foil can be stapled between the floor joists (where
concertina-style foil is used), or reflective foil laminate placed over the joists and dished between them, to

provide a still air space before the flooring is laid. Alternatively, bulk insulation can be placed between the
joists and held in place by a supporting mesh underlay. Boards can then be attached to the underside of the
joists using fixing spikes or long staples.
In the case of on-ground concrete slabs, insulation should be provided around the slabs perimeter to
reduce the transfer of stored heat to the surrounding ground. Up to 80% of heat loss from slabs occurs
through the perimeters. This is of particular importance where in-slab heating has been installed, or where
the water table is high.
Supplying hot water in large facilities can be an expensive process, which can generate substantial quantities of greenhouse
emissions. Supplying 100 litres of hot water per day can cost $300 per year and generate 3 tonnes of greenhouse gases
(Australian Greenhouse Office, 1999). In many cases, heat loss from tanks and pipes is greater than the amount of useful heat
delivered. The overall cost of hot water depends on the type of heater and fuel used, where the unit is installed and how the
water is used.
All newly installed hot water systems should have a minimum rating of 4 stars. The table below rates the different types of
hot water systems in terms of greenhouse gas emissions.
Hot water storage systems should be located as close as possible to wet areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries.
This helps to keep pipe lengths short, minimising heat loss from pipes and installation costs. It also overcomes the
inconvenience of having to wait for long periods for hot water to start flowing from the tap and the water wasted during this
time.
Wet areas should be grouped together to minimise pipe runs. This will also reduce the potential for heat loss between the
hot water heater and the point of use.
Hot Water
Hot water pipes should be insulated to minimise heat loss from pipes as hot water travels to the taps.
Lighting is directly responsible for more than a quarter of commercial-sector greenhouse gas emissions. Waste heat from
lighting adds to air conditioning loads. Simple techniques can be employed to improve efficiency in this area.
Lighting
Natural Lighting Buildings should be designed to maximise availability of natural light without creating major heat gain or
heat loss pathways. Ideally, artificial lighting should not be necessary for general activities in a room

during daylight hours in winter.
Natural light access can be maximised by considering glass roofs, skylights and similar installations which
are properly shaded or double glazed to prevent disproportionate heat loss or gain. The effectiveness of
natural light can be improved by using light colours and appropriate geometry for internal walls and
ceilings.
A room should be provided with an amount of light appropriate to its use. For example, a kitchen or
meeting room requires an even spread of bright lighting while an open plan office requires a mix of
general and task focussed lighting options. Hallways may require only dim lighting.
Separate switches for special purpose or task focussed lights should be installed so that areas of the
building which are not in use are not lit unnecessarily. Switches for different areas of larger rooms
should also be considered.
Use an efficient light source. Lamp type can be selected to provide quality lighting while minimising the
total cost over the life of the unit. The following table gives the most appropriate lamp type for most
applications.
Table 2 Lamp types and their applications (adapted from Australian Greenhouse Office, 1999)
Lamp Type Description Application
Fluorescent Modern fluorescent lamps, especially
the more efficient tri-phosphor
lamps, have low cost, high efficiency,
good colour, and very long life
(8,000 16,000 hours).
Many general applications.
Compact Fluorescent As for above Can be used in situations where space
or style are limiting factors eg. Desk
lights, downlights, wall washers.
Artificial Lighting
Metal Halide Produce bright white light with very Lighting large areas eg. Indoor pools,

high efficiency. depot garages.
Incandescent Standard light bulbs. Very low
efficiency.
For situations of infrequent use eg.
Storerooms.
Locating switches at exits to rooms/lobbies etc is a simple way of encouraging occupants to switch lights
off when the room is not in use.
Dimmers, motion detectors and automatic turn-off switches should be installed where appropriate.
Other
Solar-powered lighting systems may also be considered. Even in suburban areas, they can be cost-
effective where they avoid the cost of running electrical cable to barbecue shelters, pathways or other
points where relatively small amounts of electricity are required.
Outdoor
Areas
Where outdoor decks or patios are provided maximise the comfort and useability of these areas by considering wind
protection, winter solar access and summer shade. Furthermore, consider the effect these structures may have on shading
and solar access to internal areas of the building.
Power point
availability
Consideration must be given to ensuring an adequate supply of power points in relevant locations, without over supply.
Minimizing the need for use of additional power-boards increases safety of staff and reduces the likelihood of
overloading/short circuiting. Ready access to switches is essential so that individual persons can take responsibility for
switching off of appliances, reducing standby power usage.
Peak Energy
Demand
A key challenge in planning the energy supply infrastructure is to manage short term or peak demands in electricity use
caused by summer cooling loads. In Victoria in 1986 air conditioning was estimated to be only 0.2 per cent of domestic
energy use yet contributed 9.4 per cent to peak electricity loads. Since then ownership of air conditioners has grown by
around 30 per cent. Buildings with a high cooling demand in summer are likely to have cooling systems fitted whether or not
they are part of the original design.
Green energy Consider use of green energy during construction and occupancy Greenhouse/
Carbon
Carbon Sequestration Consider offsetting anticipated carbon emissions in bulk plantings within Greater Bendigo area
Photovoltaic For all new buildings and refurbishments where possible, and regardless of immediate intentions, roof specifications should

compatible
design
allow for installation of a photovoltaic array. Consideration to the best position of an array, inclusion of relevant conduit and
wiring, and structural capacity of roof to bear the load should be made in preparation for potential future installation.
Monitoring,
Evaluation &
Learning
Investigate use of electronic (web-based) sustainable building assessment tools (eg. STEPS & SDS) for all new developments
and redevelopment of land/property within established urban areas
WATER

The reticulated water supply undergoes substantial levels of treatment and disinfection to render it suitable for human consumption. This level
of treatment is not required for the majority of water uses associated with a building. Thoughtful building design can greatly reduce demands
on potable (drinking) water sources. Water consumption can be reduced within buildings through the following measures:

Influences Considerations
Installing a rainwater tank to collect rooftop runoff. Rainwater is a valuable natural resource that can be collected for a
range of tasks including toilet flushing, irrigation and washing. Using rainwater can reduce water bills while reducing
demand on precious potable water supplies. Rooftops may collect contaminants such as atmospheric dust, bird
droppings, etc, however, a device that diverts the first flush of rainwater, which contains these contaminants, can be
installed. First flush diversion devices are now commercially available. The overflow from the tank is required to be
connected to the stormwater system.
Rainwater Tanks
Provision of rain water tanks for all developments connected to toilet cisterns and for outdoor use commensurate to
roof size, on site demand and pre-development natural run off flows.
Efficient
showerheads and
taps
Using water-efficient (AAA-rated) showerheads and taps reduces water consumption. AAA-rated showerheads deliver
less than 9 litres of water per minute yet maintain sufficient pressure to ensure a comfortable shower.
Efficient
appliances
Where washing machines or dishwashers are provided a AAA-rating should be specified. AAA-rated units use 63% less
water than standard dishwashers and top loading washing machines and also use less energy and detergent.

Dual Flush toilets Install dual flush toilets so that you can choose to flush only half of the cisterns water. Additionally, you may like to
consider installing waterless urinals. Waterless urinals resemble conventional wall-hung fixtures but function on gravity
flow and use absolutely no water. Odours are contained by a special drain insert containing a liquid sealant. The low-
density sealant floats on top of the urine and forms a barrier against sewer vapour escape. Waterless urinals are easy to
clean and have low maintenance costs. They are also relatively cheap to install as they require no water supply pipes,
cisterns or electrical equipment.
Consider the reuse of wastewater on-site. On-site wastewater reuse provides numerous opportunities to reduce the
amount of potable water used by a building, including toilet flushing and garden irrigation. There are two types of
wastewater, each of which can be treated and used in various ways:
Black water This is water that has been mixed with waste from the toilet. Black water requires biological or
chemical treatment and disinfection before use. Blackwater should only be re-used outdoors, in
accordance with specifications.
Onsite water
reuse
Grey water This is wastewater from non-toilet plumbing fixtures such as showers, basins and taps. Depending
on its use, grey water can require less treatment than black water and generally contains less
pathogens. Treated grey water can be re-used indoors for toilet flushing and clothes washing, both
of which are significant users of water. Grey water can also be used for the irrigation of landscaped
areas.
Stormwater The effect of proposed development on stormwater quality and quantity must be considered. Building developments
exert a considerable influence on both the quantity and quality of stormwater. Rooftops, roads, parking lots, driveways
and other impervious surfaces reduce groundwater recharge and increase runoff quantities. This increased runoff may
place an unnecessary load on existing drainage systems.
The level of impact exerted on stormwater by a building can be reduced by implementing design features which seek to
approximate the natural water balance of a site prior to the land being built on. The objective of such features is to
minimise the extent of impervious surfaces and maximise the potential for filtration, storage and infiltration, so that the
least amount of water flows off-site into the stormwater system.
The following design principles can be incorporated to limit a buildings impact on stormwater:

Avoid changes to
topography,
vegetation and
landforms.
Most disturbance to a site, including grading (which compacts soils) and removal or disturbance of
vegetation, will increase stormwater flows by reducing the ability of soils to infiltrate rainwater.
Preserving original topography and drainage channels is generally recommended, though
recontouring land, if planned and done carefully, can also improve infiltration in some cases.
Minimise
impervious areas.
The negative effects of impervious surfaces on a site can be minimised by:
Limiting the clearance of vegetated areas
Installing porous pavements on low traffic areas such as driveways, carparks and footpaths.
Minimising the width of any pavement.
Building pedestrian surfaces, such as walkways and patios, with loose aggregate, wooden decks,
or well-spaced paving stones.
Separating impervious surfaces with turf, gravel or vegetation to increase infiltration (ie, reducing
peak run-off). Avoid kerbs where possible as they increase the concentration of pollutants.
Where there are no kerbs, rainwater runs off driveways, walkways, and roads and soaks directly
into the ground.
Redirecting runoff from impervious surfaces on to vegetated areas.
Retain stormwater
on-site.
The objective of on-site stormwater retention is to temporarily store surface runoff and release it
at a reduced rate to receiving waters. This reduces peak storm flows through natural drainage
systems and minimises flooding potential. On-site retention measures that should be considered
include:
Rainwater tanks - Rainwater tanks can be used to collect and store roof-top runoff. Stored
waters can then be released back into the stormwater system at a reduced rate or they can be
used for various tasks, including toilet flushing (following filtration) and the irrigation of
landscaped areas.
Rain gardens - Rain gardens are biological stormwater facilities engineered to control the flow of
stormwater on a site, a strategy also referred to as bioretention. Rain gardens can be concrete

containers sunk below the surface of a site collecting runoff, or concrete planters around the
base of a building collecting water from downspouts. Some types are simply excavated and do
not have a container. They are filled with gravel, sand, soil and appropriate plants. These systems
should be fitted with a low flow outlet, as well as, an overflow device for high flows.
Vegetated swales - Vegetated swales, another form of bioretention, are open channels covered in
grass and other plants through which runoff is directed during storm events. Above ground plant
parts (stems, leaves and stolons) retard flow and encourage particulates and pollutants to settle
out. Microorganisms in the biologically active layer of soil (close to the surface) are also highly
effective at removing or detoxifying many of the pollutants in stormwater.
Green roofing - A green roof is a multi-layered system consisting of a waterproof membrane or
liner, insulation, gravel and soil layers, and plants. Typically, green roofs range from 5 to 15cm in
soil depth and are planted with a variety of low growing succulents or herbaceous plants. Such
systems turn a roofs large impervious surface into an attractive natural feature that retains and
slowly releases stormwater. Green roofs can also improve the energy efficiency of a building by
providing an added source of insulation.
NB Vegetated roofs require consideration of the load-bearing capacity of roof decks, the moisture and
root penetration resistance of the roof membrane, hydraulics and wind shear.
It should also be noted that bioretention systems require periodic maintenance. Over time the build-up of
sediments in such a system will reduce its efficiency and it will be necessary to remove the deposits.
Vegetation growing in the system will also increase (due to the high levels of nutrients found in
stormwater). If it is allowed to grow unchecked, older vegetation once fully grown will cease to take up
nutrients and if it dies will release nutrients back into the water.
Monitoring,
Evaluation &
Learning
Investigate use of electronic (web-based) sustainable building assessment tools (eg. STEPS & SDS) for all new
developments and redevelopment of land/property within established urban areas



WASTE

More than 110,000 tonnes of waste are sent to Eaglehawk Landfill each year. Of this about 5,000 tonnes are recycled. With total waste
volumes growing due to population growth landfills are fast reaching capacities. There is thus a need to reduce waste going to landfill.
Influences Considerations
Use the EPA Waste Hierarchy as the basis of waste avoidance and materials recovery planning and decision making.
Any new building development must comply with the provisions of Councils Waste Minimisation and Management Development Control
Council requires a Waste Management Plan to be prepared for any new building development. This plan must address how the developer is
going to manage waste throughout the construction and operation of the building with aim to minimise the generation of waste going to
landfill.
Simple steps you can take to meet these ends include:
Require contractors to demonstrate a commitment to waste minimisation and the EPA waste hierarchy through
the tendering process.
Development &
Construction phase
Use building designs that minimise the generation of waste during construction.
- Avoid over-ordering and waste of materials via damage on-site; look for just in time delivery options.
- Return over-supplied quantities to the supplier.
- Investigate local opportunities to recover and recycle waste products.
- Establish a specific area within the site for the storage and removal of different waste types. It should be secure and
access restricted to authorised persons.
- Ensure waste is separated into recoverable and non-recoverable streams. Also ensure that new undamaged
recovered waste materials are kept separate.
- Collect data and record the movement of waste and recovered waste materials on and off-site.
- Store off-cuts that are of a reasonable size and condition for use in maintenance.

- Organise with suppliers for pallets to be returned with follow on deliveries.
- Crush large quantities of concrete, bricks and hard materials and use for road-base, retaining walls, drainage etc.
Occupation/
operation
- Integrate recycling systems into the building design.
- Locate recycling containers or space for containers near the point of use.
Green waste Green waste should be managed on-site wherever possible. This can be achieved by:
- Composting food and garden waste. The composted material can then be used a soil conditioner for pot plants and
on landscaped areas.
- Installing worm farms. Worm farms are an effective method of processing food scraps. Worm castings are highly
beneficial as a soil conditioner and can be used on landscaped areas.
- Mulching green garden waste. This provides an excellent ground cover material for landscaped areas, helping to
conserve soil moisture, reduce weed growth, and improve soil condition.
End-of-life of
equipment
In line with Councils commitment to the EcoBuy and Wastewise programs, purchases must be considered in
relation to the waste generated via packaging, and also by disposal of the item at its end-of-life. Preference must be
given to items with high re-useability or recyclability.
Monitoring,
Evaluation &
Learning
Eco buy and Wastewise tracking/monitoring. In particular, the type of materials ending up as landfill, recycled or
reused.


CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS

Construction materials should be selected to increase the energy efficiency of the building, to minimise damage to the environment, to
contribute to healthy indoor environments and to have low life cycle impacts due to production and maintenance. The commercial
considerations, greater efficiency and environmental sustainability can be achieved by careful choice of building materials.
Influences Considerations
Life Cycle
Assessment
Building owners already try to determine the costs and benefits over the life of their assets (sometimes referred to as the
total cost of ownership), balancing the upfront capital costs with the ongoing operating expenses. Similar approaches exist
for evaluating the overall environmental performance of a building. One of the main techniques for determining the
relative merit of any one initiative is through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). LCA is the assessment of the whole of life
impact of various initiatives on the environment. LCA methodology uses actual figures, such as energy use, emissions to
the environment, and materials used rather than predicted figures.

Currently LCAs are mainly used in commercial buildings to make decisions concerning various options for particular
elements (i.e. wool carpet versus nylon carpet) rather than the entire building, since the use of LCA is both time and
resource intensive. There are, however, tools being developed currently to make this more streamlined, such as LCAid
(CSIRO), but these are yet to be tested in the market place.

Life Cycle assessment MUST be considered and the true life-cost of decisions factored into capital works budgeting.
Manufactured
from
Renewable
Materials
Consider the use of salvaged materials from demolition sites where this does not compromise the appearance of the
building.
City of Greater Bendigo does not support the use of rainforest or other old growth timber. All timber used during
construction and fit out must be from plantations or other sustainably managed re-growth forests. Refer to the CoGBs
Sustainable Building Design Timbers Guide for further information. Preferably, timbers will be certified by The Forest
Stewardship Council (www.fscaustralia.org ).
Manufactured
by acceptable
Select materials and finishes with a low environmental impact during manufacture, application and use. The environmental
performance of the following materials should be considered.

production
methods
Concrete - Concrete, a mixture of sand, gravel, cement and water, is a vital component in building construction. Concrete
has many environmental advantages, including durability, longevity, and an excellent heat storage capability. For passive
solar applications, concretes ability to function as a structural element while also providing thermal mass makes it a
valuable material. But concretes can also cause numerous environmental problems. The majority of these problems are
associated with cement production. Cement is among the most energy-intensive materials used in the construction
industry and is a major contributor to CO
2

in the atmosphere. Cement manufacture is responsible for about 1% of
Australias greenhouse gas emissions (Australian Greenhouse Office, 2002) and worldwide the cement industry accounts
for 8-10% of greenhouse gas emissions, second only to fossil fuels (Mehta, 1998).
The environmental impacts of concreting can be reduced by giving preference to concretes which substitute a proportion
of the cement binder for alternative agents such as fly ash or ground blast furnace slag. This not only reduces greenhouse
gas emissions but can help deal with industrial waste streams as well.
PVC - PVC emits toxic compounds throughout its lifetime. During the manufacture of the building block ingredients of PVC
(such as vinyl chloride monomer), dioxin and other persistent pollutants are emitted into the air, water and land which
present both acute and chronic health hazards. During use, PVC products can leach toxic additives. For example, flooring
can release softeners called phthalates which can effect humans by disrupting the endocrine system. When PVC reaches
the end of its useful life, it can be either landfilled, where it leaches toxic additives, or incinerated, again emitting dioxin and
heavy metals.
PVC is used in such products as pipelines, wiring, siding, flooring and wallpaper. It is however possible to reduce the use of
PVC by replacement with other materials. For example, polyethylene and terracotta pipes can be used instead of PVC
pipes and linoleum floor covers can be used instead of vinyl. A comprehensive database listing alternatives to PVC can be
found on the Greenpeace PVC database website http://www.greenpeace.org/toxics/pvcdatabase/index.html
Flooring - Vinyl flooring is a significant source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). A more sustainable alternative is
linoleum. Carpets, carpet underlays and carpet adhesives also emit VOCs. Recycled rag carpet underlays are preferred.
New carpets with styrene-butadiene latex emit particularly odorous VOCs. Tung oil finishes for wood floors are preferred
to polyurethane. Tung oil allows floors to expand thus preventing wood from splitting when temperature and moisture
changes. Sustainable alternative floorings you may wish to consider include wood, cork, bamboo, linoleum, and 100% wool
carpets and wool carpet tiles.

Paints - Both water and oil based paints emit vapours that are toxic to humans. Solvent based paints may contain up to 50%
solvent by weight whereas water based paints contain approximately 10% solvent by weight. Zero solvent and low solvent
paints are readily available for all decorative and almost all industrial applications.
Energy
Efficient
Materials should be selected in consideration of their contribution to overall energy efficiency of the building, including
factors such as thermal mass, thermal conductivity, opacity/light transference, etc.
Low
Embodied
Energy
Materials should be manufactured and sourced from as local a source as possible to minimize transport energy usage.
Materials should be selected in consideration of the energy required produce a useful commodity (eg, timber vs steel.
Steel requires an investment of huge amounts of energy to be mined, smelted and formed into a useful product. In many
cases timber will provide sufficient structural capability, such as for furniture, and smaller structures).
Non Polluting Non-chemical structural pest management needs to be considered at the design stage of the building process. Australian
Standards AS 36601.1:1995 Protection of Buildings from Subterranean Termites: Part 1 New Buildings, specifies
procedures for implementing physical barrier systems. Physical barrier systems in this standard include the requirement
that steel mesh, graded stone and concrete slab barriers should be used instead of chemical treatment for subfloor termite
protection.
Durable, Low
Maintenance
Building materials should be low-maintenance. Where possible, select building materials that will require little maintenance
(painting, retreatment, waterproofing etc), or whose maintenance will have minimal environmental effects.
Recyclable at
end-of-life
Design and select materials for ease of deconstruction, reuse and recycling, either upon major refit or demolition.
Monitoring,
Evaluation &
Learning
Keeping a record of favorable experiences with suppliers, sharing knowledge of new materials, techniques and promoting
an atmosphere of progression.






NATURAL ECOSYSTEMS

Influences Considerations
Ensure that development and infrastructure projects do not threaten the viability of rare and/or threatened vegetation
communities, flora and fauna.
Terrestrial
Habitat
Require detailed biodiversity impact assessments to be undertaken for all developments occurring in areas covered by an
ESO or VPO.
Impacts on waterways, both during and after completion of construction/development, do not alter bed and bank
habitats, or result in increased erosion potential.
Waterways
Minimise variations to natural flows resulting from stormwater by controlling both peak and total run-off. Ensure
stormwater is of suitable quality before entering natural ecosystems.
Monitoring,
Evaluation &
Learning
Track the need for Native Vegetation Offsets resulting from Council projects.


TRANSPORT

Influences Considerations
Incentives for staff, such as discounted seasonal/annual tickets, etc Encourage use of
public transport
Work with transport providers to develop route planning and other systems to encourage uptake of services offered.
This has potential to alleviate other issues, such as congestion and limited parking availability in various locations.
Bicycles have the potential to play a significant role in meeting the sustainable transport objectives of the City of Greater
Bendigo. The STEPS assessment tool calculates the bicycle provisions necessary for each development based on the
Planning Scheme requirements already in place.
Ensure bicycle parking facilities are provided at a level that recognises the potential for bicycle use in Bendigo, and at
Public Transport P/U D/O points in suburban locations.
Secure bike storage.
Encourage
Cycling
Adequate shower & locker room facilities.
Provision of
adaptable parking
Car parking facilities should also include sufficient, secure storage for alternative modes of transport including bicycles,
scooters, motorbikes, etc. As demand for bike parking increases (and a corresponding decreased need for car parks),
existing car spaces can readily be converted to bicycle facilities with minimum loss of car parking space.
Monitoring,
Evaluation &
Learning
Working with transport providers to monitor and report on trends of use. Tracking peak use of various methods of
transport.



LANDSCAPING

Landscaping should be an important consideration in environmentally sustainable building design. Well planned landscaping can enhance the
operation and use of the building, while promoting biodiversity and providing habitat for native species.
Influences Considerations
Retaining topsoil,
and original soil
layers.
Minimising disturbance to the naturally occurring layers of soil during construction will help to manage other elements of
the development such as garden maintenance, and stormwater management.
Where possible topsoil removed during construction should be reused on-site. Topsoil is usually high in organic matter
which provides a good source of nutrients to new vegetation. Topsoil also has a much higher capacity to retain water. In
the Greater Bendigo area, where much of the region is underlain by clay, the retention of topsoil is very helpful.
It is most effective to plant indigenous species as they are best suited to the local ecology, climate and soil conditions.
This should eliminate the need for fertilisers and eliminate or minimise the need for watering once the plants are
established. This helps to conserve water and prevent nutrient runoff to stormwater systems. Specifically, plant species
should:
Be suited to local climate, natural water availability and soil type.
Provide food and habitat for native wildlife.
Not require pesticide or fertiliser application.
Include groundcovers to conserve soil moisture.
Use of indigenous
species
Where appropriate, species selection consistent with Ecological Vegetation Class. This will not
only minimize the input required to maintain the landscaped area, but will also contribute to
building ecosystem resilience in the face of drought and climate change.
Species Selection
Use of exotic
(including native,
non-indigenous)
Should be limited to areas where heritage or planning regulations necessitate use for compliance,
or demonstrated benefit to sustainability of nearby buildings (eg deciduous species for summer
shade and winter sun).

Must be assessed for potential to spread invasively into natural environment, and controls
implemented.
species
Species selected giving preference to minimum water requirements.
No adverse effects
on structure
Selecting species of plants that will not later develop roots which may cause structural damage, or
interfere with plumbing etc. Species that have stable limbs (eg no red-gum widow makers near
car parking or buildings).
Selecting and locating species of plants that will have minimal or manageable impacts on climatic
hazards such as fire or storm-flooding through leaves and other debris accumulating in gutters.
Improve thermal
performance
Landscaping can improve the thermal performance of a building through seasonal variations in solar
access, shade and shadows, providing wind breaks and channelling or deflecting breezes.
Vegetation can lower temperatures in the vicinity of a building, reduce the ground temperatures
around a building, and can be used to cool incoming air.
Shade- desireable
and undesireable
Plants should not create unwanted shadows as they mature, particularly in respect to windows and
any solar panels.
Complimentary
to Structure &
Design
Minimize
impervious
surfaces
Minimise impervious surfaces by selecting porous paving materials and minimising the extent of
paved areas.
Impervious areas should be separated with turf, gravel or vegetation to increase infiltration.
Hydro zoning Plant species with similar water requirements should be grouped together (hydrozoning). This means that if irrigation is
required in some areas water is not wasted on plants that do not require it.
Monitoring,
Evaluation &
Learning
Undertaking site tracking to monitor maintenance requirements such as mortality rates, and associated variation
(reduction) in maintenance costs.



NOISE

Noise can interfere with sleep, rest and conversation and cause fatigue, irritability, headaches and stress. It is important to minimise noise in
order to enjoy a healthy life. Thoughtful building design can reduce the impact of noise and improve the quality of our living environment.

Influences Considerations
Acoustic
Architecture
In most cases it is much easier and less expensive to incorporate acoustic architectural components into a building
at the design stage than it is to have to retrofit a building after its completion. As such, all proposed uses of the
building (and their acoustic impact) should be considered during the design phase.
Enclosing external
equipment
Where appropriate, acoustic enclosures may be required around any external equipment to limit noise transference
to neighbouring properties.
Increased
attenuation of
openings etc for
noisy areas
If the building may be used for noisy activities increased attenuation of openings, ceilings, walls and other
architectural components must be included in the building design.
Monitoring,
Evaluation &
Learning
Monitor complaints resulting from excessive noise.



DESIGN AUDIT/ACCREDITATION

Consideration will be given to having accredited audit(s) of relevant elements of the development undertaken to ensure best practice is
followed and every opportunity for increasing the sustainability (or the most extensive minimization of negative impacts) is taken. A number
of consultants are available for this process, and can be contracted at the discretion of the project management team.