A Sustainability Block is a showcase for innovative approaches to energy efficient and smart growth development. It provides an opportunity for a local government to experiment with innovative infrastructure, sustainable design and energy efficiency initiatives at the block scale.
Ideally, a Sustainability Block would act as a catalyst for further sustainable development within the community.
A Sustainability Block can contribute to a climate action strategy by incorporating Community Energy Planning projects, such as District Energy, Renewable Energy/Electricity, alternative fuel supply and Building Energy Efficiency. as well as smart growth concepts such as pedestrian-friendly streetscapes, parking management, a transportation hub and greenspace. Sustainability blocks reduce GHG emissions primarily through a reduction in vehicle kilometres travelled and an increase in building efficiency.
Through collaboration among local government, the developer and other stakeholders, the process builds practical green development know-how, which can be applied to future projects.