2019-02-18 GC Agenda Att 1 to Item 8 - Draft Environment Strategy

      Reduction of waste at source through education, incentives and behavioural change
       programs
      Improvement the current landfill gas capture rate.
Strategy 2: Encourage incorporation of more sustainable building
elements
Target: By 2030, sustainable building outcomes are delivered through regulation, education and
showcasing best practice design.

Noosa’s subtropical climate and relaxed living provides opportunities for sustainable design
outcomes that are cost effective, resource efficient, comfortable and attractive. Many sustainable
design outcomes also increase the resilience of building occupants to climate-related stressors
(e.g. reduced health risks during heatwaves due to cooler buildings).

Many architectural elements in Noosa have developed in response to the subtropical climate and
have their foundations in traditional Queenslander-style architecture. Modern interpretations have
results in a distinctive ‘Noosa style’ which is both aesthetically appealing and responsive to the
natural landscape and climate. Exemplary designs are responsive to the landscape, use timber
features, have thin or fine edges, appear lightweight and adopt sustainable design elements.

Sustainable building design elements include:
    energy and water efficiency, including lighting, electrical appliances, heat pumps, plus
       water tanks for gardens, toilets and laundry
    landscape design that maximises water permeability to provide for stormwater filtration
       and groundwater recharge
    renewable energy generation including photovoltaic solar power
    sustainable building materials with low environmental impact that are natural, durable,
       reusable, recyclable or made from recyclable or sustainably-sourced material
    waste management that provides for ‘avoiding, reusing and recycling’ during demolition,
       construction, operation and disposal
    passive energy design that takes advantage of local climate to maintain a comfortable
       inside temperature range, thus reducing energy use and where possible eliminating the
       need for heating and cooling.
    indoor environmental quality including airflow, natural light and views
    strong connection to the natural environment, linking inside with the outdoors
    native species in landscape design, including maximising retention of existing vegetation
       to provide for local biodiversity.

The Noosa Planning Scheme sets design standards for new developments and redevelopments
based on subtropical design principles. This includes building designs that respect topography,
local character, appropriate climate orientation, native wildlife habitat and water quality. These
design standards complement the Queensland Development Code requirements for sustainable
buildings relating to energy efficiency, water conservation and outdoor living areas.

The Noosa Design Principles and other Council guidelines encourage the use of sustainable
building design and architectural elements suitable to Noosa, as well as Universal Design elements
to ensure buildings are accessible to a range of ages and abilities. Council will continue to pursue
actions to achieve this strategy, including:
     identifying the current stock of carbon neutral buildings within the Noosa Shire

Noosa Shire Environment Strategy                                                             Page 30