Cyril Richert’s Post

In the August edition of Building Today, the article "Identifying and Reducing Operational and Embodied Carbon Emissions" (pages 36-37) offers crucial strategies for lowering carbon emissions in the construction industry. 🌍 It highlights the importance of tackling both operational emissions and embodied emissions through smarter material choices and efficient energy use, aligning with New Zealand’s net-zero carbon goals by 2050. 💡🏗️ #Sustainability #Construction #EnvironmentalInnovationCentre #CarbonReduction #EIC https://lnkd.in/g3S3-fFR

The new Fast Track Approvals bill is now officially law. I'm most pleased about the number of new green-field residential developments that have been given the green light to proceed. Now, don't think that this is going to solve all of our problems with regard to building houses or housing affordability...far from it...but its a start. Providing certainty of supply of land for the next 5 to 10 years is will give the construction market confidence of supply... ...but its not enough, we need more. Many of the projects "approved" will take 2 to 3 years before we see ground works, and another couple of years beyond that before we see houses being built. What about the infrastructure to service these new developments...where is the planning to support this? This is a great step forward...but, please, lets keep going.

One step forward, two steps back…the money and time being spent on this confrontational and time consuming case could be better spent finding collaborative solutions between industry, governments and NFP’s.

On 26 April 2023, Bayside Council endorsed a draft Planning Proposal (PP) to make amendments to the Bayside Local Environmental Plan 2021 to land zoned R3 Medium Density Residential to facilitate development of new homes. This proposal seeks to: (1) Increase the maximum Floor Space Ratio (FSR) from 0.6:1 to 0.7:1, and (2) Introduce a new provision stating that Clause 4.1 will not apply to the subdivision of land in Zone R3 on which the erection of Multi-Dwelling Housing or attached dwelling have been approved or proposed. This proposal is part of Council’s efforts to meet the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure’s requirement to update housing controls in line with the Local Housing Strategy (LHS). The proposed amendments are expected to deliver capacity for hundreds of new dwellings within the Bayside LGA and contributes to the delivery of State and Commonwealth Government commitments under the National Housing Accord. The last date for submissions is 11 November 2024. Jeff Mead Sophie Perry Troy Loveday

The Green Buildings Strategy, outlined by the Government of Canada, aims to address the sizeable percentage of GHG emissions that can be attributed to buildings. The Canadian Construction Association - Association canadienne de la construction provided recommendations to Ressources naturelles Canada (RNCan) on elements that could make a real difference, including: ◾ A buy clean policy ◾ Bolstering Canada's building practices advantage ◾ Training and incentivizing the workforce ◾ Enable investment decisions and more. Click the link for details about the Green Buildings Strategy and and the Canadian Construction Association's recommendations. #Vereco #VerecoSmartGreenHomes #VerecoConsultingAndDesign #VerecoHomes #Green #PassiveBuildingDesign #GreenEnergyHome

The Green Belt has long been a cornerstone of planning policy in the UK, protecting areas of land from urban sprawl and preserving our natural environment. However, recent changes to the Green Belt policy signal a shift in how this protected land can be utilised. The updates are designed to address the UK’s growing housing needs by permitting carefully controlled development in specific areas of the Green Belt. This doesn’t mean a free-for-all on development—projects must meet strict criteria, such as prioritising brownfield sites and demonstrating exceptional circumstances. For homeowners or developers, this could open up opportunities, but it also means navigating a complex approval process. Understanding what qualifies as "exceptional circumstances" and how to mitigate the environmental impact is key. At JKT Architecture, we stay up to date with policy changes to provide tailored advice and solutions for our clients. If you’re considering a project within or near Green Belt land, we can guide you through the intricacies of the planning system to maximise your chances of success. Got questions about how this affects your project? Drop us a message!

With a Labour government taking office, significant changes in UK planning are expected. Labour's key promises include a new National Planning Policy Framework within 100 days, mandatory local housing targets, and relaxing Green Belt rules to promote development. They also plan to develop new towns, set an ambitious target of 1.5 million new homes, and prioritize economic growth through infrastructure projects. These measures aim to boost housing supply and create jobs, but may face opposition from local communities and environmental groups. Only time will tell what such an outcome will be…

Torridge District Council submits revised plans for Appledore Clean Maritime Innovation Centre Torridge District Council has announced the submission of revised plans for the Appledore Clean Maritime Innovation Centre (ACMIC), following a thorough consultation process with the public and stakeholders. The updated application, identified as ref: 1/1179/2023/LA, reflects significant changes based on community feedback and evolving construction cost considerations. Councillor Ken James, Leader of Torridge District Council, commented on the updates: “Whilst this a positive and considered response to public feedback, the revised plans also consider ongoing construction cost inflation. As such, we have looked to improve the efficiency of the building, by optimising the lettable area, reducing ancillary spaces and ensuring that the completed building fully responds to current and future market requirements. We strongly believe that these amendments ensure that we have the right plans for the right location, which we hope will put Appledore and Torridge at the forefront of innovation and investment in clean maritime energy.” The updated plans for the ACMIC are now available for public viewing on the Torridge District Council Portal. The revised scheme is scheduled to be presented to the planning committee for final approval in the Autumn. #innovation #maritime #marine #ISeaSMEs #SOCSEA24 https://lnkd.in/ekUREQGg

🌟 Key Updates to NSW’s Codes SEPP 🌟 The NSW Government has released significant updates to the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) for 2024. These changes aim to streamline approvals, encourage sustainable development, and ensure compliance aligns with modern planning priorities. Here’s what you need to know: ✔️ Simplified Processes: Enhanced clarity and consistency in complying development pathways, making it easier for homeowners and developers to meet requirements. ✔️ Increased Sustainability: New provisions for energy efficiency and environmental resilience to align with NSW’s net-zero goals. ✔️ Housing Boost: Updated codes to support medium-density housing and granny flats, addressing Sydney’s housing supply challenges. ✔️ Improved Design Standards: Stronger emphasis on accessibility and liveability, ensuring future developments meet community needs. ✔️ Compliance Made Clearer: Enhanced guidelines for councils, certifiers, and planners to ensure everyone is on the same page. 💡 These updates reflect the NSW Government’s push to create a more liveable, sustainable, and efficient urban environment. 📢 Why does this matter? As planners, architects, and developers, staying on top of these changes is essential to delivering compliant and future-focused projects.