GRA Newsletter January 2018

Zhangjia Future Park. Shanghai Pudong, China. Architects, MVRDV

GREETINGS FROM THE GRA PRESIDENT

Dear GRA members and sponsors,

Wishing you a warm welcome into the new year and let's make it a GREEN 2018!

Currently, Australian cities are being redeveloped to accommodate a rising population with developers reaping in record annual profits which is said to be good for the economy. I ask, why is the economy always placed above our environment? In 2017, real estate prices continued to rise, again, due to housing demand and cities are moving towards higher density as the solution. The urgency for development is supported by government however there is no foresight to create new green spaces to balance density levels, beyond relying on the existing neighbourhood parks and recreational facilities which were originally incorporated into urban planning for a low density population in the early stages of the twentieth century. I would say that it's time for an urgent review into the Australian Building Code and every State Planning Authority, just for starters.

GRA has received feedback from a majority of Australia's property managers and REITs that own vast building portfolios. Such companies as LendLease, Charter Hall, AMP, Goodmans, CBRE, Dexus & Knight Frank have recorded record profits from their realty investments with no immediate sight of abating. The consensus from these companies has overwhelmingly been that now is the time to future proof our cities with more green infrastructure such as green roofs, parks, canopy trees, urban farms, street swales & rain gardens, but, it is not up to the commercial sector because government sets the policy. Due to high profits on project investments developers admit that they could easily absorb the additional capital expenditure for green infrastructure, however, as there is no government planning policy or building code requirements, it is simply not included. The indication is that there would be no argument against, for example, including green roofs on a development if it were a mandate as there would be miniscule impact on profit. In any case, developers believe that there is a potential associated value capture for green buildings by increasing value, desirability and improving long term leasing with loyal tenants in a competitive market . 

Australian governments need only look to other innovative countries for evidence on how green infrastructure improves the urban lifestyle through biophilic design; mitigates the impacts of Urban Heat Island effects; improves water / air quality; provides amenity; provides food; improves urban biodiversity and creates new habitats for fauna & flora. The benefits are well documented internationally and progressive governments support developers with rebates, incentives, tax benefits and grants for including green infrastructure. This is why it is so confounding to many of us in the green industry. 

Since 2007 GRA has been working beyond our limitations to raise public awareness on the multitude of economical, social and environmental benefits provided by green roofs, living walls and other forms of green infrastructure. We held national conferences with international experts; a world congress; affiliated with AILA, 202020Vision, NGIA, Horticulture Innovation Aus, Capital City Governments and I have actually briefed every Environment Minister since 2008, that is from Peter Garret to Josh Frydenberg. The response has always been positive but absent of any progressive outcome! The frequent revolving doors with political leaders swinging in & out of power during this time appears to be the reason our urban environments continue to stagnate under outdated regressive policy.

In 2018, GRA will step up our advocacy mission of future proofing our cities with more vegetation. We still believe. We are still committed. We are still passionate.

To do this, we will amplify our social media presence, support national conferences and affiliate with community networks to reignite awareness from a grass roots level up.
On the global front we will continue with our work in the World Green Infrastructure Network and support international conferences & pass on benefits to our members.

To date, being our tenth anniversary, GRA extends a warm thank you to all members past & present, to all sponsors and supporting associations for assisting us over these past ten years. I urge you to write to your local MP, local mayor or the PM himself and ask 'Why isn't there policy support for more green roofs, local green spaces and sustainable solutions that will future proof our cities against the impacts of an increasing climate variability'.

Please write to us with your comments and suggestions about how we can do good ... together in 2018.
Email us at info@graus.com.au or contact us through the GRA website.

I'll end this New Year Howdy with a few inspirational projects that keep my passion for ecotecture fuelled.

Warm regards for a GREEN 2018!!!

Matt Dillon
GRA President.

Via Verde Public Housing Project. The Bronx. NYC NY. GRIMSHAW Architects NYC Green roofs, green play grounds, sporting facilities, urban farming with communal access to herbs, fruit trees and vegetables.

Via Verde Public Housing Project. The Bronx. NYC NY. GRIMSHAW Architects NYC

Manta Ray Ferry Terminal. Seoul. Korea. Architect, Vincent Callebaut

Nautilus Eco Resort. Philippines. Architect, Vincent Callebaut

Nautilus Eco Resort. Philippines. Architect, Vincent Callebaut

Taipei Theatre. Taiwan. Biophilic Interior Design.

New York High Line Extension. NYC, NY  Architect, Thomas Heatherwick Studio

NATIONAL NEWS

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

RESEARCH UPDATE

RECENT PROJECTS

For more projects and details, please visit our Project Gallery.  

THANKING OUR SPONSORS!

DIAMOND SPONSORS:

FYTOGREEN AUSTRALIA

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INTERNATIONAL LEAK DETECTORS / THE GREENWALL COMPANY / SIKA / ENVIROSYSTEMS

SILVER SPONSORS:

ANDREASENS GREEN / KNAUF INSULATION / THE HILLS BARK BLOWER / DCTECH

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