Environmental Aspects of Sustainable Development

The information provided is to further educate developers and those in the development industry on sustainable building options for our homes and our communities. The public demand for more sustainable homes is increasing. Implementing principles, outlined in the fact sheets and web links compiled and prepared by the Townsville City Council, can provide your business with a competitive advantage. These fact sheets and web links are also designed to assist people building, renovating, buying and living in houses in tropical North Queensland so their choices are more sustainable. Sustainable housing is cost-effective, lifestyle-enhancing, eco-friendly, comfortable, accessible, low maintenance, healthy, safe and secure.

Green Plumbers
Green Plumbers training programs are designed to assist plumbers in understanding their role in relation to environmental and public health, and to provide their customers with up to date information and advice.

Hot Water Heating - Solar and Heat Pump Hot Water Systems
This site provides information on the current $1,600 rebate for eligible households to install solar hot water or heat pump systems. From 1 January 2010, the installation of electric resistive hot water systems will be prohibited in existing houses (Class 1 buildings only, not units) located within a gas reticulated area. Where a hot water system is replaced it must be replaced with a greenhouse-efficient hot water system i.e. gas, solar or heat pump. Additional changes will come into effect progressively over time.

Global Warming, Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Queensland Household Electricity Use (220kB)
A fact sheet on how our use of electricity is impacting on the environment, the implications of global warming and the best things we can do to make a positive difference.

Your Home Technical Manual
This site provides a technical manual with detailed information on passive design, water use, materials use, energy use, site impacts and other impacts. The site also includes a range of specific case studies that describe how to achieve sustainable outcomes in building and designing phases.

Save Water
This innovative site is the leading source on water conservation. Information on lifestyle changes, products for saving water, water saving events, competitions and awards, is all available on this site.

Clean Energy from Ergon Energy - Green Power - Sign Up Today!
North Queenslanders can support energy generated from renewable energy sources (ie., biomass, solar, wind) by buying renewable energy through your electricity bill.

Get Involved! Australian Green Development Forum
The Australian Green Development Forum is a balanced, non-profit coalition of member from development industries, government organisations, universities and community groups.

For more information, please contact Planning Services.