Whitehorse City Council is committed to incorporating and promoting environmentally sustainable design (ESD) principles in all aspects of its operations, particularly in the design, construction, and maintenance of Council buildings and infrastructure.
Our ESD Policy aims to establish a consistent approach to achieving best practice ESD outcomes, driving innovation, and fostering sustainability leadership. We strive to achieve our targets within our Draft Climate Response Strategy 2023-2030 and other Council plans, all while recognising that upfront investment in ESD is outweighed by long-term benefits, including cost savings, climate resilience, and community well-being.
This policy applies to all Council renewals, renovations, and upgrades to Council buildings and infrastructure, as well as the design and construction of new projects, and it involves Council staff, external designers, engineers, contractors, and stakeholders involved in Capital Works projects and programs.
We are dedicated to achieving ESD objectives related to greenhouse gas emissions reduction, adaptation and resilience, waste reduction, urban ecology and biodiversity, sustainable transportation, stormwater management, responsible material sourcing, and energy and water efficiency. Our commitment to sustainability extends throughout the project lifecycle, from business case development to occupancy, with an emphasis on ongoing monitoring and reporting.
Download the ESD Policy ( PDF 981.63KB)