The world’s population is using resources faster than the environment can replenish. This is especially so in industrialised countries such as Australia, where most people live in relatively low-density cities, enjoy large houses, travel long distances by cars powered by fossil fuels, and use electricity generated by coal.
There is overwhelming evidence that as our environment changes, global warming and climate change will increasingly affect the way we live in the future. Around the world, governments and people are urgently trying to reduce the impacts of our present lifestyles on the environment.
Australia’s National Strategy for Ecologically Sustainable Development (1992) defines Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) as ‘using, conserving and enhancing the community’s resources so that ecological processes, on which life depends, are maintained, and the total quality of life, now and in the future, can be increased.’
The member councils of CASBE and the Municipal Association of Victoria are committed to improving the sustainability of our communities. Through the design of healthy buildings, we can build healthy communities, now and for future generations.