Links

Government Departments and Authorities

Sustainable Energy Authority Victoria (SEAV) – www.seav.vic.gov.au
SEAV is responsible for the promotion of energy efficiency and renewable energy, providing advice and information to consumers, business and government on practical energy efficient and renewable energy applications, including the Energy Smart Business Program.

Yarra Valley Water – www.yvw.com.au
Local water authority web site with water conservation ideas and products.

Victorian Environment Protection Authority – www.epa.vic.gov.au
The EPA is the Victorian Government Authority responsible for regulating and promoting environmental management, the control of pollution on land, in water and air, industrial noise and waste minimisation.

Environment Australia – Sustainable Development – www.ea.gov.au
The Commonwealth web site provides information on the programs, services and policies for sustainable development in Australia and to provide links to useful sustainability information.

Australian Greenhouse Office – www.greenhouse.gov.au
The AGO is a government agency dedicated to cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

The Victorian Government’s Environment Gateway – www.environment.vic.gov.au
The new Victorian Government Environment Gateway aims to be a “one-stop-shop” for online information relating to environmental issues and information in Victoria.

Department of Sustainability and Environment – www.dse.vic.gov.au
DSE Victoria is responsible for the integrated management of Victoria’s natural resource base, including a link to their Sustainability in the Built Environment project and the associated Integrating Design into Environmental Assessment Software (IDEAS) assessment tool.

Building Commission – www.buildingcommission.com.au
The Building Commission is a statutory authority that oversees the building control system in Victoria

Bureau of Meteorology – www.bom.gov.au
Provides information on climate zones, averages and maps

City of Yarra Sustainable Design Guidelines – www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/environment/planning/sdg.asp
The guidelines are a series of dwellings, apartments, townhouses, commerical buildings and warehouse conversions to assist in designing buildings more sustainably

Energy

Moreland Energy Foundation – www.mefl.com.au
Locally based, community oriented organization devoted to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Appliance Energy Rating Label – www.energyrating.com.au
Includes lists of appliances, their star ratings and energy consumption data.

Greenhouse Gases – www.greenhousegases.gov.au
Website developed by SEDA and SEAV to provide free tips, tools and resources to help you use less energy, save money and reduce greenhouse gases in the environment.

Moreland Energy Foundation – www.mefl.com.au
Locally based, community oriented organisation devoted to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. They have a Home Energy Referral Network listing suppliers of materials, products, consultants for domestic sustainable energy - www.mefl.com.au/household/resources They also have a Five Star Home Renovator's Service - www.mefl.com.au/household/service/9

Appliance Energy Rating Label –www.energyrating.com.au
Includes lists of appliances, their star ratings and energy consumption data

Greenhouse Gases – www.greenhousesgases.gov.au
Website developed by SEDA and SEAV to provide free tips, tools and resources to help you use less energy, save money and reduce greenhouse gases in the environment

Water

Save Water – www.savewater.com.au
Features information on indoor and outdoor products that save mains/potable water use.

Green Plumbers – www.greenplumbers.com.au
This site assists in finding an environmentally aware plumber and also provides information on environmentally friendly products, water management and solar hot water.

Water Efficiency Ratings – www.wsaa.asn.au
Provides information regarding national water conservation rating and labeling scheme and provides lists of appliances and their water ratings.

Stormwater

Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) – www.wsud.melbournewater.com.au
Provides information on Water Sensitive Urban Design, including stormwater treatment strategies

Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) – www.wsud.org/plannings
This is a Sydney based project that aims to enhance the ability and willingness of Council staff to promote and implement sustainable water management practices in Councils operations and in development projects. A planning guide and a series of practice notes outline useful WSUD techniques.

Materials

EcoSpecifier – www.ecospecifier.org
Online sustainable materials database established by the Centre for Design RMIT.

Building Green – www.buildinggreen.com
Online green building information, articles, case studies and sustainable materials resource.

Waste/Construction & Demolition Management

EcoRecycle Victoria – www.ecorecycle.vic.gov.au
EcoRecycle Victoria address resource recovery, recycling and waste management. Services include information sheets, directories of waste recyclers and other resources, funding support for waste management.

On-site – Minimising Construction Waste – www.cfd.rmit.edu.au/content/view/full/123
This is a web site totally dedicated to construction and demolition (C&D) waste minimisation, containing case studies, information and resources on waste avoidance and resource recovery in the construction/demolition sector.

Transport

Travel Smart – www.travelsmart.gov.au
A government organisation aiming at reducing reliance on cars and making smart choices about other forms of transport.

Bicycle Victoria – www.bv.com.au
Self-funded community organization that promotes ‘more people cycling more often’.

Other ESD Websites

Your Home – www.yourhome.gov.au
Provides a guide to sustainability in construction and design. The Design for Lifestyle and the Future, Technical Manual, Institute of Sustainable Futures, Commonwealth of Australia, 2001, is available free online.

Alternative Technology Association – www.ata.org.au
Environmental organization promoting sustainable technologies and practical projects.

Green Building Council of Australia – www.gbcaus.org
The GBCA promotes the development of a sustainable property industry in Australia.

Centre for Design RMIT – www.cfd.rmit.edu.au
Educational organisation, which promotes the development of ESD and management systems.

Building Display Centre – Sustainable Design Short Courses - www.buildingdisplaycentre.com.au
Find out how to be friendly to both the environment and your pocket before you undertake you building project. Includes topics such as passive design, solar power, solar hot water, double glazing and insulation. Bookings can be made online or by phoning 9419 7488

BDP Environment Design Guide – www.architecture.com.au
Sustainable Deign Guide aimed at design professionals. Available from the RAIA

Westwyck – www.westwyck.com
A very different type of inner urban housing development