PRINCIPLE 5

Minimise Consumption

Resources:

Reduce the consumption of finite resources by

• practicing land and soil conservation;
• recommending building on and rehabilitating already disturbed and degraded land;
• encouraging solar access planning in any necessary ‘green field’ development;
• using renewable resources in preference to finite resources;
• encouraging the use of materials that have low embodied energy;
• encouraging the reduction in power consumption by design and the efficient use of technology;
• practicing material waste management and avoiding disposable elements that cannot be re-used;
• recycling buildings and using recycled components and materials in new projects;
• encouraging the consideration of rainwater and ‘waste’ water as a valuable resource.

Built Form:

Reduce the consumption of finite resources by

• Considering that there are alternatives to development such as the ‘no development’ option and other non-structural alternatives;
• Actively participating in the development and critical examination of clients’ briefs to ensure that building footprints, forms and spaces are appropriate for the environment and the end use.

Design for Durability:

Reduce the consumption of finite resources by

• using the concept of ‘loose fit’ to ensure adaptability of buildings over time;
• recommending the use of materials and equipment with the potential for longer life and the capacity for reuse or changed use;
• specifying low maintenance materials and equipment; specifying appropriate levels of quality and finish.