The incorporation of best practice environmental sustainable design and construction techniques were fundamental to contracts awarded for the development of public facilities such as the Northshore Riverside Park and Café.
Principles of water sensitive urban design (WSUD) and crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) are integral to the park’s design which incorporates additional ecological aspects, such as extensive planting of native species and drought tolerant plants and picnic shelters designed to capture rainwater which flows to parkland gardens.
The park will connect to a non-drinking water supply for irrigation and features an advance watering system that maximises water use efficiency and conservation.
The Northshore Riverside Café features a number of sustainable design elements, including operable windows to maximise natural ventilation, a large awning to reduce heat, solar hot water and the use of recycled materials in construction. The buildings orientation maximises cooling breezes and insulation exceeds building code requirements. All the building’s electricity supply is sourced from Green Power, accredited wind power.
Construction of the Riverside Park and Café utilised environmentally friendly materials totalling approximately 20% of the total materials used. Contracts also ensured that recycling and re-use of materials were maximised, with contractors required to recycle materials that could not be incorporated into the site works.
The development of a residential precinct adjacent to the Northshore Riverside Park is targeting a 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and water savings. As well as many other initiatives, the urban design allows for buildings to be orientated to maximise a northerly aspect with opportunities to capture cooling breezes. Building materials that represent best practice in sustainable production, thermal retention qualities, design life and low maintenance are to be selected.
Property developers constructing residential, commercial or retail developments within the Northshore Hamilton area are required to commit to sustainable development initiatives and strategies.
More information reguarding the Urban Land Development Authority's sustainability policy can be found here.