Leaving nothing but a footprint

13 August 2007

Seven grants have been awarded to developments that will minimise the impact on the natural environment.

The Auckland Regional Council’s Stormwater Technical officer, Hayden Easton is pleased with the response to a pilot programme to encourage low impact design (LID) in land development.

“The pilot low impact design innovative grant programme was established after developers requested that the ARC provide incentives for the uptake of LID principles, especially at the concept design phase of development.”

“Low impact design is a significant stormwater management tool because it addresses both water quality and water quantity issues associated with land development. The solutions integrate good urban design with environmental requirements.

The solutions in the seven projects include, stormwater treatment ponds and riparian planting, rain gardens, permeable paving, rain tanks, reduced road widths, disconnected down pipes, building products that contain low concentrations of zinc and copper, re-vegetation through community education, wetlands, clustering of housing and minimising the building footprint,” said Mr. Easton.

Environment Management Chair Dianne Glenn, says LID philosophies and techniques are also complimentary to other aspects of sustainable urban development.

“This includes working with the natural vegetation rather than against it, promoting open space and contributing to the physical, social, cultural and natural environment.”

The ARC allocated $100,000 to eligible projects, with a maximum grant of $20,000.

The following projects were successful:

1. Housing New Zealand Corporation – Northcote Housing residential re-development and intensification. Innovation grant of $15,000.

2. McConnell Property Ltd - A greenfields medium density residential development and retail at Anselmi Ridge, Pukekohe. Innovation grant of $15,000.

3. Mason Lowes Holdings Ltd – an urban village redevelopment, (commercial, retail & residential), Albany. Innovation grant of $15,000.

4. Auckland University of Technology – Development of Akoranga campus. Innovation grant of $15,000

5. Waitakere City Council – Retrofit of an existing residential neighbourhood at West Harbour. Innovation grant of $15,000.

6. Hobsonville Residential Developments – residential redevelopment on ecologically and archeologically significant site in Hobsonville. Innovation grant of $15,000.

7. Auckland Regional Council Parks - retrofit of an existing carpark at the Auckland Regional Council Botanic Gardens, Manurewa. Innovation grant of $10,000.

ENDS

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