21 December 2000

Urban Design Principles Can Lessen Greenhouse Effects

Simple urban design principles within high density housing developments can minimise greenhouse gas emissions and could be incorporated into Auckland City’s District Plan.

Planning and Regulatory Committee chair Juliet Yates says a greenhouse neighbourhood project in an urban fringe area of Melbourne has generated a set of design principles that could be applied to Auckland.

“Simple things can reduce carbon dioxide emissions, like siting houses to the sun to maximise solar energy and designing streets and intersections to keep traffic flowing at consistent speeds,” she said. “At the same time, they contribute to people’s enjoyment of the area they live in, so there is a double benefit.

“There may be an opportunity to incorporate some of these principles into the
‘innovative housing’ section of the District Plan and this is something we can have a closer look at.”

Cr Yates says an Australian climate protection programme has identified that local authorities can make a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“Much of what we do is already making a difference but there is a potential for us to do more,” she said. “There is an opportunity for us to consider ways in which we can play a stronger part in energy efficient initiatives.”

ENDS

For further information
Please contact Cr Juliet Yates
Telephone 528 0581 or 025 289 0623

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