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WATER
INTEGRATED URBAN WATER CYCLE MANAGEMENT
Purpose
This indicator examines how Landcom manages the interaction between urban development and the water cycle including potable water, wastewater and stormwater. Landcom aims to promote water conservation and enhance water quality in existing urban catchments.
Targets
- 40% reduction in potable water use in all Landcom projects in comparison to the average typical household water use in Sydney.
- Use of non-potable water sources for public open space irrigation in all new projects.
- Achieving best practice water quality targets for stormwater runoff from all Landcom projects by 2008. The key water quality targets are 45% reduction in the mean annual load of total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) and 80% reduction in the mean annual load of total suspended solids (TSS).
- Maintaining post development storm discharges to the natural catchment storm discharge levels for the 1.5 year Average Recurrence Interval (ARI) event.
Results
A total of 80% of all projects in delivery during the year (i.e. 8 out of 10) had project specific Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) strategies in place. This was an increase from last year’s figure of 47%.
Water Conservation
Landcom achieved a 37% reduction in potable water consumption compared to average household water use in Sydney. While this figure is slightly lower than last year, we remain on track to achieve our 2008 target.
Non-potable water was used for open space irrigation in other developments during the year – at Park Central and Newbury. Stormwater and greywater recycling initiatives were integrated into the design at Prince Henry Hospital. And agreement was reached with Sydney Water to provide recycled water for most non-potable uses at our Rouse Hill Regional Centre, Second Ponds Creek, Middleton Grange and Edmondson Park projects. For further information, download the pdf (4,324KB).
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Water Quality
The WSUD measures implemented to improve water quality during the year resulted in a 35% reduction in the mean annual load of total nitrogen and a 45% reduction in the mean annual load of total phosphorus. A 59% reduction in the mean annual load of total suspended solids was also achieved.
Landcom improved its performance in each of these water quality indicators this year, particularly in relation to the phosphorus indicator, where we have already achieved our 2008 target of 45%.
No Ramsar listed wetlands will be affected by stormwater discharges from projects planned or delivered during the year. For further information, download the pdf (4,324KB).
Flow Management
Over the year, 80% of our developments provided on-site detention, either at a precinct or a regional level, to manage the peak discharges of frequent storm events (i.e. up to a 1.5 year Average Recurrence Interval event). This is an improvement on last year’s figure of 67%. For further information, download the pdf (4,324KB).
BASIX Compliance
Detached dwellings within our Woodlands, Macarthur Gardens and Greenway Views projects were constructed with BASIX approval and these projects achieved BASIX scores of 40 and above.
Many of our projects were approved prior to the introduction of BASIX, but still complied with the BASIX 40 target. These included detached homes within our Newbury, Waterford and Park Central estates.
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WASTE
REUSE AND RECYCLING OF CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION MATERIALS
Purpose
Landcom aims to reduce construction and demolition waste going to landfill by promoting reuse and recycling practices.
Targets
- To recover 95% of the total construction and demolition waste generated from Landcom civil works contracts by 30 June 2006.
- To recover 76% of waste materials generated from building construction by 30 June 2014.
Results
A total of 98% of recyclable waste generated by civil works during 2005/2006 was either reused or recycled. This is a slight increase from last year and exceeds this year’s target of 95%. Most of the remaining waste was contaminated with friable asbestos material and was unable to be recycled. This was primarily from Landcom’s Prince Henry site where 290,000 tonnes of soil contaminated with asbestos was removed and disposed of at appropriately licensed facilities.
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Recycling Performance
The five most common components of recyclable waste generated from Landcom projects in 2005/2006 are illustrated in the following chart. Virgin Excavated Natural Material (VENM) made up the highest portion of waste recycled (87%) and refers to material such as clean clay, sand and soil.
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Office Recycling
During the year, Landcom exclusively purchased Green Wrap paper for printing and copying. A total of 2,300 reams of A4 and 116 reams of A3 sized paper was purchased. Green Wrap paper includes a 60% recycled component in A4 paper and a 50% recycled component in A3 paper. In addition, Landcom recycled approximately 13 tonnes of used paper.
Landcom also collects bottles and cans for recycling from its head office.
Under the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Act 2001, Landcom is required to report every 2 years to the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) on the progress it has made in reducing waste, increasing resource recovery (including reuse and recycling), and in increasing the use of materials with recycled content.
Landcom provided its latest Waste Reduction And Purchasing Policy (WRAPP) report in accordance with the DEC reporting requirements in August 2005. This covered the reporting period 2003/2005. For further information, download the pdf (84KB).
ENERGY
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Purpose
This indicator measures built form energy efficiency where Landcom has control over the built form. Landcom aims to ensure that its building products are designed and equipped to minimise energy use.
Target
A 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from our developments compared to the average Landcom dwelling constructed in the base year 2002.
Result
During the year, Landcom achieved a 14.5% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from dwellings constructed within its built form projects (estimated 122 tonnes per year). This calculation is based on estimated annual energy use for heating, cooling, cooking and hot water. For further information, download the pdf (228KB).
BASIX Compliance
All dwellings approved since BASIX 25 was introduced (i.e. 36 out of a total of 167) were in compliance with those requirements and scored an average of 36 BASIX points. The remaining 131 homes were approved prior to the introduction of BASIX.
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SUSTAINABLE OR RENEWABLE ENERGY SUPPLY
Purpose
This indicator measures sustainable or renewable energy technologies installed in Landcom developments. Sustainable or renewable energy technologies refer to energy generation options that produce lower polluting emissions than traditional coal fired power plants. Sources of sustainable or renewable energy may include wind power, solar power and sewage gas.
Targets
All dwellings are to be fitted with gas boosted solar water heaters sufficient to meet 60% of annual hot water requirements except where there is no gas or where solar panels are not appropriate.
All projects greater than 500 dwellings (or projects with a commercial component or town centre) are to include a percentage of on-site or off-site renewable energy supply.
Results
A total of 32% of all dwellings delivered during the year (i.e. 53 out of 167) had gas boosted solar hot water systems installed. The result is less than the outcome we achieved in 2004/2005 (36%) and a further decline from the 44% delivered in 2003/2004. For further information, download the pdf (228KB).
The following projects, currently in planning, include proposals for renewable energy generation:
- Rouse Hill Regional Centre:The viability of urban scale wind turbines was investigated during the year and found not to be feasible due to insufficient wind speed. Landcom is now investigating renewable or sustainable energy technologies as an alternative to wind turbines.
- Prince Henry at Little Bay:70 kW solar power capacity is planned for Stage 1, to be phased in over the next 3 years.
- Greenway Views:16 kW solar power capacity is planned for Precinct 1 of this project and is currently being delivered.
OFFICE ENERGY USE AND GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
Purpose
Landcom aims to provide information on energy used and greenhouse gas emissions generated as a result of its corporate operations. These operations are defined as Landcom’s head office in Parramatta, regional offices at Newcastle and Campbelltown and its vehicle fleet (excluding vehicles supplied as part of salary packaging arrangements).
Target
This indicator is calculated and reported in accordance with the requirements of the Government Energy Management Policy (GEMP). For more information on the GEMP, refer to the following website http://www.deus.nsw.gov.au/Energy/Government%20Programs/Government%20Programs.asp
Results
The electricity usage stated in Table 1 is limited to Landcom’s head office in Parramatta.
Table 1: Corporate Greenhouse Gas Emissions
| DESCRIPTION | 2005/2006 | 2004/2005 | 2003/2004 | 2002/2003 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy used (electricity in kWh) | 306,899 | 349,991 | 305,080 | 256,040 |
| Petrol consumed (litres) | 22,172 | 14,212 | 18,280 | 49,268 |
| CO2 emissions (tonnes) | 403 | 367 | 333 | 356 |
We are now collecting data from our regional, project and sales offices (excluding Prince Henry project office), which would increase Landcom’s total usage to 484,925 kWh for 2005/2006.
By taking action to improve our Australian Building Greenhouse Rating from 1.5-star to 3.5-star, we reduced electricity use in our head office when compared to last year. Furthermore, Landcom purchased green power for 89% of the electricity used in its offices.
For more information: http://www.greenpower.gov.au/pages/
In order to offset CO2 emissions from our vehicles, Landcom joined the Greenfleet Programme in 2005. Greenfleet planted 187 native trees this year to sequester 47.3 CO2-e tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) over the life of the trees. This represents the estimated emissions produced from our vehicle fleet.
For more information: http://www.greenfleet.com.au/
Landcom has also prepared a “Fleet Improvement Plan” which has been developed in accordance with the requirements of the NSW Government Cleaner Vehicles Action Plan. In line with this Plan, Landcom plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its fleet by 10% by 2007/2008, using its 2004/2005 results as a baseline.
Landcom’s vehicles are required to meet an average annual Environment Performance Score (EPS) target. This is calculated using a vehicle scoring system adopted for the NSW Clean Car Benchmarks, which rates vehicles’ impacts in terms of greenhouse emissions and air quality. The targets and Landcom’s performance to date are represented in Table 2 below.
Table 2: Environment Performance Score (EPS) Performance
| TARGET YEAR | EPS TARGET FOR VEHICLES | LANDCOM SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| 2005/2006 | 10 out of 20 | 11.6 out of 20 |
| 2006/2007 | 11 out of 20 | – |
| 2007/2008 | 12 out of 20 | – |
For more information: http://www.statefleet.ogp.commerce.nsw.gov.au/Greening+the+Government+Fleet/Greening+the+Government+Fleet.htm
BIODIVERSITY
NATIVE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT
Purpose
This indicator measures Landcom’s impact on Endangered Ecological Communities (EEC) encountered on Landcom projects. While acknowledging that urban development can adversely affect biodiversity, Landcom aims to minimise adverse impact on Endangered Ecological Communities and Threatened Species from its activities.
Targets
- No net loss of Endangered Ecological Communities’ habitat of “high conservation significance”.
- Establish Vegetation Management Plans (VMPs) for all Landcom projects where this indicator applies.
Appropriate offsetting ratios are negotiated with the NSW Department of Environment and Conservation for each project.
Results
This indicator is reported for projects that received masterplan or subdivision plan approval in 2005/2006.
Endangered Ecological Communities
Table 3 shows the areas of Endangered Ecological Communities that will be cleared, conserved or replanted.
Table 3: Endangered Ecological Communities
| CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE | CLEARED | CONSERVED | REPLANTED |
|---|---|---|---|
| High | 29.4 ha | 119.1 ha | |
| Moderate | 59.09 ha | 16.4 ha | |
| Low | 65.4 ha | 18.6 ha | |
| Total | 153.89 ha | 154.1 ha | 29.1 ha |
The following diagrams illustrate the proportion of Endangered Ecological Communities with high, moderate and low conservation significance that will either be cleared or conserved. For further information, download the pdf (48KB) and pdf (20KB).
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Threatened Species Habitat
Threatened Species (TS) Habitat includes all bushland occurring on Landcom’s project sites that is a potential habitat for Threatened Species. Threatened Species Habitat usually includes the Endangered Ecological Communities described above, where these have been identified as suitable habitat. However, this will vary from project to project.
A total of 380.6 ha of native vegetation that is Threatened Species Habitat was identified on Landcom projects during the year. Of this, 201.1 hectares will be cleared to accommodate urban development in the following local government areas: Liverpool; Mittagong; Port Stephens; and Lake Macquarie. The remaining 179.5 ha will be conserved and enhanced. The proportion of Threatened Species Habitat to be retained and cleared is represented in the chart below. For further information, download the pdf (48KB).
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All clearing will be carried out in accordance with approvals from relevant authorities.
Threatened Species recorded within the Threatened Species Habitats identified during the year include:
Persoonia glaucescens, Squirrel Glider (Petaurus norfolcensis), Glossy Black Cockatoo (Calyptorrhynchus lathami), Gang-gang Cockatoo (Callocephalum fimbriatum), Tiger Quoll (Dasyurus maculatus maculatus), Little Bent-wing Bat (Miniopterus australis), Masked Owl (Tyto novaehollandiae), Powerfull Owl (Ninox strenua), Cumberland Plain Snail (Meridolum corneovirens), Greater Broad-nosed Bat (Scoteanax rueppellii), Eastern Freetail Bat (Mormopterus norfolkensis), Common Bent-wing Bat (Miniopterus shreibersii oceanensis), and Large-Footed Myotis (Myotis adversus).
Vegetation Management Plans
100% of Landcom projects where Endangered Ecological Communities or Threatened Species were found had a Vegetation Management Plan prepared to manage the site. For further information, download the pdf (20KB).
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RIPARIAN CORRIDOR MANAGEMENT
Purpose
This indicator measures Landcom’s performance in the conservation of riparian corridors identified on its projects, in conjunction with an assessment of stream significance. Landcom aims to conserve riparian corridors that have significant conservation value and to repair those that are degraded.
Targets
- No loss of stream length for “Category 1 – high significance” streams and no net loss of associated riparian corridor.
- Greater than 40 m of riparian corridor for Category 1 – high significance streams.
- 20-30 m of riparian corridor for Category 2 – moderate significance streams.
- 5-10 m of riparian corridor for Category 3 – low significance streams.
- No piping or filling of any sections of streams that are of Category 1 – high significance or Category 2 – moderate significance.
- Establish Riparian Corridor Management Plans (RCMPs) for all Landcom projects where this indicator applies.
Results
Information for this indicator covers all projects that received masterplan approval with the footprint of riparian zones determined. During 2005/2006, only the Renwick project fell within this category.
A total of 3,646 m of stream was identified within the Renwick project, including:
- 1,700 metres of Category 2 – moderate significance.
- 1,946 metres of Category 3 – low significance.
There were no Category 1 – high significance streams present.
Landcom achieved 100% compliance with the targets set for riparian corridor conservation for Category 2 – moderate significance and Category 3 – low significance streams.
A total of 460 m of the Category 3 streams will be piped and filled, leaving 1,486 m.
An appropriate Riparian Corridor Management Plan was provided for the project. Rehabilitation and, where necessary, reconstruction of the creek channel will occur to provide a riparian corridor. This work will involve the use of species endemic to the area. The reinstatement of the Endangered Ecological Community, Southern Highlands Shale Woodland, will form part of this work. For further information, download the pdf (16KB).