New smart communities code created

A smart communities code is being developed by Smart Cities Council Australia New Zealand (SCCANZ) and the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA).

The Code for Smart Communities will provide guidance on how to use technology, data and intelligent design to accelerate more efficient, livable and sustainable development projects.

“The Code for Smart Communities will set new benchmarks for smart cities and communities across Australia, New Zealand and beyond,” said Adam Beck, SCCANZ executive director.

Romilly Madew, CEO for the GBCA, said: “Our partnership with the Smart Cities Council highlights the value of data and technology in transforming the ways that our cities are planned, built and managed.

“The rapid pace of urbanisation in the region and the growing challenges that come with it demand a laser-focus on innovative technologies and approaches that will help our industry meet zero carbon emissions targets.”

The GBCA has been the leading force in driving sustainable buildings and communities in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa through the Green Star rating system for buildings and communities. Almost 1500 projects around Australia have Green Star ratings.

“The Code for Smart Communities will provide valuable guidance to governments and private sector developers alike, and will complement the Green Star suite of rating tools,” Madew said.

The code will provide important, voluntary guidance to the development industry and include the necessary scoping issues, metrics and model language for the planning, design and delivery of smart communities.

It will be developed with the support of an advisory committee set to undertake a 60-day sprint, which will see multiple workshops and review sessions with key stakeholders, before being showcased as a draft at the Smart Cities Council international conference in Washington, DC in October 2017.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/jamesteohart

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