Diverse transport options build more sustainable communities, says GBCA

Increasing the uptake of walking, riding and use of public transport requires a strategic, holistic approach, says Australia’s green building organisation.

“The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) commends the Australian Government for releasing its draft report ‘Walking, Riding and Access to Public Transport’, which acknowledges that a nationally agreed strategy is required to increase participation rates in walking, riding and public transport use,” said the GBCA’s Executive Director of Advocacy, Robin Mellon.

“A growing body of research demonstrates the social, environmental, economic and health benefits of encouraging people to engage in alternative forms of transport. However, increasing levels of walking, riding and public transport use will require strategic thinking and cooperation from all levels of government, industry and the community.

“Since 2002, Green Star rating tools have recognised the importance of alternative modes of transport and have provided best-practice benchmarks for buildings around issues such as proximity to public transport and amenities, end-of-trip facilities and reduced car parking.

“Green Star’s support of public transport was recently expanded with the release of the Green Star - Communities rating tool, which provides benchmarks that can help governments and developers to integrate land use and transport planning from the earliest stages of development, and create the appropriate infrastructure and safe environments for walking, riding and accessing public transport.

“Most importantly, Green Star - Communities will assist in the design of precincts, neighbourhoods and communities that encourage people to interact with their surroundings and each other, bringing them out of their cars and into the streets.

“Green Star - Communities will complement an agreed, national strategy for walking, riding and using public transport, which puts people first in the design and delivery of more sustainable, liveable cities,” Mellon said.

The report can be accessed here.