Appendices

Appendix H Ecologically sustainable development

This appendix addresses the annual reporting requirements contained in s. 516A of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) The EPBC Act identifies five core principles of ecologically sustainable development (ESD):

  • Decision-making processes should effectively integrate both long-term and short-term economic, environmental, social and equitable considerations.
  • Lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing measures to prevent environmental degradation.
  • The present generation should ensure that the health, diversity and productivity of the environment is maintained or enhanced for the benefit of future generations.
  • The conservation of biological diversity and ecological integrity should be a fundamental consideration in decision making.
  • Improved valuation, pricing and incentive mechanisms should be promoted.

Old Parliament House’s outcome and outputs contribute to ESD both by conserving and maintaining unique heritage assets for future generations and by promoting awareness of the economic, environmental, social and equitable considerations that have shaped decision making and development in Australia.

The agency’s heritage management framework, including the Heritage Management Plan and the Heritage Actions Committee, ensures that the principles of ESD are considered when the agency makes decisions that may affect the heritage values and environment of the building and its surroundings.

In 2008–09, Old Parliament House commenced development of a new Environmental Policy. When finalised and adopted, the principles of this policy will assist environmental performance and contribute to minimising adverse environmental impacts, while still meeting heritage responsibilities. This will be a first step in establishing an environmental management system (EMS) which will eventually align Old Parliament House policies and practices with the international standard ISO 14001.

Figure 11 lists measures which Old Parliament House adopted in 2008–09 to minimise the impact of its activities on the environment.

Figure 11 Environmental measures adopted in 2008–09
Office light, power and central services The Building Services Section is responsible for building management and ensures that building operations are effectively managed to gain maximum operational energy performance and meet the Australian Government’s energy intensity targets set out in the 2006 Energy Efficiency in Government Operations Policy. The Capital Projects Section is responsible for building development and must ensure all major refurbishments of Old Parliament House meet the minimum energy performance standard set out in the policy.

Old Parliament House:
  • ensures that non-essential lights are switched off at appropriate times or when not in use
  • uses curtains or blinds at appropriate times to maximise the effectiveness and efficiency of air conditioning and heating systems.
Appliances and office equipment The purchase of energy-efficient appliances and office equipment, such as computers, fridges and photocopiers, plays an important role in achieving a 4.5-star Australian Building Greenhouse Rating for office light and power. To maximise energy efficiency, the agency applies the following principles:
  • where practical, purchase equipment that has an Energy Star standard of 4-star or better
  • use energy management options that enable office equipment to power down when not in use
  • energy-intensive or unapproved electrical items will not be allowed for personal use
  • personal computers and monitors will be shut down at the end of each day and in extended non-use periods
  • recycled-paper toilet paper will be used.
Water conservation Old Parliament House has introduced water-saving devices in the building’s showers and hand basins. Old Parliament House:
  • introduces other water conservation measures where possible, having regard to heritage responsibilities
  • complies with local government water restriction policies and plans.
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