Barriers to sustainable suburbs

Under the rapid technological advancement within the building industry and booming economic conditions regionally it has been an ideal environment for the uptake of environmentally sustainable development (ESD) and progressive urban planning practices. Then why is there considerable lag in the implementation of new ESD technologies and master planning practices that address important issues such as greenhouse gas emissions and waste generation within building, design and construction? This paper is the result of localised research into the perceived and real barriers preventing broad adoption of ecologically sustainable development practices in the Australian land development context. Through this investigation a consistent theme exposed the lack of regulatory direction and training of industry players, including local government planners and building contractors. The industry shortfall has lead to a wide gap between best intentions and actual built results. This paper offers insight into a common dilemma of local government development applications not offering guidance aimed at delivering higher standards of sustainability within built form outcomes.