I NI G SH I GTH – …M. .A2R0C1 H INS S TRSERPEOPROTR6T –2 5… … 9 2021
Designing for a sustainable future The effects of climate change require recreation providers to consider the impact of facilities, parks, waterways and sports fields. Effective design emphasises the positive – the existing site, community and location; and minimises the negative – CO2 emissions and unnecessary waste. Facility designers and owners are shifting their infrastructure focus to a longer term consideration of the environment. With ‘fit for purpose’ facilities a given; sustainability includes:
Figure 1 Auckland Council
Shared vision Ensure that iwi, the community, users and designers are all involved in creating a shared vision – intergenerational considerations will ensure effective use over the development’s lifetime. Consider the project outcomes for the site, the development and its ongoing operation, whether it is an indoor facility or a park or body of water.
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harnessing existing energy sources
Plan for sustainable infrastructure – ensuring that key stakeholders are on board with the vision and its implementation.
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designs that are in harmony with the physical environment
Sustainable design
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decreasing carbon footprints in both build and operations
Principles of sustainable design include:
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Minimise CO2 emissions and energy demand during both the build and operation phases
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Respond to climate and the local landforms
Sometimes the costs of building sustainable design are higher, however the potential financial and environmental savings are significant.
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Minimise resource use and re-use materials
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Reduce and recycle wastes
A commitment to longer term sustainability requires collaboration to develop a shared vision, and effective design.
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Collect conserve and recycle water, managing natural resources and green infrastructure
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Consider connections to public and active transport.
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co-design with community ensures facility useability and longevity.
Sustainable buildings can be evaluated in purely scientific terms by measuring their carbon footprint, energy efficiency and thermal performance. But to fulfil the purpose of architecture, they must also uplift the human spirit. We need to feel the wind on our faces, the sun on our backs. We must be protected from the elements yet still feel connected — both to our environment and to the people with whom we share our lives. Sustainable architecture must reach beyond science. Dave Strachan NZIA 1
NZRA Insights Report – Fight, Flight or Freeze in the Red Zone
The Case Studies on the following page provide some concrete examples of how sustainable design in practice can result in award-winning, popular facilities, parks and waterways that meet community needs.
Evidence based The value of basing new sports field or facility design on evidence is reinforced in Case Study I, Scott Park. Here, Auckland City Council used the evidence gathered from their project “Measuring the carbon footprint of a sports park” to design the park. Click here for Insights Report #5 and a summary of this project.
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