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What is ANSI? The Australian National Sustainability Initiative (ANSI) is a proposal for a living, working and learning centre that will address social, economic, environmental and ecological sustainability. As a set of buildings to house sustainability action learning, the development itself will demonstrate sustainability in action. It will position Australia as the world leader in sustainability education by showing how development can contribute tangible net positive social and environmental solutions. Just as the Sydney Opera House was an icon for the 20th Century, this sustainability aims to become an icon for the 21st Century, as the world responds to the challenge of global change.
See ecologically
positive development Where will it be?
Canberra - as a city of excellence and Australia’s capital - is
the ideal location for the world’s first living, working demonstration
of net Positive Development. A site for ANSI has been set aside by the
ACT government in the East Basin area, east of the Kingston Foreshore
development for a sustainability centre. While only 110 by 140 square
metres, it will effectively expand the public space on the shores of Lake
Burley Griffin, and will ensure public access and use of the southern
edge of the lake while protecting the Jerrabomberra wetlands to the north.
See power point slides of the site Social and educational: ANSI
will demonstrate how economic growth can be achieved with equity, improved
human and ecological health, and a higher life quality for all citizens.
The complex will include cross-sector and life-long learning opportunities,
green business enterprises and displays, facilities for partnering and
networking to stimulate innovation, eco-accommodation for students, and
unique opportunities for interactive and experiential sustainability learning.
ANSI will also celebrate the work of communities in bioregions around
Australia and neighboring countries. Economic: In demonstrating
how development itself can be a solution to climate change and myriad
other environmental problems, ANSI will be designed to catalyse the sustainable
development of the surrounding area, enhance the public good, drive responsible
investment, add value to the education system and tourist sectors, and
bring Australian world-wide attention as the place to acquire know how
in combining environmental improvements with economic development. As
well as a hub for community-based action, ANSI will support a range of
green commercial operations. The project will bring a range of benefits
to Canberra and the nation as a whole listed below. Environmental: ANSI
will effectively ‘expand’ the wetlands and reclaim derelict
land. The public facilities will provide a buffer between the nature reserve
and future urban development in accordance with the National Capital Authority’s
Griffin Legacy, and the ACT Planning Authority's East Lake Plan.
The project will respect the natural setting and enhance Canberra’s
unique identity as the Bush Capital - while increasing the use of Lake
Burley Griffin for both residents and visitors to Canberra. The walks
and displays will interpret the local environment for students, families
and international visitors. The developement itself will demonstrate ecologically
positive design. Design: Positive
Development represents a new kind of architecture designed to increase
life quality, economic development, and the region’s ecological
carrying capacity. While green buildings have progressed a long way in
recent years, they still only reduce environmental impacts relative to
the norm. ANSI will show how the built environment can have net positive
ecological - as well as economic, environmental and social impacts - explained
in Positive Development
(Birkeland 2008). The buildings themselves will be reversible,
movable and adaptable and be a key part of the education process. People: ANSI is a collaboration of sustainability experts and public interest organisations. It has the unique expertise and intellectual property to develop the innovative architecture and educational program that is proposed. ANSI began as a project of the Nature and Society Forum which established the Australian National Biocentre Inc (ANB) a company limited by guarantee, to manage the project development. The ANB is drawing upon the expertise of other organizations, such as Zero Waste Australia and the Australian Green Development Forum. In 2007, ANSI joined with the QUT School of Design to develop the designs. Students at QUT have also been involved in the design and research for the ANSI proposal. Australian Participation: ANSI
has always aimed to be inclusive, and has emphasized participatory design
throughout its planning. In 2003, ANSI identified 20 businesses that indicated
an interest in participating and/or locating in the sustainability complex.
Subsequently, a nation-wide government funded feasibility study was undertaken
to engage Australian with the idea. 700 respondents offered expressions
of support and suggestions. Later over 300 people participated in an Internet
conference, and 180 attended a follow-up symposium. Everyone is welcome
to contribute to the design of the facilities and educational programs
on our blog space.
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