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.

  • It will be a hub for sustainability networks and partnerships, and a place for collaboration in leading edge sustainability education, action research and implementation.

  • It will demonstrate how cities, buildings, landscape and infrastructure can be designed to reverse the negative impacts of climate change and generate positive ecological impacts.

See ecologically positive development
See what is special about ANSI?

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
See google earth pictures
See the ACT’s East Lake Planning Report

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.

See education principles
See proposed functions and activities
See Special Functions

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.

See list of benefits
See business plan
See prospectus for investors [coming soon]

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.

See Alan Fox’s Interpretive Study of the site
See the National Capital Authority’s Griffin Legacy
See ecological analysis of the site

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.

See Design Concepts
See QUT student design studies

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
National
Biocentre


See Nature and Society Forum
The Patrons
Current and past Board members


QUT School of Design design team
QUT exhibition of student work

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.

See capsule history
See Action Plan



Last updated January 26, 2009

Image from the Collection of Allan Fox