What are your top takeaway messages from the WGV project?
Greg: The sustainability guidelines and minimum standards set for all construction onsite were essential for setting the baseline that all housing had to meet.
Warren: I agree, though it was difficult to get the mainstream housebuilders to work within the guidelines. It was much more successful when the owners used a builder who was already familiar with sustainability. The subsidised sustainability upgrade package offered to the purchases was widely taken up, which assisted with the installation of rooftop solar PV arrays and rainwater harvesting tanks plumbed into the houses.
Greg: The communal facilities at WGV are excellent and the BBQ area, pocket park and Sullivan Hall are all well used as recreational and meeting places. A large area of land next to the Hall remains available for expanding the public open space and is awaiting the community and City of Fremantle to finalise their plans. Also I think while the information pack we provided was useful, if we had taken more time to follow up with residents after they had settled in, and they had a little more time to think, it would have helped reinforce some of the sustainable lifestyle messages and opportunities.
Patrick: So to summarise: Clear minimum standards, incentives to go further and high-quality community space to encourage neighbourliness?
Warren: Yes, this final point might help encourage a wider move to more compact housing, leaving more green space and gardens, if residents understand that they have access to a range of high-quality communal facilities.
Finally, who have been the hidden heroes of WGV?
Greg: Through our partnership with Curtin University we’ve had some wonderful researchers helping out. Dr Jess Breadsell has been fantastic in helping us learn about what is and isn’t working for the community. There are some specific residents who have made a huge contribution too - such as setting up the Facebook group in WGV’s early days, organising meetups and championing waste reduction initiatives. Generally, I think the approach taken at WGV has helped unlock many people’s desire to be creative and have a positive impact.
Patrick: Thanks both for those fantastic insights and we look forward to seeing you implement more One Planet Living projects!