Partnerships for the Built Environment

The success of BEDP - Built Environment Australia is a shared one.  BEDP - Built Environment Australia operates within a network of partnerships between our seven constituent institutions and associations along with positive interaction between the design professions, government, industry and environmental organisations. We work together toward outcomes that benefit our environment, economy and quality of life in Australia. BEDP continues to promote an awareness of quality and sustainability in the built environment and in doing so has assumed major leadership role.

Reform of the Development Assessment Process
BEDP has been an active member of the Development Assessment Forum (DAF) since its establishment in 1999. The Development Assessment Forum has been successful in establishing a link and focus for industry, government and the professions to develop and achieve a common goal, but the progress and outcomes are taking longer than expected to achieve.
 
Lighting Centre of Excellence
BEDP has partnered with the Lighting Centre of Excellence to conduct a world class best practices in lighting program to be delivered across Australia via a seminar series, and printed and web based materials to the Australian building industry, including property owners and managers and relevant design professions. The overall outcome of the program is to create an increased awareness and demand for high quality sustainable lighting with a positive impact on the well being of occupants (which incorporates satisfaction and productivity) and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
 
Sustainable Construction
The National Building Environmental Rating System (NABERS) is a project of Environment Australia. BEDP has been active in the development of NABERS as participant in the stakeholder consultation process. NABERS is being designed to rate the environmental impact of buildings. BEDP is committed to sustainability in the built environment through a wide range of industry initiatives and the production of the successful BEDP Environment Design Guide.  We believe that all processes should compliment existing resources, such as the BEDP Environment Design Guide, the Building Greenhouse Rating Scheme and NABERS to provide a focus for government, corporate and community action.

Construction Information Systems - NATSPEC
Construction Information Systems (CIS) Australia Pty Ltd, an industry-owned, not-for-profit company based in Sydney. BEDP is one of 20 building industry shareholders. CIS publishes Australia's national building specification, NATSPEC, an electronic information source referred to by builders, contractors, architects and others in the building and construction industry. The partnership represents an exciting opportunity to learn about new technologies and further develop the quality and distribution of NATSPEC.  NATSPEC is Australia's national building specification. The aim of NATSPEC is to help prepare accurate, clear and concise specifications and so save time, money and frustration. Each package incorporates an appropriate quality control regime of standards conformance, testing, inspection and sample submission.  Each NATSPEC package has been planned, written, formatted and kept up to date so users can concentrate on making the right choices for every job. There is comprehensive Commentary to help customise and supplement the NATSPEC material for each project.

Sustainable Communities
BEDP is an active supporter of the Capitalising Sustainable Communities project. Roundtable participants have further developed the Capitalising Sustainable Communities document.  The project is unique in that it sees a diverse range of organisations cooperating towards achieving a common goal. It is significant to note that positive dialogue has opened between the Australian Conservation Foundation and BEDP member organisations.

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