If capturing the imagination of the community and gaining ratepayer involvement in sustainability initiatives is a measure of effective Local Government, then the community support for the pioneering eco features of Western Australia’s Grove library and community centre puts it high on the list of successful local initiatives.
The facility is shared by the Cottesloe, Peppermint Grove and Mosman Park Councils.
With the impressive eco architecture of the facility and the inclusion of a wide range of leading edge sustainable design features, the project is a national sustainability pioneer that is leading the way in educating the community on how eco design can change the way we live.
From school children and community groups, to university students, professional interest groups, ratepayers and the general public, the unique Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) features built into The Grove are proving to be a strong drawcard for people of all ages who are keen to learn from the hands on examples of the project’s energy and water saving features.
The innovative ESD features include renewable energy generation, low energy heating and cooling, natural lighting and ventilation and water efficiency. The landscaping also includes innovative themes of water conservation, urban habitat, food production and user interaction.
Signage in the garden is linked into the Dewey Decimal system of the library, enabling visitors to seek further information on the landscaping features.
Cottesloe Mayor Kevin Morgan, a member of the Project Steering Committee, said the aim of the shared facility was not only to generate water and energy savings, but to tell a story about what is being achieved by the climate sensitive design of the building.
“This is a real live example of how design can change the way people live, and the three communities are right behind it,” he said.
Each of the councils involved in the project give credit to the foresight of their ratepayers, who made it very clear during the community consultation process that they wanted a building that would incorporate a high level of ESD features.
With this as the brief, the committee set out to identify further funding, which came in part from a grant from the Australian Government through the Green Precincts Fund.
“It would not have been possible without the support of the Green Precincts Fund and we are very pleased to have their endorsement and involvement which supports us in showing sustainability in action,” Kevin Morgan said.
The Grove was the only Western Australian project to receive a grant under the program and one of 12 nationally.
For fact sheets and further information visit www.thegroveprecinct.com
