Heritage Buildings and the Environment

The retention of heritage buildings has environmental sustainability benefits.

Conserving heritage buildings:

• Reduces energy usage associated with demolition, waste disposal and new construction; and
• Promotes sustainable development by conserving the embodied energy in the existing building.

Heritage Victoria’s website has a section dedicated to sustainability, which includes practical information as well as a case study on the adaption of an existing heritage house to improve its environmental sustainability.

Heritage Victoria has also produced technical leaflets which provide information on:

• Optimising existing traditional building performance;
• Reducing energy consumption in existing buildings;
• Maximising energy and water efficiencies in new work to existing buildings;
• Monitoring energy and water consumption; and
• Energy efficiency regulations.

In areas subject to the Heritage Overlay, a planning permit is required to install a rainwater tank, solar hot water system or photovoltaic cell system if it is visible from the street or a public park.  In many instances, it will be possible to install these items whilst achieving concealment from the public domain. 

For information on whether a planning permit is required or about methods to achieve concealment, please contact Council’s Statutory Planning Unit on 9205 5555.

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Further information

Strategic Planning
Richmond Town Hall
333 Bridge Road Richmond
Telephone 9205 5373
Email info@yarracity.vic.gov.au

Links

Within this site

Yarra City Council
Environment
Planning Permit Process
Sustainable Design Guidelines

External sites (Yarra City Council accepts no responsibility for the information or opinions contained within external sites)
Victoria Online
Information supplied by: Electronic communications & design officer - 9205 5214 - 20 January 2006

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