Article provided by Paul Smith — Environmental Sustainability Manager — Uniting Communities
Uniting Communities is leading the way in environmental sustainability as the first Australian charity to be certified Carbon Neutral in 2015 reducing their emissions by over 30 per cent, resulting in savings of over $1.5 million. Now they’re going further, with a bold commitment to be a Net Zero organisation by 2035.
At 43 Franklin Street, the city home of Uniting Communities, lies the U City building, which features a 6 Star Green Star Green Building Council of Australia rating. This building is a mixed-use development featuring retirement residences, accessible apartments for people with disabilities, commercial and retail spaces as well as a social services hub, providing crisis support, youth services, family and relationship counselling, and services for older people.
It is a truly unique, inclusive and diverse community and shares a home with the ever popular Luigi’s Delicatessen, a Goodwill store, and Pitt Street Café, who are all located at the base of the building, along with other leading South Australian businesses in Finlaysons Lawyers.
Built in 2019, U City was designed to use 45 per cent less energy and 30 per cent less water than a comparable new building, incorporating a range of energy and water efficiency measures including smart energy metering, 55-kilowatt solar system, cross ventilation through all living spaces, shading and double glazing to reduce heat load, reflective roof paint, water-efficient fixtures and fittings, end of trip facilities and electric vehicle charging stations. Furthermore, 96 per cent of materials from the previous structure were recycled and the frame of the new building was constructed using recycled reinforced steel.
Uniting Communities’ Chief Executive, Simon Schrapel AM says that they are committed to addressing the effects of climate change particularly in support of the vulnerable and disadvantaged people and communities they serve, who are least likely to have the resources to respond to its adverse effects.
“We are proud to be pushing the boundaries when it comes to reducing carbon emissions and our actions have demonstrated what can be achieved locally to address global challenges”, he said.
To achieve their Net Zero target, Uniting Communities are aiming to install more solar and purchase 100% renewable electricity, transition their fleet to zero emissions vehicles and transition away from gas to electrify their buildings. They also strongly encourage employees to adopt more sustainable transport modes including more fuel-efficient cars, public transport, walking, cycling and car-share.
Uniting Communities is leading the way on climate change action and challenges other SA businesses to follow. U City is a demonstration of how innovation in this type of mixed-use development can support environmental, social and economic outcomes for the entire community.
“We urge other organisations to make a pledge to achieve their own carbon reduction targets for the future of our community, our State and our planet”, said Chief Executive, Simon Schrapel AM.
Find out more about U City and Uniting Communities Net Zero commitments.
