Alternative Energy

The message from Brisbane residents has been clear and consistent: sustainable and environmentally sound practices must be at the core of any Brisbane Baylands development. Universal Paragon shares Brisbane’s commitment to environmental, social and economic sustainability and is proud of the work we have done in Brisbane and internationally to promote policies and practices in the public and private sectors consistent with that commitment.

In hundreds of community meetings, public speaking forums, hearings and planning sessions, the Brisbane community has helped define the guiding principles for making the Baylands one of the largest and most innovative green developments anywhere, including:

• restoring ecological function in the Baylands;
• maximizing walking, bicycling and transit;
• encouraging the use of alternative/renewable energy;
• promoting water conservation and use of gray water;
• utilizing natural storm water management practices; and
• following best practices in sustainable site and building design.

Among UPC’s most dramatic and ambitious goals for the Baylands project is making it energy neutral. That means achieving zero net energy consumption – all energy would be produced onsite — and zero carbon emissions annually. To meet the goal of making Brisbane Baylands energy neutral, UPC will pursue a three-pronged approach that includes:

• Rooftop solar. Incorporating solar technology on individual building rooftops throughout the entire development.
• Central solar. Using larger-scale, standalone solar systems gathered together in undeveloped areas, parking lots and street rights-of-way, then distributing generated power through a distribution system.
• Offsite sources and purchasing: Possibly investing in alternative power facilities and/or purchasing renewable energy from existing providers.

Reducing energy consumption is another important part of the equation for achieving energy sustainability at Brisbane Baylands. Universal Paragon will incorporate innovative building and site design techniques to reduce the energy that is required for heating, cooling and powering Baylands development. Using "green rooftops" is another of the many innovative building techniques that can help us achieve these goals.