Rock Development - a vision to healthy living to support sustainability

Fri 2 Jul, 2010
Future Green Leaders of Australia
Source: http://www.futuregreenleaders.org.au/news.asp?articleID=3091

The Rock Development Group's $130 million redevelopment of the Belconnen Fresh Food Markets will not only set the benchmark for sustainable communities - it also aims to inspire people to live healthy lives.

As the principal sponsor of the Green Building Council of Australia's Green Star Communities rating tool, the Belconnen Fresh Food Markets precinct will set the benchmark for rating sustainable communities and precincts across Australia.

The sustainable features of the new development will include: electric vehicle plug-in points, large scale grid connected photovoltaics, geothermal heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, integrated rainwater and wastewater treatment systems, waste reduction and recovery including commercial composting services, a community wide energy management system, naturally ventilated offices and pedestrian friendly communal spaces.

Maria Efkarpidis, a Director of the Rock Development Group, says the company is passionate about sustainability and a keen advocate of healthy living.

"We believe healthy living and sustainable practices are integrally connected. It's about setting an example for future generations," Maria said.

For years the Belconnen Markets has been renowned as one of Canberra's best sources of fresh food. Promoting healthy eating has played an important part. The Markets even host cooking classes and competition, sporting and active kids' programs to help promote active lifestyles.

Maria believes while eating healthily is an important aspect of healthy living, there are other things to consider.

"To me, living healthily is not just eating healthily, it's about living life to its fullest. We want to encourage people to be active, have a good work/life balance, spend time with family and friends, and take care of each other and the environment.

"The existing Belconnen Markets has an incredible community feeling to it. When there are kids playing on the giant mushroom playground, performances on the piazza and people bustling through the shops, there is an unbeatable atmosphere.

"We want the new Belconnen Markets precinct to capture and expand on the existing sense of community and promote healthy living. There will be lots of shared spaces and gardens, sporting facilities, cafes and shops for people to enjoy, all within walking distance.

"Our goal is to develop something where people come to live, work, meet and play for generations to come," Maria said.

The 40,000 square metre redevelopment is scheduled for completion in 2014.

Source: http://www.futuregreenleaders.org.au/news.asp?articleID=3091