Bond University and Mirvac have launched the Bond University Mirvac School of Sustainable Development.
The program is Australia’s first tertiary study formally recognising long-term sustainability as integral in urban planning, design, development and strategic asset management.
Head of school Professor George Earl said that as there is a societal shift towards living in large urbanised communities, planning and design practices must also adapt to recognise the social issues associated with community living.
"We recognised the need to integrate the concept of sustainability into planning and design at the educational stage, rather than relying on it being a consideration in practice," Professor Earl said.
Mirvac’s managing director Greg Paramor said that Mirvac is fully committed to the concept of sustainability, having already been officially recognised for setting new industry standards for reduction in greenhouse emissions and the promotion of energy saving best practice.
Positioned within Bond’s highly respected Business, Technology and Sustainable Development Faculty, and drawing on cross-faculty expertise, the Bond University Mirvac School of Sustainable Development will offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs from January 2007.
It is anticipated that by the end of 2006 all programs will be accredited or endorsed by 17 Australian and international professional institutions in the area of urban planning, property development and valuation, project management, construction management, facility management and quantity surveying.
Located on the Gold Coast, in the living laboratory of Australia’s fastest growing area – South East Queensland – the School will also incorporate the Australian Research Centre for Sustainable Property, Planning and Infrastructure.
By Kathryn O’Meara
