Development Victoria recently challenged its teams to develop an innovative sustainability solution that could be applied to a current Agency project.
Chief Executive of Development Victoria, Angela Skandarajah said the Sustainability Innovation Challenge saw 16 people, fuelled by passion, innovation and a bit of competitive spirit, split into four teams and given 12 weeks to come up with a creative idea that delivered sustainability outcomes.
“This wasn’t any ordinary challenge – we wanted our teams to really step outside of their comfort zone and think differently,” Ms Skandarajah said.
“People with a shared interest joined forces from across the organisation to develop an innovative and deliverable sustainability solution that could be applied to a current Development Victoria project,” she said.
“Our teams not only had to come up with the idea and refine it with various stakeholders, they also had to pitch it to an audience of over 50 and a panel of three judges.”
Ms Skandarajah said the judges were impressed by all submissions and the incredible diversity of ideas.
The Chief Executive said teams looked at ways to leverage new technology and apply it to Development Victoria’s current portfolio of projects.
She said the teams developed a range of complex, creative concepts and pilot opportunities including mobility as a service; virtual power networks to facilitate net-zero energy outcomes; shared equity models for enhancing sustainability and affordability in apartment buildings; and stacked industrial spaces to facilitate sustainable and diverse communities.
“I’m inspired by what our teams were able to come up with together and I can’t wait to see these ideas being brought to life in our projects,” Ms Skandarajah said.