Ark Nature Based City Initiative Review
Ark Resources was engaged by Nature Based Cities (NBC) to undertake a comprehensive review of the Nature Based City Initiative, examining how nature-based solutions are being integrated into urban planning, development assessment, and building rating systems across Australian cities.
The report evaluates the current state of nature-based design in the built environment, identifying barriers to adoption and opportunities for embedding green infrastructure into planning policy, development assessment, and building rating systems. It draws on Ark Resources' deep experience in ESD consulting to provide practical, evidence-based recommendations for how nature-based approaches can be scaled up across residential, commercial, and civic projects.
Key themes include the role of green roofs, living walls, urban tree canopy, and water-sensitive urban design in delivering measurable environmental, social, and economic co-benefits. The review also explores alignment between nature-based city principles and existing sustainability frameworks such as Green Star, NABERS, and the NCC.
The report represents a significant contribution to the growing evidence base supporting nature-based cities in Australia, and reinforces Ark Resources' commitment to advancing sustainability outcomes beyond conventional compliance.
Ark Resources is proud to contribute research and advisory services to the Nature Based Cities initiative. Jan Talacko sits on the NBC Advisory Council.
Report authors & contacts
