Living in an EnviroDevelopment.

Living in an EnviroDevelopment means having a happy and healthy life sensitive to nature.

EnviroDevelopment certification helps you easily identify a home that has been built in a sustainable way with features that help you minimise your future impact and save money.

Your daily actions, big and small, have an impact on the environment. By choosing an EnviroDevelopment you can live a more sustainable life.

What benefits can living in an EnviroDevelopment offer?

Each EnviroDevelopment ‘leaf’ that you see displayed on a project indicates that benefits have been included to make your life more sustainable and comfortable. The potential benefits associated with each ‘leaf’ are detailed below:

Ecosystems

If the project displays an Ecosystem leaf:

The developer has landscaped public areas with native plant species which are low maintenance and weather tolerant so they should always look beautiful
The developer may have included structures amongst the landscaping to provide homes and shelter to wildlife, for example, fauna boxes, hollow trees
Extensive green spaces for conservation and recreation
Opportunities to observe native animals
Opportunities to interact with nature, for better wellbeing
Local waterways with good water quality that support a range of plant and animal species
Reduced air, noise, and light pollution.

Waste

If the project displays a Waste leaf, you can expect:

Reduced costs of building by using materials wisely and minimising the costs of waste disposal
Facilities that make it easy to recycle
Either a green waste disposal service, opportunities to compost or an onsite recycling centre for construction and landscaping materials
Access to information on how to reduce your own waste
The satisfaction of knowing that you helped reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill.

Energy

If the project displays the Energy leaf:

You could see up to a 20% reduction in your energy bill, compared to a home meeting minimum regulatory requirement
Enjoy more comfortable indoor environments with a reduced need for air-conditioners or heaters. This means cooler homes in summer, warmer homes in winter and opportunities for plenty of fresh air
Experience greater wellbeing and liveability through increased solar access from a well orientated and designed home
You improve marketability of your home by highlighting the reduced operational costs.

Materials

If the project displays the Materials leaf, you can:

Feel satisfied that the materials used in your community minimise the use of non-renewable resources and minimise the environmental impacts associated with their production
Experience health benefits compared to a standard home through reduced toxic surfaces or gases, and reduced allergens
Reduce the need for ongoing maintenance, saving money and time (in cases where durable materials are used)
Reduce construction costs by reusing materials or purchasing recycled materials at a lower cost.
Feel satisfied that the development of your new home has supported the local economy by giving preference to local suppliers.

Water

If the project displays the Water leaf:

You could see up to a 20% reduction in your water bill, compared to a home meeting minimum regulatory requirement
Drought tolerant plant species were included in the landscaping of public areas so they should always look great
The soil has been tested and treated to maximise garden growth.

Community

If the project displays the Community leaf, they can be characterised by:

Neighbourhoods that are safe, interesting, and pleasant to spend time in
Neighbourhood design and facilities that encourage active and healthy lifestyles
Walkways that are safe and comfortable for all residents to walk between homes, recreation areas and local services, allowing for active lifestyles and avoiding time spent commuting in traffic
Neighbourhood design, facilities, and programs to make it easier to connect with your neighbours and local community
Housing and local facilities that are accessible to a diverse range of people
Maintenance of cultural heritage and opportunities to appreciate cultural heritage
Access to local shops, recreation areas, and public transport options
Comfortable and accessible buildings and facilities.

Living in an EnviroDevelopment.