We make it easy to identify a sustainable project by awarding a development a ‘leaf’ for every area of sustainability they achieve.
Learn more about each area below and if you would like more detailed information about the set of Technical Standards you can download them here
This icon signifies the project has made great efforts to protect and enhance the existing native ecosystems and rehabilitate any degraded part of the development site.
This may include:
The government plays a role in requiring developers to protect the natural environment, however developments that have achieve the Ecosystems ‘leaf’ have gone beyond the legislated basics to deliver more positive ecosystem outcomes.
See how the Ecosystems element benefits you here and see what you can do to improve your local ecosystem here.
This icon demonstrates the developer has worked hard to minimise the creation of waste during, and prior to, construction.
Usually they have identified local recyclers, secondary product manufacturers, and material streams to recycle or reuse a minimum of 80% of demolition, land clearing, and civil works materials (e.g. leftover pipe, road base).
For those developers who build homes, they must have also made extensive efforts to avoid the generation of waste. At least 80% of their unavoidable waste must be recycled or reused.
See how the Waste element benefits you here and see what you can do to reduce your contribution to landfill here.
If the development displays the Energy icon, it has exceeded the government’s energy efficiency requirements.
They must deliver a further 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to minimum compliance. This may be achieved through a combination of smart design initiatives, the installation of energy efficient appliances and fixtures, and the inclusion of renewable energy like solar panels.
See how the Energy element benefits you here and see what you can do to save on your energy bills requirements here.
This icon signifies that 20% of the materials used in the development were recycled, reused or renewable materials, or ones that produce fewer carbon emissions over their lifecycle.
There are currently no government requirements to use environmentally responsible materials and EnviroDevelopments exceed standard industry practice. These developments may also use low emission materials in homes and/or common areas to ensure a healthy indoor environment.
See how the Materials element benefits you here and see how you can choose more sustainable materials here.
Developments that achieve the water element have incorporated systems to reduce the use of potable water by at least 20% compared to minimum regulatory compliance.
Developers will achieve this in different ways, which may include using stormwater for irrigation, providing rainwater tanks or improving water efficiency through appliances and/or taps and shower heads.
The Australian Government dictates water efficiency obligations but all developments that achieve the Water ‘leaf’ have delivered projects that not only satisfy these requirements but also reduce potable water use through irrigation requirements.
See how the Water element benefits you here and see what you can do to reduce your household water consumption here.
The community icon means extensive efforts have been made to create a safe, vibrant, and cohesive community.
This can include engaging the local community in the design, providing active or public transport opportunities, ensuring all homes have good indoor living comfort or designing the community to encourage interaction.
See how the Community element benefits you here and see ways you can get more involved in your community here.
