Certification

EnviroDevelopment is Australia’s sustainability certification and rating tool for property development. Backed by rigorous technical standards, it helps developers demonstrate their commitment to best practice and stand out with credible, market-ready recognition.

This page explains what’s assessed, how the process works, and which types of developments are eligible. If you’re ready to take the next step, you can register your interest at the bottom of the page.

What’s assessed?

EnviroDevelopment certification evaluates projects across six key elements of sustainability: ecosystems, waste, energy, materials, water, and community. These elements reflect the areas where development has the greatest opportunity to reduce environmental impact and deliver long-term value to future residents and the broader community.

To achieve certification, a project must meet the required benchmarks in at least four of the six elements. Each one achieved earns the project a corresponding icon, which can be used to communicate its verified sustainability outcomes. Below is an overview of what each element entails.

Ecosystems

Protects and enhances the health of natural ecosystems through habitat conservation, biodiversity support, and the rehabilitation of degraded sites.

Waste

Reduces landfill through responsible construction practices and long-term waste management strategies that prioritise reuse, recycling, and resource recovery.

Energy

Improves efficiency through smart design, efficient systems, and renewable or non-polluting energy sources like solar, reducing emissions and long-term energy use.

Materials

Reduces environmental impact through the use of recycled, reused, and responsibly sourced materials, with consideration for lifecycle impacts and long-term sustainability

Water

Efficient use of water through smart design, reuse, and supply strategies such as rainwater harvesting, stormwater reuse, and water-efficient fixtures to reduce consumption.

Community

Supports the creation of vibrant, inclusive and connected communities through thoughtful design, access to facilities, diverse housing options and reduced reliance on private vehicles.

Certification levels

EnviroDevelopment projects are certified based on the number of sustainability elements they incorporate. The more elements achieved, the higher the level of certification awarded. Each level comes with a unique certification marque and individual icons to promote the elements achieved.

4 element certification

Awarded to projects that meet the benchmarks in four of the six elements.

5 element certification

Awarded to projects that meet the benchmarks in five of the six elements.

6 element certification

Awarded to projects that meet the benchmarks in all six elements.

What types of projects can be certified?

EnviroDevelopment can be applied to a wide range of development types. Whether you’re delivering a masterplanned residential community, a new retail centre, or an industrial precinct, certification provides a credible framework to demonstrate your sustainability credentials.

Masterplanned Communities

Residential Subdivision

Seniors Living

Multi-Unit Residential

Mixed Use

Industrial

Retail

Education

Health and Aged Care

Commercial

The certification process

The EnviroDevelopment certification process is designed to be collaborative, supportive, and straightforward. Our team works closely with you at every stage to help your project meet the required benchmarks and achieve certification.

Expression of Interest

Contact the EnviroDevelopment team to discuss your project, determine eligibility, and access the certification resources.

Registration

Submit a registration form and fee to formally begin the certification process.

Project Workshop

Participate in a tailored workshop to understand how the National Technical Standards apply to your project.

Application Submission

Complete your application with supporting evidence. The EnviroDevelopment team will review your submission before forwarding it to the National Board.

Board Review

The National EnviroDevelopment Board will assess your application and provide a determination. You may be asked to supply further clarification if needed.

Certification and Ongoing Requirements

If approved, you’ll receive your certification marque, marketing collateral, and toolkit to promote your sustainability credentials. Ongoing certification requires simple annual updates to maintain your status.

Let’s talk about your project

If you’re exploring certification, we’d love to hear from you. Our team can talk you through the process, help assess your eligibility, and explain how the process works.