Sustainability was embedded into the project from the outset, with a focus on creating a development that supports both environmental performance and community engagement. In addition to 99 kW rooftop solar photovoltaic system, Passive design principles, natural light optimisation, and ventilation strategies were incorporated to improve occupant comfort while reducing reliance on mechanical systems and operational energy.

The project also prioritised efficient resource management through sustainable material selection and construction methodologies aimed at reducing waste and improving site efficiency. Landscaping and public realm design contributed to enhanced amenity, urban cooling, and a more pedestrian-friendly environment through reduced hardstand, irrigated garden beds and shaded pedestrian zones.

With its emphasis on community and social sustainability, the precinct was designed to encourage community interaction through activated public spaces, walkability, and integrated lifestyle offerings. The development promotes accessibility, connectivity, and reduced dependence on vehicle travel. Retail tenancies and public spaces have been designed to encourage visibility, interaction, and pedestrian safety. Active frontages, well-lit pathways, and integrated public areas enhance natural surveillance, supporting social connection creating welcoming spaces for rest and recreation.

The Village at Carseldine stands out for its holistic approach to sustainability, integrating environmental, social, and economic considerations into every stage of the project. Rather than treating sustainability as a standalone initiative, the development demonstrates how responsible design and construction can create enduring value for both the community and the built environment.

As Brisbane continues to grow, The Village at Carseldine represents a benchmark for contemporary mixed-use development in Queensland, showcasing how thoughtful urban planning and sustainable delivery can positively contribute to community wellbeing and future city growth. Achieving the certification was important because it demonstrates a commitment to creating a development that delivers long-term value beyond construction. The focus on connectivity, safety, and sustainable design helped create a more resilient and people-focused environment for residents and visitors.

Plaza Place demonstrates how thoughtful residential design can successfully balance environmental responsibility, community wellbeing, and long-term liveability. From locally native landscaping and water-efficient systems to climate-responsive architecture and community-focused spaces, Plaza Place represents a forward-thinking approach to urban living.

Building orientation, façade articulation, cross-ventilation, and extensive natural daylighting were carefully considered to minimise reliance on artificial heating, cooling, and lighting. Deep balconies and landscaped terrace zones provide passive shading and thermal comfort, while precast concrete panels and planter walls contribute thermal mass to regulate internal temperatures.

A strong focus was also placed on energy efficiency and renewable energy integration. The project includes a 30kW solar system, energy-efficient heat pump hot water systems, LED lighting throughout, and smart air-conditioning controls that reduce energy wastage. These initiatives support lower operational costs for residents while contributing to reduced carbon emissions.

Environmental innovation extended beyond energy performance. Plaza Place achieved a minimum of 90% of construction waste being reused or recycled. Water conservation measures include a 10,000-litre rainwater harvesting system connected to landscape irrigation, bioretention systems integrated into stormwater management, and water-efficient fixtures and appliances.

Landscape and biodiversity outcomes were another defining feature of the project. Over 37% of landscaping site coverage incorporates 100% locally native Southeast Queensland species. These initiatives help reduce urban heat island impacts, support local biodiversity, and create cooler, healthier communal environments.

Importantly, the project places equal emphasis on social sustainability and community connection. Walkable links to transport, EV-ready parking, bicycle facilities, recreational spaces, and community-focused outdoor areas encourage healthier lifestyles and reduce reliance on private vehicles.

The EnviroDevelopment certification is important because it provides independent verification that sustainability outcomes have been embedded throughout every stage of the project. For residents, it delivers confidence that the development is not only environmentally responsible, but also healthier, more efficient, and designed to create lasting value for future generations.

For more information, visit: https://fingerprint.au/plazaplace/.

Sustainability has been embedded throughout Vantage Hervey Bay through landscape planning, passive home design, renewable energy, water efficiency and responsible environmental management.

A key environmental outcome is the achievement of an ecological net gain within the central corridor. Existing native vegetation is retained wherever possible and complemented by additional tree and vegetation planting and ongoing maintenance. The Central Corridor Plans support local native vegetation communities while creating a greener, more connected environment for residents. Natural revegetation and weed control are also promoted to support the long-term health of the landscape.

The project’s Environmental Management Plan prioritises waste avoidance, reuse and recycling. Vegetation cleared as part of works is mulched for reuse on site rather than burned, while waste is directed to licensed facilities only where avoidance, reuse or recycling is not possible. Retaining vegetation helps protect soil, encourage deeper root growth and reduce evaporation, supporting more efficient water use.

Sustainability is incorporated into the design of every home. Dwellings are generally oriented east-west, allowing facades to sit within 15 degrees of north to maximise winter solar gain while reducing summer heat exposure. Living and dining areas and covered outdoor spaces are positioned to make the most of natural light, morning sun and prevailing breezes. Non-habitable areas such as garages, laundries and bathrooms provide additional thermal and acoustic buffering. These passive design principles help reduce heat gain and loss, improving comfort while reducing reliance on mechanical heating and cooling.

Renewable energy is a core feature, with solar panels incorporated into every dwelling. A non-potable water supply is also connected to toilets, laundries and garden use, reducing demand for potable water and supporting more efficient water consumption.

The project also delivers strong community benefits. An on-site Community Manager provides a direct connection between residents and the community, ensuring residents have opportunities to contribute to activities and initiatives. Together, these measures support environmental stewardship, resource efficiency, resident wellbeing and meaningful community connection for generations to come.

For more information, visit https://vantageherveybay.avid.com.au/.

Sustainability is embedded in the project from the outset. Kindira has achieved EnviroDevelopment certification across all six elements — ecosystems, waste, energy, materials, water and community — and has achieved EnviroDevelopment Excellence recognition. The certification reflects Mirvac’s commitment to delivering a community that goes beyond compliance and creates measurable environmental and social outcomes.

A defining feature of Kindira is the retention and rehabilitation of more than 400 hectares of green space, including conservation areas and public parkland. This approach protects local biodiversity, supports habitat corridors and helps integrate the natural landscape into everyday community life. Environmental outcomes are further supported through stormwater management, weed control, native planting, environmental offsets and the use of nest boxes and habitat enhancements.

Kindira also prioritises resource efficiency and responsible construction. More than 80 per cent of construction and land-clearing materials are targeted to be recycled or reused, with green waste mulched for landscaping. Energy-efficient living is encouraged through design guidelines that promote passive design, efficient appliances and improved solar orientation. Water-sensitive design, drought-tolerant landscaping and efficient fixtures help reduce potable water demand and support long-term landscape resilience.

Community and cultural respect are central to the project vision. Mirvac’s approach includes early community engagement and an ongoing community development focus, helping to shape the project around local needs, future resident expectations and long-term social connection. This is supported by engagement with Traditional Owners through cultural heritage management processes, on-site surveys and education, with cultural values informing how the site is understood and managed. The masterplan will support diverse housing, accessible parks, active transport networks and inclusive public spaces, helping residents feel connected from the earliest stages of the community.

For Mirvac, EnviroDevelopment certification provides independent recognition of Kindira’s sustainability ambitions and reinforces the project’s long-term purpose: to create a resilient, connected and environmentally responsible community that leaves a positive legacy for future generations.

For more information, visit https://kindira.mirvac.com.

Cliff is Aria’s first all-electric building, supporting more efficient and low-impact living. Zoned and individually metered air-conditioning, induction cooking, and instantaneous electric hot water empower residents to manage energy use with greater awareness. On the rooftop, a complete solar system offsets common-area electricity, while every car space is EV-ready for seamless future adoption. Shared Tesla vehicles, communal bicycles, and e-scooters further support reduced private car dependence and encourage connected, active movement.

Landscape is integral to Cliff’s identity. More than 130 trees and palms, over 10,000 plants, expansive green walls, and layered subtropical gardens create a thriving vertical ecosystem that fosters biodiversity and connection to place. From shaded pocket parks at ground level to sun-drenched meadows on the rooftop, residents experience nature as a continuous, immersive journey woven through daily life.

The interiors continue this dialogue of considered living, pairing tactile, natural finishes with high-performance, energy-efficient appliances chosen for longevity, quality, and low consumption.

Cliff is not a building designed to be looked at — but to be lived in. A home that feels intrinsically of Brisbane. A place where architecture, ecology, and community come meaningfully together to create spaces that are not only sustainable, but deeply human.

Once completed, GemLife Elimbah will include 404 homes and $20 million in premium lifestyle facilities, such as a two-level Country Club and a Summer House with a resort-style pool, designed to encourage connection, wellbeing, and active living.

The independent EnviroDevelopment certification assessed the 26-hectare community across six key categories: ecosystems, waste, energy, materials, water, and community.

“Achieving all six areas is something we’re extremely proud of,” said GemLife Managing Director and Group CEO, Adrian Puljich. “From 7-star energy-rated, climate-responsive homes and a market-leading solar power system with on-site battery storage, to protecting local wildlife habitats and preserving green space, sustainability is central to GemLife Elimbah.”

A standout feature has been the site’s innovative approach to renewable energy. A 3MW community battery system, which received Federal Government Australian Renewable Energy Agency grant funding*, will support a private virtual grid, allowing residents to feed in their generated solar power. GemLife expects this virtual power plant model to reduce greenhouse gas emissions beyond regulatory requirements, providing residents with greater energy security and savings.

Water management has also been carefully considered. Four underground combined treatment and detention tanks, with a total capacity of 5000 m³, will capture stormwater across the community. The water will be treated to remove pollutants and sediments, then reused for public facilities and irrigation. Any excess will be safely released into the adjoining eastern drainage reserve. In conjunction with water-efficient home design, these measures significantly reduce potable water usage.

The preservation of natural ecosystems has also been central to the project’s design. The south-eastern corner, a designated koala priority area, will remain a dedicated rehabilitation zone. All existing trees and native vegetation have been retained – a decision the National EnviroDevelopment Board described as rare for a project of this scale. In total, more than eight hectares of green space will be safeguarded.

“EnviroDevelopment certification is important because it provides independent recognition of our commitment to sustainable design,” Adrian said. “It validates the choices we make to balance lifestyle with environmental responsibility and sets a benchmark for future GemLife communities.”

For more information about GemLife Elimbah, visit: https://www.gemlife.com.au/location/gemlife-elimbah-resort/

*Gemlife’s Sustainable Community Battery Project is being delivered by Prospecta Utilities and is funded by GemLife with support from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), through its Community Battery Round 1 funding under the Advancing Renewables Program. Views expressed in this article are GemLife’s and not necessarily the views of the Australian Government.

This thoughtful design has been matched by a strong commitment to sustainability, with GemLife Highfields Heights achieving full EnviroDevelopment certification from the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA). The project was recognised for excellence across the six ‘leaves’ of ecosystems, energy, water, waste, materials, and community.

“At Highfields Heights we’ve worked to ensure sustainability delivers real benefits for residents as well as the environment,” said GemLife Managing Director and Group CEO, Adrian Puljich. “Our energy-efficient homes, solar power systems, and green spaces are designed to lower costs, reduce impacts, and create a healthier place to live.”

A key achievement is the project’s ecological net gain. More than 2.2 hectares of regrowth semi-evergreen vine thicket within the site will be rehabilitated, creating richer and more resilient vegetation than existed before development. GemLife has funded a two-year monitoring and management program to ensure the long-term success of this rehabilitation and to protect native fauna, before stewardship is handed to Toowoomba Regional Council.

Stormwater management has also been addressed innovatively. Four underground detention and treatment tanks, with a combined 7,133m³ capacity, will capture, treat, and reuse stormwater for irrigation and public facilities, reducing potable water demand. New trunk infrastructure will also improve flood protection for the wider community.

Homes across the resort have been designed with sustainability in mind, using north-facing orientation to maximise solar gain, together with roof insulation, light-coloured roofing, and shading to reduce heat extremes. Landscaping will use drought-tolerant native species, including local food-bearing plants such as lilly pilly berries and kauri seeds. These plantings not only provide habitat for wildlife but also create cultural and culinary connections for residents, with lilly pilly fruit often used in jams and sauces, and kauri seeds able to be roasted or boiled as a nutritious snack.

“GemLife Highfields Heights shows that it’s possible to deliver world-class lifestyle facilities while also protecting and enhancing the natural environment,” Adrian said. “Certification gives our homeowners confidence that they are part of a community designed for the future – one that is healthier, more efficient, and more resilient.”

For more information about GemLife Highfields Heights visit https://www.gemlife.com.au/location/gemlife-highfields-heights-resort/

As a benchmark for sustainable design, Mirimar & Toorak has been awarded full EnviroDevelopment certification across all six elements – Ecosystems, Waste, Energy, Materials, Water, and Community. The project demonstrates a comprehensive commitment to sustainability, including over a quarter of the site being dedicated to green infrastructure, with native planting woven through rooftops, balconies, podiums, and public spaces. These go beyond aesthetic choices, they are ecological investments that support biodiversity, improve comfort, and foster wellbeing.

Inside and out, the project is built for performance. Homes are designed to breathe, with layouts that maximise natural light and airflow. Residents will enjoy intuitive energy and water-saving features, smart technology, and spaces that encourage low-impact living without sacrificing luxury or convenience.

Mirimar & Toorak’s impact goes far beyond its environmental footprint. Silverstone’s collaboration with the Turrbal Traditional Owners has shaped a development that honours culture and community. Indigenous art, language, and procurement pathways are embedded throughout, alongside affordable and universally accessible housing that ensures inclusivity is more than just a promise.

These features collectively awarded Mirimar & Toorak at RiverGreen UDIA’s 6 Leaf EnviroDevelopment certification, recognising its leadership in sustainable design across all six core elements.

For more details, visit https://silverstonedevelopments.com.au/projects/rivergreen-hamilton/.

The development is defined by its layered approach to sustainability and lifestyle. A 1,573 m² cross-block link sits on the west end of the site, offering a publicly accessible green corridor that connects residents to adjacent parklands, bikeways, and the Brisbane River. Above, rooftop gardens, podium planters, and deep planting zones contribute to more than 40% green infrastructure coverage, softening the built form and supporting urban ecology.

Residences are designed for comfort and performance, with layouts that prioritise cross-ventilation, privacy, and passive solar gain. Interiors feature high-performance glazing, smart metering, and energy-efficient appliances, while a 100kW rooftop solar system offsets common area energy usage. Rainwater harvesting is embedded into the irrigation system, supported by 135,000 litres of underground storage and a fully automated drip network.

Shared amenity spans both towers and includes a resort-style pool, magnesium spa, sauna, yoga studio, and a rooftop retreat with BBQ stations and a 63 m² internal space designed for private dining or co-working. A dog wash station, shaded cabanas, and landscaped lawns further enhance the resident experience.

Moreton & Cremorne at RiverGreen has been awarded a 6 Leaf UDIA EnviroDevelopment certification, recognising industry-leading sustainability across materials, energy, ecosystems, water, waste, and community.

For more details, visit https://silverstonedevelopments.com.au/projects/rivergreen-hamilton/.

ORIA has achieved a full certification under the EnviroDevelopment program, meeting all six leaves: Ecosystems, Waste, Energy, Materials, Water, and Community. This certification reflects a deep commitment to sustainability embedded from the earliest stages of design and planning.

The building’s orientation has been carefully optimised to maximise natural light and ventilation, reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling. Rainwater harvesting systems support extensive rooftop gardens and deep planting, which not only reduce reliance on potable water but also restore ecological value and increase canopy cover.

Sustainable construction materials were selected for their durability and low environmental impact, while smart energy and water systems further reduce the building’s environmental footprint. These measures work together to create a cooler, healthier microclimate and support biodiversity in an urban setting.

Beyond its environmental credentials, ORIA is designed to foster community wellbeing. Residents have access to rooftop gardens, wellness spaces, music and games rooms, and one of Australia’s first exclusive pickleball courts in a multi-residential development. A business centre, cinema, and off-leash dog park add to the lifestyle appeal, while communal areas encourage social connection and active living.

Keylin’s engagement with the Spring Hill community throughout the planning process has helped ensure ORIA contributes positively to the neighbourhood. The project sets a new benchmark for sustainable urban living, where environmental performance, resilience, and resident wellbeing are seamlessly integrated to deliver lasting value.

For more information, visit https://www.oriaspringhill.com.au/.