By Taylor Hood, Director of Sustainability and Research at UDIA Queensland
As Australia’s cities continue to expand, mixed-use precincts provide an opportunity to excel at incorporating sustainability into everyday life. By combining residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, these precincts can reduce environmental impact and improve community well-being. A key enabler of this success is investment in sustainable transport infrastructure, ensuring that precincts remain accessible while minimising carbon emissions. Through the lens of the Institute’s sustainability rating tool, EnviroDevelopment, we can see how sustainability principles can be embedded into these unique urban environments.
The Role of Sustainability in Mixed-Use Precincts
Mixed-use precincts are well positioned to lead the way in sustainable urban development. The EnviroDevelopment framework provides a structured approach to embedding sustainability across key areas, including Ecosystems, Waste, Energy, Materials, Water, and Community. These elements ensure that precincts are designed with long-term environmental and social benefits, and the community in mind.
- Transport integration:
Public transport access is a key feature in most large-scale mixed-use precincts and brings with it a large amount of benefit for the community and the environment. Transit-oriented development principles align with EnviroDevelopment goals by reducing car dependency and encouraging active transport options such as walking and cycling. Investments in electric bus fleets, rail networks, and pedestrian friendly street design help precincts achieve reduced emissions, improved air quality, and most importantly improve overall wellbeing of residents - Climate-responsive urban design:
Sustainable precincts incorporate climate responsive urban design to mitigate environmental impact. This includes energy-efficiency in buildings, green infrastructure, and water-sensitive urban design. Features such as permeable pavements, rooftop gardens, and stormwater harvesting systems also contribute to community well-being and reduce the urban heat island effect. - Strengthening community and liveability:
Sustainability extends beyond environmental factors to include social sustainability. Mixed-use precincts that integrate community engagement, public green spaces, and social infrastructure create a stronger sense of place and belonging. This is by far the most important factor that a mixed-use precinct can foster. Happy residents are better neighbours.
Investing in Sustainable Precincts for the Future
As Australia faces increasing challenges related to climate change, housing demand, and urban congestion, mixed-use precincts must continue to evolve with a wellbeing-first approach. Investing in precincts that align with principles as found in EnviroDevelopment ensures that our cities remain resilient, connected, and environmentally responsible.
Embedding sustainability into the core of mixed-use precinct planning is an advantage easily achieved at scale. Developers and policymakers can expect thriving, future-ready communities. With the right balance of environmental responsibility, public transport investment, and community-focused design, mixed-use precincts will play a critical role in shaping Australia’s sustainable urban future.
Related resources
Sustainable mixed-use precincts: Embedding EnviroDevelopment principles
Mixed-use precincts that follow EnviroDevelopment principles blend homes, businesses, and green spaces to reduce emissions, support active transport, and build healthier, more connected communities