Sustainable communities are becoming Australia’s next property must-have

Across Australia, buyer preferences are clearly shifting, with people increasingly seeking homes that are energy efficient, cost-effective to run, and located within communities that foster connection, access to nature and long-term liveability.

Importantly, it is increasingly recognised by new home buyers that sustainable features within homes and the broader neighbourhood, can materially reduce cost of living, whether that is savings on power and water bills, or reduced transport costs due to access to public transport, cycling and walking options.

For the development industry, this presents both a responsibility and an opportunity to lead in the creation of more sustainable places that meet these evolving expectations.

This is where UDIA’s EnviroDevelopment program is an important tool in helping buyers identify sustainable communities and buildings.

As a nationally recognised certification system, EnviroDevelopment provides an evidence-based framework for achieving sustainability at a development scale, while also giving buyers confidence that the communities they are purchasing into have been independently verified against clear sustainability criteria.

EnviroDevelopment certification is awarded across six key elements: ecosystems, waste, energy, materials, water and community, and developments must achieve certification in at least four of the six elements.

EnviroDevelopment certified projects can be identified by their distinctive branding, which clearly indicates the elements in which the project has achieved certification.

Importantly, the program goes beyond design intent and requires measurable outcomes and accountability, ensuring that sustainability principles are embedded throughout planning, construction and delivery phases of a project.

A breakdown of each element

• 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 such as 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: supports the 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.

In Western Australia (WA), there continues to be a strong uptake of EnviroDevelopment, with projects demonstrating how thoughtful planning and innovation can deliver communities that are both sustainable and desirable places to live.

Constellar is a new masterplanned community in Perth’s south east growth corridor and has achieved certification in all six EnviroDevelopment elements.

Eventually home to around 3,000 residents and designed as a long-term, community-focused neighbourhood, it will feature more than 10 hectares of public open space, a 5.8 hectare central district oval and community pavilion, two schools, and a neighbourhood commercial centre.

The certification criteria informed key design decisions from the outset and influenced sustainable urban development principles applied across the project.

Landscape, energy, ecology and community are the project’s four key sustainability focus areas, aimed at creating lasting, positive outcomes for the natural environment and residents.

More than 1.3 kilometres of historic windrow trees are being retained and integrated into streetscapes, parks and ecological corridors, preserving the site’s pre-development character while providing immediate canopy and amenity.

Energy performance is optimised through a requirement for all homes to achieve a minimum 7-star NatHERS rating and be fitted with a 3.5kW rooftop solar PV system.

Purchaser incentives also support all-electric configuration, including heat pump hot water systems, induction cooktops and solar, intended to reduce household operating costs.

Preserving local ecology is reinforced through native planting palettes, and the developer has also expanded tree canopy and integrated habitat features to help extend the ecological function of the adjoining Cardup Nature Reserve into the community.

To foster a vibrant and connected community, the Constellar Community Compact was launched in early 2025, providing a framework for Richard Noble & Company and Gold Estates, in partnership with the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale, local organisations, schools, businesses and residents, to shape a connected and resilient neighbourhood.

The program also encourages participation in local initiatives, events and knowledge-sharing opportunities.

EnviroDevelopment has helped shape a community at Constellar where environmental, economic and social wellbeing are considered from the earliest planning stages and embedded through delivery and handover.

The benefits of EnviroDevelopment

Projects like Constellar highlight the tangible benefits of EnviroDevelopment certification, not only for the environment, but also for residents and the broader community.

From reduced household energy costs and improved thermal comfort to enhanced biodiversity and stronger community connections, the outcomes are practical, measurable and valued by new homebuyers.

For developers, EnviroDevelopment provides a clear and credible pathway to differentiate their projects in a competitive market. It demonstrates a commitment to best practice, supports stronger planning outcomes, and aligns with growing policy and consumer expectations around sustainability.

Ultimately, EnviroDevelopment is about providing choice and giving homebuyers the confidence to invest in communities that are not only fit for today, but ready for the future.