Smarter environments for a sustainable future

Embracing smarter practices

Smarter development isn’t just about using less – it's about creating communities that are environmentally responsible, resilient, and built for the future. We embrace innovation and design thinking to reduce our impact on the planet, ensuring that our homes and neighbourhoods are sustainable for generations to come.

For decades, we've been at the forefront of sustainable development, pioneering new approaches and technologies that reduce our environmental footprint. We believe in building smart and using less, and we're constantly exploring new ways to improve the energy and water efficiency of our homes and communities.

• Industry leading innovations: We've been leading the way with geothermal and solar energy capture and carbon-neutral power supply through our energy retailer, Real Utilities. Other innovations include the country’s first trial of Passive House principles for more energy efficient homes by a volume developer and achieving world-first Living Building Challenge® Petal Certification for a retail building.
• The Greensheet: We developed The Greensheet, Australia's first comprehensive database of healthy building materials, making it freely available to the industry to promote sustainable construction practices.
• Carbon reduction: In line with the Science Based Targets initiative 1.5C pathway, we are committed to a 46.7% carbon emission reduction (against our a 2019 baseline) by 2030. This includes implementing initiatives which help reduce bills for our customers and tenants, increase renewable energy generation and support the efficient use of resources during construction.

We take a data-informed approach to design and construction, considering current and future climate scenarios to create homes that are comfortable, healthy, and adaptable. A big focus is creating homes that offer year-round indoor comfort and healthy air quality, while also being energy efficient to reduce environmental impact and operating costs.

• Working with the local climate: We carefully consider the local climate, both now and in the future, to design homes and neighbourhoods that are comfortable and resilient. We integrate passive design principles in our masterplanning and street designs and consider future climate scenarios to ensure our homes are adaptable to change. 
• Designing for indoor environmental quality: The health and wellbeing of our residents is paramount. We focus on maximising natural light and ventilation, minimising indoor air pollution via low VOC materials and all-electric systems, and creating thermally comfortable living spaces. 
• Quality assurance: Everything we design and construct is subject to rigorous quality control, from integrating regular quality assurance checks throughout the construction process, independent reviews, and utilising contractors who hold ISO 14001 certification.

Integrating nature into our developments is essential for creating healthy, resilient, and attractive environments. Our goal is to enhance the ecological value of our sites while building communities that seamlessly connect people with the natural world around them. 

• Access to green spaces and nature: Our communities are designed to foster a sense of connection with the natural world. This includes creation of attractive and accessible green spaces within our developments, incorporating walking trails, and creating outdoor areas for recreation and relaxation.
• Operational practices that respect nature: We implement sustainable landscaping techniques that reduce the need for pesticides and limit our impact on surrounding ecosystems. We also prioritise the use and re-use of natural materials and seek to minimise the environmental impact of our construction practices.
• Engagement with community: We work with local communities and Traditional Owners to raise awareness of the natural environment and promote engagement with nature. This includes initiatives such as citizen science programs, planting workshops, and educational signage.

Our commitment to building resilient neighbourhoods means we carefully consider the potential impacts of a changing climate, designing places that are prepared for the future and where value is safeguarded for generations to come.

• Assessing and mitigating climate risk: We’re always analysing potential climate-related risks related to the areas in which we develop, such as flooding, bushfires, and extreme weather events, integrating risk mitigation strategies into our designs.
• Designing for adaptability: We design our communities to be adaptable, ensuring they remain comfortable and functional in a changing environment. This includes prioritising nature-based solutions for stormwater treatment, using light-colored external materials to reduce the urban heat island effect, and appropriate built form to create welcoming streetscapes.
• Creating connected and prepared communities: We cultivate connected and resilient communities by designing welcoming public spaces, walkable neighbourhoods, supporting local programs, and promoting inclusivity. These efforts create neighbourhoods that are not only resilient to environmental challenges but also thrive on social connection and shared experiences.