Sustainable design

Electric vehicle (EV) chargers are becoming a standard inclusion in many apartment developments nowadays.&nbsp;

Demand continues to increase for EV outlets across the country as more Australia’s move toward a more economical and sustainable future.

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Last month, Building and Energy Ministers from across the nation agreed to update the National Construction Code (NCC) minimum energy efficiency requirement from six to seven stars to ensure the homes built now are equipped for the future.

The reforms, which will commence from May next year, will include additional energy efficiency measures, including additional insulation, high quality glazing, increased focus on solar orientation, energy efficient appliances, roof-top solar and batteries, all of which will improve amenity and drive down energy bills.

The Ministers also agreed it was critical to make new homes electric vehicle-ready to avoid the costly exercise of retrofitting chargers.

Federal Industry Minister Ed Husic said new apartment buildings would also have to incorporate base infrastructure for future cabling and control-point installation to make them EV charger-ready.

One development group buying into planning for tomorrow is ASX-listed, Cedar Woods.

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Cedar Woods’ environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) strategy has resulted in the early adoption of many new environmental measures that will soon be required under the new NCC.

From achieving 7-star NaTHERS ratings, incorporating solar energy, zero landfill technology and EV infrastructure across a range of residential and commercial properties nationally, Cedar Woods recognises the role for developers to create sustainable communities that seek to minimise carbon emissions.

Cedar Woods’ Managing Director Nathan Blackburne said the property developer was proud of its reputation for being environmentally and socially responsible.

“We continually look for ways to reduce our ecological footprint and think about tomorrow,” Blackburne said.&nbsp;

“We are constantly assessing the design of all of our projects to ensure they adapt to the changing world in which we live and meet the needs of purchasers now and in the future.”

In Victoria, EV chargers have already been installed at Cedar Woods’ Huntington Apartments and are proposed for Aster Apartments at Jackson Green in Clayton South.&nbsp;

Residents at Aster and Huntington Apartments will also be able to hire an electric vehicle, a Tesla Model 3 by the hour. As the first car share initiative for Cedar Woods, the developer is hoping the program will encourage the uptake of EV’s in Australia.&nbsp;

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Blackburne said at Glenside, in Adelaide’s east in South Australia all apartments were designed EV ready and there are two chargers at Botanica Apartments for resident use.&nbsp;

Monarch Apartments, situated within the development, is also the first to incorporate new Cedar Woods’ apartment standards.

“Our new requirements mean EV infrastructure must be installed in a way that services all cars in the building. This includes switchboard sizing, off peak load management and cable trays for future EV charging installations by the purchasers,” Blackburne said.

Coupled with a multitude of other environmental features, the future proofing consideration of the building contributed to its early success, achieving 70 per cent sold out within three months of launching, and a 7.7-star NatHERS rating.&nbsp;As a result, the apartments began construction five months ahead of schedule.

“We recognise that our customers are becoming more environmentally conscious and increasingly they are expecting energy efficient features in homes.

“Planning for tomorrow will future-proof today’s projects, with all aspects from initial design through to approvals and the cost of electricity to be considered in development projects that are currently in the early-stages,” Blackburne added.&nbsp;

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Head of Energy and Infrastructure at the Electric Vehicle Council, Ross De Rango said that planning and preparation for a world with electric vehicles needs to happen now.&nbsp;

“EVs are the way of the future, so it is important we set up that future now. With the new National Construction Codes all apartment buildings will soon be required to incorporate readiness for electric vehicle chargers into their developments,” Rango said.

“It is far easier and cheaper to set up EV chargers during the construction process than installing them later down the track, particularly for large scale apartment developments.

<h2>Advantages of Electric Vehicles</h2>

Rango says that recent research shows that even if EV was charged by coal-fired electricity, it would still generate lower net emissions than internal combustion engine vehicles.

“As electricity grids become cleaner, so will EVs,” he said.&nbsp;

Reduced operating costs were also a significant motivator for people wanting to buy an EV, 
which are sometimes up to 10 times cheaper to run.&nbsp;

Rango said that the move to EVs would ultimately result in the $50 billion per year currently 
spent on importing fuel for road transport being redirected. With some distributed to the electricity sector to generate and deliver the extra electricity needed, a majority will instead be tracked back into the pockets of Australians.

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<h2>Supply and demand issues</h2>

Rango suggested there was no doubt Australian consumers wanted to buy EVs.&nbsp;

“The problem is we have a supply issue and the reason for this is because every other developed country, other than Australia and Russia, have minimum requirements for fuel efficiency standards and the introduction of EVs.”

The current supply issue is the key limiting factor preventing Australians from getting into EVs faster. In 2020 just 0.75 per cent of new car sales in Australia were EVs, in comparison to Norway, who boasts the biggest proportion of all new cars sold, with EVs comprising 70 per cent of the market.

<h2>Cost implications&nbsp;</h2>

Rango said the way forward was for developers to begin installing the EV stations during construction when the cost was significantly lower, compared to installing after.&nbsp;

“It is expected the cost of installing chargers during development will have a minimal impact on prices,” he said.

“However, if there is one resident who has an EV after the apartments are developed, the cost to incorporate a charging point could weigh heavily on everyone else in the building, with upgrades potentially costing tens of thousands of dollars.

“Incorporating charging infrastructure into construction projects will help to break down barriers to EV ownership and boost consumer confidence in EVs.”

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<h2>Preparing for tomorrow</h2>

In addition to incorporating chargers, Rango said developers would also need to have a plan for how charging will work in their apartment projects.&nbsp;

“If every car in the complex was charging at the same time, it would be very costly. Developers need to include systems that will schedule the majority of EV charging to off-peak times, when electricity will be cheaper, such as at night when residents are sleeping and there is spare network capacity.”

“There is also a need to incorporate costs in a way that doesn’t impact residents who are not using EVs. This could be done through specified strata fees or an external network provider,” Rango said.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4124]

Cedar Woods’ environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) strategy has resulted in the early adoption of many new environmental measures that will soon be required under the new NCC.

alisonwarters@gmail.com

Cedar Woods commits to build for tomorrow, today

As sustainability continues to be high on property buyers’ shopping lists, a number of Perth developers are honing in on future-forward and environmental designs, and one way they’re being recognised is through Green Star ratings.&nbsp;

Launched by Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) in 2003, Green Star is Australia’s largest voluntary and truly holistic sustainability rating system for buildings, fitouts and communities.

Green Star aims to reduce the impact of climate change by promoting developments and communities that support a more sustainable way of life, with all projects displaying a Green Star Certification Trademark having passed a thorough, independent and transparent assessment process to verify their contribution towards a healthier tomorrow.

Green Star offers a number of long-term benefits to both people and the environment, including water-saving initiatives, the use of renewable energy, stronger investment returns, higher quality designs, curated healthy communities, fewer greenhouse gas emissions and clearer pathways to achieving carbon neutral buildings.&nbsp;

With only a handful of developments on the West Coast having achieved the lauded 5 Star Green Star rating, we’ve wrapped up the top 5 Star Green Star rated apartments selling now.

<h1>Florin Parkside</h1>

Prominent Perth developers Stirling Capital kick off our list with the group striving to implement a number of sustainable features across all of their developments.&nbsp;

With a 5 Star Green Star rating in both Stirling’s Florin Parkside and Cirquet Duet, Stirling demonstrate an understanding of excellence in sustainability.&nbsp;

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The group’s Jolimont project, Florin Parkside, boasts a number of sustainable design features, including ceiling fans, energy-efficient lighting and appliances, a highly efficient heat pump water system, and 40kW solar helping the project reach the mark.&nbsp;

All common areas are also serviced by 100 per cent renewable energy, while extensive landscaping ensures the living spaces are directly connected to nature, blending seamlessly with the neighbouring park.

These benefits also help to keep living costs down for residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108682 project_image_fid=200537]

The $37 million project will deliver 63 residences to the Jolimont area, with the family-sized apartments offering sweeping views to the neighbouring park and CBD skyline.

One, two three and four-bedroom apartments are still remaining in the project, with completion slated for the back-end of 2023.

<h1>Cirque Duet&nbsp;</h1>

Soaring above the Canning River is Stirling’s Cirque Duet.

The deliberately sculptural building presents as two organically shaped towers, connected by a fourth floor 4000 sqm recreational podium.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8516 project_image_fid=205534]

Much like Florin, Cirque is packed with a string of sustainable and environmentally-driven design features, and was actually the first Western Australia development to be awarded a 5 Star Green Star rating.&nbsp;

The elegant butterfly-wing profile of the towers is instantly recognisable from any point on the river but its purpose is more than simply decorative.

Cirque's unique shape and orientation cleverly reduces the perception of volume and opens upsweeping, uninterrupted panoramas for every resident, with the butterfly effect extending in to the building’s very heart with low-energy construction methods, a sustainable design approach and passive cooling techniques just some of the reason’s it’s been awarded 5-starGreen Star status

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With a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, each have been oriented to take advantage of the panoramic views across the Canning and Swan River’s, to the Perth CBD and the Eastern Hills.&nbsp;

Floor-to-ceiling windows throughout not only maximise these outlooks but also allow an abundant amount of natural light to flood into each of the residences’ living spaces.&nbsp;

<h1>The Precinct&nbsp;</h1>

Boutique developers Norup + Wilson also make the list with their apartment development, The Precinct.

Located at 893 Canning Highway, the 5 Star Green Star-rated project is a 21-storey community on the high-point of the Mount Pleasant and Applecross peninsula.

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Some of the Green Star features included here include solar cells on the rooftop, complemented by lifts that create power on every down movement.&nbsp;

The Precinct also features sensor lights in all common areas and car parks, along with WELS approved ratings on all taps and showers, energy-efficient lights and appliances, rain sensors for the reticulation system, VRV air-conditioning systems, and carbon monoxide alarms to carparking to ensure fans only run when required.

With Norup + Wilson paying particular focus on the design process, The Precinct will also offer low strata fees, due in part to the numerous Green Star Rating features.&nbsp;

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The one, two and three-bedroom apartments are located on levels three to sixteen, with the next four floors dedicated to the exclusive Sky Homes, which enjoy privileged access to the top floor residents Sky Lounge.

Regardless of the level selected all residents enjoy views to the ever-changing Swan and Canning River’s leafy surrounds, along with high-tech inclusions, through access to the Norup + Wilson App, allowing residents to control each home’s intercom, lights, and air conditioning from a mobile device.

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All residents also have access to a host of facilities and amenities, including indoor and outdoor gyms, a pool with cabana day beds, barbecue facilities, a common lounge and library, media room and a kid’s playroom.

<h1>The Pearl&nbsp;</h1>

Prosper Living round out the 5 Star Green Star Perth offerings, with their South Perth development, The Pearl.&nbsp;

Inspired by the Swan River – the ancient Derbarl Yerrigan – the building’s slender silhouette is animated by a shimmering facade that reflects the light from river and sky, while organic curved balconies sweep across the facade.

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Built to 5-star sustainability levels, The Pearl exceeds solar access levels, with every apartment having access to natural light and cross ventilation, allowing gentle breezes through the living areas, no matter its position in the building. A spectacular ‘green spine’ softens the facade and provides light and greenery into the lobby of every level.

“Ultimately, The Pearl is about offering its residents a superb lifestyle in a building designed around luxury, comfort, convenience and sustainability,” says Prosper Living.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=9197 project_image_fid=203302]

With 137 one, two and three-bedroom apartments plus three four-bedroom skyhomes, The Pearl benefits from being surrounded by a range of local amenities along with exclusive residents-only features.

On level three, residents will have exclusive access to a protected landscaped terrace with an infinity edge pool, a massage room, private seating alcoves, gardens, and a barbecue with an enclosed outdoor dining area, along with other amenities, including a gym, sauna, steam room, yoga deck, a theatre, games room, resident’s lounge and dining room and a temperature-controlled wine room.&nbsp;

With only a handful of developments on the West Coast having achieved the lauded 5 Star Green Star rating, we’ve wrapped up the top 5 Star Green Star rated apartments selling now.



Perth's top four off the plan apartment developments with a 5 Star Green Star rating

The first sod of soil has officially been turned at Mulpha’s $1 billion zero-carbon, masterplanned community Norwest Quarter in Sydney’s Hills district.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Construction on the first stage of Norwest Quarter will include two residential apartment buildings, Banksia and Lacebark, with a total of 196 apartment, and more than 3,500 sqm of sustainably-led retail and commercial space which is set to include a full-floor commercial gym, fresh food grocer, medical services and restaurants.

Each apartment in Norwest Quarter will consume two thirds less energy than a typical code compliant apartment and will underpin residents’ aspirations for zero carbon living at up to 25 per cent less cost.&nbsp;

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Mulpha Head of Developments, Tim Spencer, said the ground-breaking ceremony was an opportunity to celebrate this important milestone with all the people involved in the development and construction process, including builder Parkview Construction, architects Bates Smart and Smart Design Studio, environmental sustainability firm Finding Infinity, landscaping architect Aspect Studios and urban designers Terroir.

&nbsp;

“After working extensively with Parkview Construction to quality control and deliver new benchmarks in sustainable design and construction, we are excited to commence construction on the first stage of Norwest Quarter which will be one of the most ambitious in Australia in terms of sustainable practices, initiatives, and design considerations," Spencer said.

“Despite difficult market conditions for the construction industry, Mulpha with the support of its top-tier partners is on track to deliver the first zero carbon precinct in the Hills, testament to its strong sustainability credentials and longevity in the Australian industry.

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“Our off-the-plan buyers in Norwest Quarter can be confident that we are committed to delivering quality apartment buildings that far exceed minimum code requirements, whilst simultaneously setting new benchmarks in lifestyle design, community focused wellness, sustainability and harmony with the natural environment.”

Hills Shire Council’s General Manager, Michael Edgar, said that with so much of Sydney’s future housing growth being accommodated in apartments, it was exciting to see the first stages of Norwest Quarter commence construction.&nbsp;

“It is testament to Mulpha’s belief in our Shire and the Norwest Business Park. It has been a while in the planning, and I am really pleased with the focus on building design, attention to detail and the ambitious sustainability measures,” Edgar said.&nbsp;

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“It is essential we see confidence return to the apartment market and that can only be achieved through good design, efficient use of technology, good use of materials, good sense of place, quality workmanship and a determination to contribute to the public domain.”&nbsp;

As well as making a contribution towards mitigating the effects of climate change and decreasing the urban heat environment at Norwest, Norwest Quarter's zero carbon target will lower energy bills while increasing wellbeing through healthier buildings, better air quality and greater access to nature.

Due to the strong sustainability credentials of the project, Norwest Quarter buyers may also be eligible for discounted green mortgages, potentially providing a lower interest rate on their mortgage.

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Both buildings will feature rooftop solar panels, electric vehicle charging with fast charges, and high-performance, centralised air-conditioning. The apartments will also have high efficiency lighting and appliances, and are 100 per cent electric, with induction cooktops and electric hot water.

Other sustainable community initiatives will include communal electric barbecues, communal gardens, productive beehives for enhanced pollination, worm farms, composting and natural landscapes, where the flora and fauna will be constantly measured against key performance indicators.

When complete, the Norwest Quarter masterplan will transform over 3.8 hectares of land into a village for over 2,000 residents who will live among 26,000 sqm of green open space.&nbsp;

Encompassed within the landscape will be nine residential towers containing 864 apartments, with 6,000 sqm of space provided for cafes, restaurants, neighbourhood shops and childcare facilities.

The community will be located within 400 metres walking distance of the Norwest Metro Station and emerging Norwest town centre, as well as extensive parklands, pathways and cycleways.&nbsp;

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Each apartment in Norwest Quarter will consume two thirds less energy than a typical code compliant apartment and will underpin residents’ aspirations for zero carbon living at up to 25 per cent less cost. 

Construction begins on first stage of zero-carbon Norwest Quarter apartment towers

With populations within cities&nbsp;expected to grow by an average of 50 million people per year, and today&rsquo;s greenhouse gas levels at the highest rate in 3 million years, it&rsquo;s important to focus on mitigating the effects of climate change before it&rsquo;s too late.

<blockquote>
&ldquo;Solving climate change has gone from not in our scope to being a requirement in less than 30 years.&rdquo;

-&nbsp;Shawn Fisher Hesse, International Living Future Institute Associate Director, via <a href="https://www.greenbiz.com/article/what-it-would-take-end-trickle-down-equity-buildings-and-beyond">GreenBiz</a>
</blockquote>

Building with a sustainable focus is growing in popularity as both developers and consumers are beginning to see impressive results from investing in energy-efficient building technology <a href="https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/04/we-have-the-tools-to-beat-climate-change-now-we-need-the-right-laws/">which can reduce a building&rsquo;s consumption by 30-40%</a>.

The focus on building development sustainability has led to the creation of new jobs; new policies; changes in design, engineering and construction processes; as well as new metrics and rating systems with an environmentally-centric approach.

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Australian architects and environmental engineers are becoming world leaders in building sustainability by pioneering new design trends and technology to achieve eco-conscious credentials. These projects are also garnering well-deserved attention from prospective buyers who consider a building with a low carbon footprint an essential factor when choosing a property.

Here are&nbsp;6 leading sustainable architectural design trends in Australia:

<h3>#1 SOLAR BALUSTRADES</h3>

Case study: The General, Melbourne

<figure><a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/the-general-421-high-street-northcote" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" height="870" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/the_general_bipv.jpg?itok=6vBFFeVL" title="the general's solar balustrades" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>The General&#39;s solar balustrades</figcaption>
</figure>

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/northcote-vic">Northcote&rsquo;</a>s &lsquo;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/the-general-421-high-street-northcote">The General</a>&rsquo; is the first building in Australia to utilise Onyx Solar photovoltaic glass on its exterior to generate sustainable solar energy. Occupying the corner section of High and Bent Streets, the glass balustrades (supplied by Environmental Technology Solutions) have been ideally positioned to make the most of excellent natural light but also provide an important layer of thermal protection year-round. Onyx solar balustrades are one of the key contributing elements which won &lsquo;the general&rsquo; it&rsquo;s impressive 7.5-star NatHERS energy rating.

Solar panel use globally:

-&nbsp;Noor (which is an Arabic word meaning &ldquo;light&rdquo;) is the largest solar farm in the world currently.&nbsp;By 2020,&nbsp;the $9 billion solar power plant is expected to generate 580 megawatts, which is enough electricity to power over a million homes.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/psyaa2jh4pzbajhkxuagz7dvxcvsrdltqknf7j-1dd8.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="Noor solar farm, Morocco. Credit: REUTERS/Youssef Boudlal" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/psyaa2jh4pzbajhkxuagz7dvxcvsrdltqknf7j-1dd8.jpg?itok=mDFoj2Mv" title="Noor solar farm, Morocco. Credit: REUTERS/Youssef Boudlal" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Noor solar farm, Morocco. Credit: REUTERS/Youssef Boudlal</figcaption>
</figure>

<blockquote>
&ldquo;Morocco is showing real leadership and bringing the cost of the technology down in the process.&rdquo;

-&nbsp;Mafalda Duarte, the manager of Climate Investment Funds (CIF) via <a href="https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2018/05/morocco-is-building-a-solar-farm-as-big-as-paris-in-the-sahara-desert/">World Economic Forum</a>
</blockquote>

<h3>#2 ROOFTOP URBAN FARMS</h3>

Case study: Burwood Brickworks, Melbourne

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/acre1_0.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="Urban rooftop garden. Credit: Burwood Brickworks" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="325" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/acre1_0.jpg?itok=sFXaKImh" title="Urban rooftop garden. Credit: Burwood Brickworks" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Urban rooftop garden. Credit: Burwood Brickworks</figcaption>
</figure>

As part of <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/frasers-property">Fraser Property&rsquo;</a>s wider project &lsquo;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/burwood-brickworks-set-to-become-the-worlds-most-sustainable-retail-development">Burwood Brickworks</a>&rsquo;, an urban farm situated atop the entire building will provide all the produce for the complex caf&eacute;. The farm will also feature systems including closed-loop technology for recycling wastewater, mulch excess organic material for compost, eliminate produce transportation by growing on site, feature rooftop solar panels as well as offsite renewable energy sources, avoid the use of worst-in-class chemicals to reduce air pollution and boast a 6 Star Green Star Community rating (this has already been obtained).

Rooftop urban farms globally:

- Brooklyn Grange, NYC

- Lufa Farms, Canada

- HK Farm, Hong Kong

- City Farm, Japan

<blockquote>
&ldquo;We built the world&rsquo;s first commercial rooftop greenhouse on an industrial building in Montreal, Quebec, to prove that high-yield, year-round farming is a smarter, more sustainable, and commercially viable way to feed cities. Since then, we&rsquo;ve built new and bigger and better rooftop greenhouses, to grow more and more vegetables.&rdquo;

- Lufa Farms
</blockquote>

Another stand-out example of the positive effects of rooftop gardens is the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) headquarters.&nbsp;

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2019-04-08_at_10.19.03_am.png" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="Overhead and Cross-Section Schematics. Credit: Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, Inc. " class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="452" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2019-04-08_at_10.19.03_am.png?itok=YkhP9YKr" title="Overhead and Cross-Section Schematics. Credit: Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, Inc. " width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Overhead and Cross-Section Schematics. Credit: Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, Inc.</figcaption>
</figure>

Multiple awnings across the site have been planted with lush greenery, and during a 10-month monitoring period, studies undertaken by ASLA found that the green roof <a href="https://www.asla.org/ContentDetail.aspx?id=28758">prevented over 100,000 litres of stormwater (which is approximately 78%&nbsp;of all precipitation hitting the roof)&nbsp;from flowing into D.C.&rsquo;s overburdened sewer and stormwater system</a>. The study also discovered that run-off water contained fewer pollutants, there was a 10% decrease in building energy use over the winter, and even on the hottest summer days, the roof was around&nbsp;15&deg;C cooler than conventional roofing on neighbouring buildings.

<h3>#3 TRI GENERATION PLANT</h3>

Case study: One Central Park, Sydney

<figure><a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/central-park-wonderland-81-oconnor-street-chippendale" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" height="370" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2019-04-08_at_1.06.49_pm.png?itok=qf93_E0V" title="One Central Park. Credit: Frasers Property and Sekisui House" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>One Central Park. Credit: Frasers Property and Sekisui House</figcaption>
</figure>

<a href="https://www.centralparksydney.com/">One Central Park</a> raised the bar back in 2013 for green energy&nbsp;by housing its own tri-generation plant on site. The energy source will supply electricity, heating and cooling for 3,000 residences and 65,000 sqm of retail and commercial space via &lsquo;green transformers&rsquo; which are powered by natural gas. Environmental consultants and engineers have estimated a 190,000-tonne greenhouse gas emission reduction over the next 25 years which is the equivalent of removing 2,500 cars off the roads annually for 25 years.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2019-04-05_at_2.10.28_pm.png" rel="gallery-all"><img class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="334" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2019-04-05_at_2.10.28_pm.png?itok=-o4aQLIq" width="580" /></a></figure>

Tri-generation plants globally:

<ul>
	<li>PricewaterhouseCoopers, London&nbsp;</li>
	<li>DAMM&nbsp;brewery, Barcelona</li>
</ul>

<h3>#4 BLACK WATER RECYCLING</h3>

Case study: 1 Bligh Street

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/160805_blighstreet_aeriallandscape_touchup.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="1 Bligh Street. Credit: Cbus Property" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/160805_blighstreet_aeriallandscape_touchup.jpg?itok=tT5s7iFp" title="1 Bligh Street. Credit: Cbus Property" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>1 Bligh Street. Credit: Cbus Property</figcaption>
</figure>

In 2013 Sydney&rsquo;s 1 Bligh Street apartment complex was the first CBD development to house an Aquacell blackwater recycling unit. Aquacell said that the system would be likely to save 1 Bligh Street residents 100,000 litres of drinking water per day. The process involves treating bathroom wastewater (and sometimes additional water from a nearby sewer) to be used for plant irrigation, toilet flushing and cooling towers.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/online_e001_40292.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="1003" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/online_e001_40292.jpg?itok=2g_Ic_mL" width="580" /></a></figure>

<blockquote>
&ldquo;Recycled water schemes like this will ease pressure on water, energy and land as our population increases &ndash; this legislation ensures ongoing management is robust and a level playing field is achieved. Only organisations that meet the highest standards can be issued a licence which streamlines the approval process for future schemes.&rdquo;

- Aquacell CEO Colin Fisher
</blockquote>

Blackwater recycling globally:

- Goreangab recycling plant,&nbsp;Namibia.&nbsp;

As one of the first plants of it&#39;s kind, the&nbsp;50-year-old treatment centre has welcomed visitors from developed countries who are facing water shortages to see where water reclamation started. Experts from Australia, Singapore and the US have taken inspiration from visiting the centre and now all three countries&nbsp;have their own sewage recycling plants.

<h3>#5 RECYCLABLE BUILDING MATERIALS</h3>

Case study: Central Institute of Technology&rsquo;s Green Skills Centre, Perth

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2019-04-08_at_10.30.34_am.png" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="Green Skills Hub render. Credit: Pyramid Constructions WA" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="320" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2019-04-08_at_10.30.34_am.png?itok=IQVhoiAI" title="Green Skills Hub render. Credit: Pyramid Constructions WA" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Green Skills Hub render. Credit: Pyramid Constructions WA</figcaption>
</figure>

Western Australia&rsquo;s greenest building also happens to be the education hub for environment training &ndash; Green Skills Hub. The building has been constructed using entirely sustainable materials including structural steel which can be reused later down the track, and recycled timber throughout. The centre was awarded a 6-star Green Star rating.

Training and Workforce Development Minister&nbsp;Liza Harvey explained that&nbsp;the Green Skills building would help provide students with resources, training and skills that,

<blockquote>
&ldquo;&hellip;ensures our graduates are at the top of their game in growing sectors such as sustainable building and construction.&quot;

- Liza Harvey, Training and Workforce Development Minister&nbsp;
</blockquote>

<h3>#6 SMART HOME TECHNOLOGY</h3>

Case study: The Burcham in Rosebery

<figure><a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/the-burcham-6-8-crewe-place-roseberry" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="image-article_full_width_580px" height="355" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/v04-150910-rooftop-aerial-final-2000_620x380_1.jpg?itok=-R1bCkFa" title="Credit: The Burcham in Rosebery" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Credit: The Burcham in Rosebery</figcaption>
</figure>

There is no denying technological advancements are making their way into our everyday lives at rapid speed, and the all-encompassing smart home device that was once a fictional concept is now a reality. <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/rosebery-nsw">The Burcham in Rosebery</a> has installed&nbsp;&lsquo;Geo Fencing&rsquo;&nbsp;technology in all 99 of their apartments, and whilst providing residents with the luxury of having a coffee brewed for their arrival home or the lights on by 7 PM, the technology is also proven to be beneficial for environmental sustainability. Residents will be able to monitor and manage their energy consumption and modify their use based on pricing and availability, allowing them to control living costs and reduce their carbon footprint.&nbsp;

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/energy-management-1.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="Wiser Link Energy Management Tool. Credit: The Burcham in Rosebery" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="619" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/energy-management-1.jpg?itok=c0vtua9R" title="Wiser Link Energy Management Tool. Credit: The Burcham in Rosebery" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>Wiser Link Energy Management Tool. Credit: The Burcham in Rosebery</figcaption>
</figure>

<h3>THE FUTURE</h3>

<a href="https://www.3dprintedhouse.nl/en/project-info/project-milestone/">3D PRINTED HOMES</a>

Case study: Project Milestones&#39; 3D Printed Home, Netherlands

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2019-04-08_at_11.15.08_am.png" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="An artist’s impression of the 3D printed houses. Credit: Project Milestone" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="291" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/screen_shot_2019-04-08_at_11.15.08_am.png?itok=TsTKQyG-" title="An artist’s impression of the 3D printed houses. Credit: Project Milestone" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>An artist&rsquo;s impression of the 3D printed houses. Credit: Project Milestone</figcaption>
</figure>

A revolutionary project will see a Dutch town open five highly sustainable 3D printed concrete homes this year. The world-first design technique is likely to be adopted by Australian&nbsp;firms such as biotechnology company Mirreco&nbsp;<a href="https://3dprint.com/217838/mirreco-to-3d-print-hemp/">who have already expressed an interest</a> in utilising 3D printing for their developments.&nbsp;

RELATED:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/5-of-melbournes-environmentally-conscious-new-development-highlights">5 of Melbourne&rsquo;s environmentally conscious new-development highlights</a>

&nbsp;

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/urban_-_infographic_2.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="2854" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/urban_-_infographic_2.jpg?itok=P6eBECWI" width="580" /></a>

<figcaption>6 of Australia&rsquo;s top sustainable architectural design trends Infographic.</figcaption>
</figure>

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