Mirvac considers sustainability and innovation to be key components in delivering cohesive communities that are safe, encourage healthy and active lifestyles and result in lower household expenses.
Objectives
To set a new benchmark for high-quality sustainable living, and encourage the incorporation of best practice sustainable initiatives.
To provide and encourage opportunities for residents to reduce their environmental impact.
To provide and encourage opportunities for residents to reduce household expenses during operation.
Energy consumption and greenhouse gas-emission reduction
Mirvac encourages all homes to achieve a 7 Star NatHERS rating. This may be achieved through incorporation of the following elements where necessary –
Maximising opportunities for cross ventilation and provide high level operable windows in multi-level homes to allow for heat removal.
Shading designed to restrict solar access to the living spaces in summer, whilst allowing beneficial solar access in winter.
Treated glazing or double glazing where necessary.
Draft sealing (weather seals on external doors etc.) where necessary.
Sealed exhaust fans where necessary.
In addition to achieving a 7 Star rating on the building fabric, Mirvac encourage house designs to include the following energy saving features:
Gas boosted solar hot water or electric heat pump hot water systems.
Gas or induction cook tops.
LED light fittings throughout the home.
Exterior lighting fitted with motion sensors.
Low energy use appliances (aim for energy ratings greater than 4 star).
Energy e ffi.liga cient air conditioning systems (aim for a COP greater than 3).
Standby ‘Green Switch’ or Smart home automation to reduce energy whilst the home is unoccupied.
Solar photovoltaic electricity systems with battery storage.
Water conservation and reuse
To assist in achieving an overall reduction in household water usage, Mirvac recommends that homes incorporate the following measures:
Rainwater tanks for toilet flushing and irrigation.
Purchasers are encouraged to consider water e ffi.liga cient landscape design, soil mix, and plant selections, with a target of a minimum of 70% of planted species to be drought tolerant.
Materials and waste
Maximise the use of standard sizes of materials wherever possible to minimise wastage.
Mirvac recommends the use of low-impact construction materials
For masonry, consider low impact options, such as recycled or carbon neutral bricks.
For lightweight construction, consider the use of natural or innovative materials such as timber, structural insulated panels or Hebel for a reduced environmental impact and good thermal performance qualities.
Internal Finishes
Consider the use of flooring, joinery and plasterboard that is environmentally certified by independent certification schemes such as GECA, EcoSpecifier or the Carpet Institute of Australia.
Select high quality, durable finishes with long warranty periods.
To reduce the airborne chemicals within your home consider using paints, adhesives and carpets rated to have low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
To reduce waste to landfill during the operation of your home,
Install a dual bin in the kitchen joinery to make recycling as easy as disposing of general waste.
Adopt a worm farm or composting bin to reduce food waste and provide fertiliser for your gardens.
Smart technology
Smart monitoring
Incorporate smart meters to help track your energy consumption and reduce your bills even further.
Smart home automation
Consider the use of smart home automation to make your life easier and future proof your home. Systems available include:
Smart Security systems.
Smart intercom and access controls
Smart controls of lighting, blinds, air conditioning and appliances.
Audio Visual systems.
If solar electricity and/or batteries are installed, consider a fully electric house to avoid the need for a natural gas connection.
Landscaping
The use of permeable surfaces is encouraged to maximise opportunities for natural infiltration and groundwater recharge.
The use of waterwise plant species, waterwise irrigation and mulching of garden beds is encouraged to reduce water use.
The planting of trees o ff.liga ering shade for the house and outdoor living areas and contributing to bird habitat is encouraged.
The use of locally native plant species is encouraged to increase biodiversity.
Consider the use of herbs, vegetables and fruit trees to create a productive garden.
Hot Tip Please refer to Annexure D for the Landscaping Design Guidelines including concepts and example planting palettes to help you achieve a high quality landscape outcome.
