26 April 2007
MEDIA RELEASE
Highfields development receives ultimate ecostamp
A residential subdivision 20 minutes north of Toowoomba has today (26 April) become the sixth development in Australia to be awarded EnviroDevelopment certification for its environmental achievements.
The EnviroDevelopment certification and branding system, created by the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA),provides independent verification of leading edge environmental outcomes within specific areas of sustainability.
At an industry ceremony in Toowoomba today, the 122 lot TreveanGardensdeveloped by Trevand Pty Ltd was awarded certification in the areas of: ecosystems; waste; water and community, thereby becoming the first certified project following the EnviroDevelopment trial phase.
Certification earns Trevean the right to display the EnviroDevelopment icons for ecosystems; waste; water and community on billboards and in all marketing and advertising material.
UDIA Toowoomba Branch President Ron Barclay, who presented the certification to Trevand principal Jeffrey Trevarthan, said it was a proud day for the Darling Downs development community to have secured the sixth official EnviroDevelopment.
“Since launching the first five EnviroDevelopment projects in October last year, there has been a great deal of anticipation over who would secure the next certification,” Mr Barclay said.
“While TreveanGardens is the sixth official EnviroDevelopment so far, it is actually the first project to be announced following the trial projects which became the first five,” he said.
“It is fantastic recognition for the excellent innovation and quality of development occurring in our region, particularly at a time when we are struggling so with the water crisis.
Trevand has incorporated a range of sustainability initiatives into TreveanGardens, driven by a commitment to retain and build a sustainable environment and lifestyle.
One of the key features of the development is the incorporation of extensive water sensitive urban design principles throughout the development including grassed swales, rock lined swales and the retention and enhancement of existing native vegetation within the drainage reserve.
The development also includes the provision of 10,000 litre underground tanks on each house block which stormwater and are topped up with recycled Class A water for use on gardens, lawns and toilets.
UDIA State President Brent Hailey said EnviroDevelopment was a world-first in providing detailed recognition and communication of sustainable achievements in all kinds of developments.
“EnviroDevelopment is designed both to reward developers who are achieving great sustainable outcomes but also to allow Queenslanders to identify and select homes with top environmental credentials.
“Essentially the system has been created to increase public awareness of the value of sustainable living, thereby boosting the conversion to greener lifestyles.
“Potential purchasers of TreveanGardens, for example, can now rely on independent verification that the developer has achieved fantastic sustainability in the areas of ecosystems, waste, water and community.
“By improving awareness, thereby increasing the demand for sustainable living, EnviroDevelopment will provide greater incentive for industry to deliver more sustainable developments,” he said.
“It is also hoped the system will remove some of the confusion in the public arena as to what kind of test to apply to a development which is advertising itself as sustainable.”
The first five residential developments to trial the system and ultimately be awarded certification were The EcoVillage at Currumbin, Mebbin Springs (Northern NSW), Redland Bay Leisure Life, Coomera Waters and Pacific Harbour at Bribie Island.
Mr Hailey confirmed around12other major development projects were in various stages of application for EnviroDevelopment certification.
Media:
The EnviroDevelopment certification ceremony
For more information please contact Susan McCosker on 0422 567 667.
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