THE 2015 UDIA AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE RECOGNISED A NUMBER OF DEVELOPMENTS THAT HAVE GONE BEYOND STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS TO DESIGN AND BUILD PLACES THAT ACHIEVE ENVIRONMENTAL AND SUSTAINABLE OUTCOMES THAT BENEFIT THE SURROUNDING NATURAL AREA AS WELL AS THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.
While sustainability and environmental concerns must be addressed by developers in all projects, there are those that push the envelope when it comes to innovative ideas and lead a change in the way we think about urban development.
The Glades at Byford is an example of a masterplanned community that was developed with a vision to achieve excellence in environmental principles from the outset. One of the key features is the innovative use of drainage corridors that include habitat for native flora and fauna and also provide recreational areas for residents that are connected by walk and cycle trails.
Impressively, 85% of trees were retained onsite, primarily within road reserves and parks.
The overall vision for the site drilled down to individual homes, with buyers receiving a waterwise landscaping package as well as a rainwater tank connected to their washing machine and toilet.
The environmental achievements at The Glades have not only been recognised in this year’s awards program, the project is also accredited under UDIA’s EnviroDevelopment program.
There are a diverse range of projects that are achieving innovation in regard to sustainability and this year’s winner of the Sustainable Urban Development Award, Perry Lakes Redevelopment by LandCorp, sets a high benchmark for sustainability in urban renewal.
The regeneration of the former sporting facilities involved recycling of materials from the site into a range of uses including landscaping, retaining walls, artwork and road surfaces.
The developers also rehabilitated landscapes including an existing wetlands network and native bushland that surrounded the old track that had been eroded from years of previous use.
Both developments also include sustainability best practice such as solar orientation of lots to ensure houses can be built to maximise energy efficiency.
Another brownfield site recognised in the awards is Eliza Ponds by MMJ Real Estate. The winner of the Urban Water category has been developed on the former Watsonia Factory site in Cockburn.
The developments major focal point is the existing factory ponds which were rehabilitated in order to minimise mobilisation of legacy contaminants as well as improve storm water quality.
These projects provide impressive examples of how innovative measures can improve environmental and sustainability outcomes while also respecting the heritage of the existing area they are located.