Sustainability

Sustainability

SUSTAINABILITY

“Laying the foundation for a healthy and livable future for generations to come”

Mirvac considers sustainability and innovation to be key components in delivering cohesive communities that are safe, encourage healthy and active lifestyles. In line with Mirvac’s sustainability goals, the Everdene, Mulgoa estate will be all electric , meaning that all homes in the estate will use electricity to power all of its required energy needs.

Mulgoa

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. In line with Mirvac’s sustainability goals, the Everdene by Mirvac estate will be all electric, meaning that all homes in the estate will use electricity to power all of its required energy needs. All electric homes with solar PV are cheaper to run and have a lower environmental impact compared to homes with gas.

Objectives

  • To set a new benchmark for highquality 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 7.5 Star NatHERS rating. This may be achieved through incorporation of the following elements where necessary –

  • Glazing should be located to provide light, ventilation and views and be designed to maximise the benefit of northern winter sun. Glazing facing east or west should be minimised, as it can allow unwanted heat gain in summer. Glazing facing south should be minimised to avoid heat loss in winter.
  • Locate living areas to the north and aim for the garage and bedrooms to the south.
  • Consider roof colours that have a Solar Absorbance (SA) value of less than or equal to 0.60
  • 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.

Sustainability

OBJECTIVES

  • Increased the R value of the wall and ceiling insulation
  • Draft sealing (weather seals on external doors etc.) where necessary.
  • Sealed exhaust fans where necessary.
  • Ceiling fans

In addition to achieving a 7.5 star NatHERS rating, Mirvac encourage house designs to include the following features:

  • Solar photovoltaic system (aim for a minimum of 5kW) with household consumption monitoring.
  • Utilise Federal government rebates to include battery storage.
  • Efficient heat pump hot water system
  • Low energy use appliances (aim for energy ratings greater than 4 star).
  • Energy efficient air conditioning systems (aim for a COP greater than 3).
  • LED light fittings throughout the home.
  • Exterior lighting fitted with motion sensors.
  • Standby ‘Green Switch’ or Smart home automation to reduce energy whilst the home is unoccupied.
  • Provision for EV charging to future proof your home

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.
  • Dishwasher and washing machines with a 4 Star or greater WELS rating.
  • Tapware and toilets with a 4 Star or greater WELS rating.
  • Showers with a 3 Star WELS rating.
  • Purchasers are encouraged to consider water efficient 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 lowimpact 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 the following products
  • -Engineered wood products, such as kitchen cabinetry and wardrobes, with low or zero formaldehyde (rated as E1 or E0).
  • -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, consider
  • -Installing a dual bin in the kitchen joinery to make recycling as easy as disposing of general waste.
  • -The use of a worm farm or composting bin to reduce food waste and provide fertiliser for your gardens.

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 offering 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.
Good Neighbour Guide