Why sustainable development is the way of the future

Trends come and go within the development industry.

But it seems attitudes of buyers when it comes to purchasing off-the-plan apartments has shifted, and there is growing demand for projects that help pave a sustainable path for the future.

Its prompted one of Melbourne’s biggest development companies to sit up and take notice.

‘Steller’ is incorporating a raft of sustainable development initiatives in its current and future projects.

“Its becoming more and more important for the longevity of buildings in Melbourne,” explains Sales Director James Cirelli.

“And given we are building a substantial number of developments, we feel it’s incredibly important.”

Two years ago, Mr Cirelli and his team noticed buyers were becoming increasingly conscious of their environmental footprint, and as such, were searching for somewhere to live that reflects this.

“Each weekend we would get asked where’s the water tanking? Where’s the solar panelling? It’s become much more front of mind in the public eye.”

The Steller team went out and learnt “as much as [they] could” about the different initiatives on offer, with a view to move toward a more sustainable approach.

As a sign of the times, by law each apartment development in Victoria must have a minimum six-star energy rating.

However, Steller has vowed to go above and beyond that.

"We are making a commitment towards a seven-star minimum, which will reduce heating and cooling by 25%," Mr Cirelli says.

The company is achieving this through a number of measures:

• common rooms powered by solar panels. This will reduce body corporate fees and an average of 17 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
• 80% of flushing water will be supplied by rainwater, reducing water consumption by 250,000 litres per year
• energy savings will be up to 160% thanks to highly efficient downlight throughout each apartment
• double-glazed windows with a 7-star average rating
• 2.4 metre high windows will allow maximum daylight, reducing the need for artificial lighting
• an architectural design which allows a natural spread of daylight into main corridors, therefore reducing artificial lighting, body corporate fees, and greenhouse gas emissions
• soundproofing to reduce noise between neighbouring apartments
• shower heads reducing water consumption by 75%
• tap fitting reducing water consumption by up to 80%

These initiatives will be incorporated in Steller’s contemporary new Balaclava development, ‘The Avenue,’ (pictured) as well as projects in Armadale, Hawthorn East, Richmond, Elwood and Hampton.

But, Mr Cirelli says the commitment won’t end there, with the possibility of using sustainable materials and embracing new initiatives as they’re discovered.

In the meantime, he is encouraging other development companies to follow suit.

“This is the way of the future.”