Australian Property Goes Green as Celebrities Take the Lead

Demand is increasing for homes with a reduced carbon footprint, utilising the latest in solar and wind technology as Australian households become more environmentally aware.

And after a decade of government imposed water restrictions, water tanks and recycling systems are becoming standard in homes as people look for ways to conserve fresh water in the drought-gripped continent, yet still enjoy a green garden.

Celebrities take the lead in the green property revolution

Entertainer Kylie Minogue has just listed her property for sale on French Island, south of Melbourne, for an estimated $2 million, through agent Hocking Stuart. The retreat, where she recovered from cancer, was significantly renovated to include water retrieval systems, solar and wind power.

Minogue is the latest in a long line of celebs who have transformed their living spaces to support the sustainability message.

Actress Cate Blanchett, who is an ambassador for Earth Hour, has reportedly spent $1.5 million on renovating her Sydney home, including grey water recycling, a water tank and solar panels.

And further afield, actor Brad Pitt has been campaigning for eco-friendly homes to be built in New Orleans in the areas ravaged by Hurricane Katrina.

Once optional, green to become standard

In last year’s federal election campaign, Labour leader and now Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced a policy that all homes with an income up to AUS $250,000 a year would be eligible for a loan to help fund a “greenovation” on their home, to encourage energy and water conservation.

While the details of the policy’s implementation have not yet been rolled out, it is expected that this will pressure property developers to include these features as standard on new build homes.

Property developer Lend Lease is a member of the Dow Jones sustainability index, and the company says that creating sustainable buildings (PDF link) is the fastest way to cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

Mirvac announced in its latest sustainability report (PDF link) a world first for residential mass housing, with its Vision Estate in Glenfield powered on a three-way natural gas system, reaching 80 per cent energy efficiency compared to 35 per cent on coal-fired power. The company estimates that the power savings each year on the estate will be equivalent to removing 60 cars from the road.

The Westwyck sustainable housing development in the Brunswick West area of Melbourne features on-site waste disposal, recycled materials, solar planets and drought tolerant plans in the communal areas. A study conducted by the federal government science agency, the CSIRO, found Westwyck residences use 64 per cent less water than other houses in the surrounding area.

The Eco-Village at Currumbin, in Queensland, was last year named the Urban Development Institute of Australia’s best environmental development, and the Housing Industry Association’s Greensmart Development of the Year. On the verge of releasing a new lot of land under the Highlands release, some homes are having energy usage screens installed, to show how much energy is being used, and produced through solar cells, to keep homes carbon neutral.

In Western Australia, Landcorp’s Harvest Lakes development has a mandatory five-star energy rating for each of the homes and blocks oriented towards the best sunlight to reduce heating and cooling costs.

Green property = more green in your pocket

Spending a bit extra on a home that has been designed with the environment in mind can seem like a challenge, particularly as interest rates continue to rise and affordability and access to greenfield space becomes more difficult.

However, estimates suggest that buying an environmentally sustainable home is far cheaper than renovating an existing home, so it is worth looking at the new breed of green homes to bring your life in balance with the environment.

And the benefits continue for the ongoing household budget. Less power means a lower bill, and there are growing opportunities to put power back into the grid and receive a cash payment from the power company.

But perhaps the most significant benefit is the advantages on resale value. Eco-friendly elements tend to increase the value of a home, and according to eco-consultancy Better Living Energy Solutions, investment in green technologies for the home also protect against likely future rises in the price of electricity, fuel and water.

Further reading:

Developing for Green: Investing in Better Buildings for the Future