From urban green towers with EV car sharing, to suburban communities embracing 100% carbon-neutral design, commitment to sustainability in new development is reshaping how we live in Australia. 

An increasing number of Aussies are prioritising sustainable properties, with the PropTrack Origin Australian Home Energy Report revealing that 56% of buyers are motivated by a desire to shrink their carbon footprint and minimise their environmental impact. 

In 2024, the Government also increased the minimum energy efficiency standards for new builds, helping to drive a new era of sustainable integration and innovations in the residential sector. 

“Buyers across the board are becoming more concerned about sustainability and it has become integral to the design process and is considered at every stage,” Pikos Group CEO Michelle Wooldridge said.  

“Build elements are carefully designed to reduce material wastage and improve sustainability on site. Natural materials with limited intervention are utilised where possible.” 

Let’s explore six Queensland developments that are championing sustainability through innovative features.  

Urban Forest, Brisbane 

Developed by sustainability-focused Aria Property Group, Urban Forest aims to be “the world’s greenest residential building” by embracing social, environmental and economical sustainability.  

Targeting a 6-star Green Star Rating, Urban Forest is pegged to be one of the world's greenest residential buildings. Picture: Koichi Takada Architects

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According to the plans by renowned Koichi Takada Architects, the building will include 194 apartments, a two-level rooftop garden and a sprawling 1,452sqm of public park on the ground level. The façade itself will feature 550 trees and over 25,000 plants from 251 native species.  

Beyond its lush greenery, Urban Forest is packed with sustainable features to support a modern eco-friendly lifestyle and its goal of a 6-star Green Star rating. Residents will have access to 13 shared EV cars, ensuring a reduction in carbon emissions and traffic congestion.  

Solar panels, gardens irrigated with harvested rainwater and grey water collection, and the use of sustainably-sourced materials further highlight the project's commitment to the environment. 

MORE: Brisbane's best new off-the-plan apartment developments

Gaia, Brisbane 

Gaia from Pikos Group has been designed to feature Brisbane’s largest private riverside parkland of 5,300sqm alongside more than 20 nature and leisure zones. 

Gaia features 5,300sqm of riverfront gardens and greenery, which can prevent a heat island effect. Picture: Pikos Group

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According to Wooldridge, the naturally ventilated corridors at Gaia reduce the need for air conditioning, with additional fans installed in bedrooms for extra comfort.  

“The extensive planting at Gaia will improve the lives of residents and naturally purifies the air,” Wooldridge said.  

“Electric Vehicle chargers are provided in the car park along with bike racks to encourage green transport. A workshop is also provided for residents at Gaia, allowing people to fix broken items, reducing waste.” 

The 215 dwellings will be housed in two 15-level towers situated between the Brisbane River and Lambert and O’Connell Streets. Architects DKO and Julie Williamson Design are set to deliver a selection of premium two- and three-bedroom apartments.  

Construction is expected to be completed in 2026. 

Harbour Shores, Gold Coast 

Harbour Shores from Lewis Land Group promises to set a new standard for sustainable living, having received a 6-star Green Star Communities rating from the Green Building Council of Australia – a first for the Gold Coast. 

Lewis Land Group is set to recycle and reuse over 80% of construction waste from Harbour Shores. Picture: Lewis Land Developers

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Set to be Lewis Land’s first completely fossil-fuel free development, the project offers a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments as well as three- and four-bedroom waterfront villas across a 16-hectare walkable community focused on sustainability and wellness. 

Over 54% of the masterplanned neighbourhood, which is situated in a picturesque waterfront setting in Biggera Waters, is dedicated to lush greenery, open spaces, playgrounds, and a one-hectare public park. The area also features extensive connections with more than 2.5kms of pedestrian networks, including a 1.2km boardwalk along the water’s edge.   

Other sustainable features include solar power, rainwater harvesting and retention tanks, and over 75% of parking will be dedicated to electric vehicle charging stations. Over 80% of construction waste is also destined for reuse or recycling. 

Harbour Shores is due for completion mid 2026. 

MORE: How new 7-star energy ratings can slash homeowner costs

Vista, Gold Coast 

Another green project destined for the Gold Coast is Vista, a 51-level residential tower at 26 Vista Street in Surfers Paradise from developer MCRB International. 

Vista has adopted an all-electric energy solution, eliminating the use of gas as well as an EV car-sharing program. Picture: realestate.com.au

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The development comprises 280 dwellings, offering an array of apartments, townhomes, sub-penthouses, and penthouses.  

Architects DBI Design have prioritised passive design principles, such as east-facing orientation and cross ventilation pathways throughout both residences and communal spaces to minimise reliance on air conditioning. 

Among its numerous green initiatives, Vista includes an EV car-sharing program and charging stations, encouraging residents to reduce the need for private car ownership.  

Inside, the homes are all-electric, eliminating the use of gas and MRCB has partnered with V-Zug to provide efficient and environmentally-friendly home appliances.  

"We’re incredibly excited by the prospect of 26 Vista becoming one of the sustainability leaders on the Gold Coast," MRCB International CEO, Ravi Krishnan, said. 

"We are proudly moving away from gas and have now unveiled a sustainable transport option for residents; two initiatives that are more commonplace interstate but rarely explored within Gold Coast developments." 

MORE: Sydney's growing development trend making car ownership obsolete

GemLife, Moreton Bay 

GemLife’s Moreton Bay land lease community is another development reaching sustainable firsts, by achieving a 5-star Green Star Communities rating.  

The community is next to the Deception Bay Conservation Park on a site spanning almost 150 hectares with more than 60% of the land set aside for greenery and koala habitat protection.

Gemlife Moreton Bay is the first land lease community to achieve a 5-star Green Star Communities rating in Australia. Picture: Gemlife

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The development will be powered by a virtual power plant, which would achieve almost 80% onsite renewable energy and storage through a combination of rooftop solar with community batteries. 

“We’re going above and beyond to provide meaningful impacts both financially and in terms of social responsibility,” GemLife director and CEO, Adrian Puljich, said.  

“The development will enhance the surrounding environment through planting, regenerating and providing extra ecological value to protect the habitats of migratory birds and other native wildlife.” 

When completed, GemLife Moreton Bay will feature 553 homes, including premium lakeside homes within the resort. The whole community is anticipated to finish by the end of 2027.  

MORE: What are land lease communities? Everything you need to know

SOL, Sunshine Coast 

Walker Corporation has recently submitted a development application for a new sustainable development in Maroochydore’s CBD on the Sunshine Coast, a mixed-used project with sub-tropical design and integrated greenery.  

SOL by Walker’s sub-tropical project will have full-height glazing, horizontal slab projections and permeable balustrades to enhance light, airflow and shading. Picture: Walker Corporation

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SOL by Walker would comprise two 19-storey towers featuring 229 one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom units over the top 15 levels. It would also include retail and commercial space on the ground floor, alongside a further 11 townhouses, 11 units and communal space. 

Designed by Plus Architecture, SOL will include sustainable features such as EV chargers and a communal vegetable garden, while incorporating green design features such as full-height glazing, horizontal slab projections and permeable balustrades to maximise natural light, airflow and shading.  

“Our design delivers spaces that harmonise with the local climate, prioritise user comfort and foster community connection,” Plus Architecture principal, Chrisney Formosa, said.  

“Every element, from the subtropical landscaping to the innovative amenities, has been meticulously crafted to redefine city living in Maroochydore." 

Depending on approval timelines, construction is set to start by mid-2025.  

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