From carbon-neutral living and solar farms to shared electric vehicles and passive design, new development is reshaping how we live in Australia.

Demand for environmentally-geared new homes and buildings is on the rise, with sustainability becoming a cornerstone of property development globally.

Realestate.com.au's 2024 Property Seeker survey found that one in two (52%) Australian buyers said that sustainable property features and amenities are key criteria for them when buying a property, like solar energy, water tanks, skylights, double glazing and EV charging.

Similarly, the 2024 PropTrack Origin Australian Home Energy Report revealed that 56% of buyers are motivated by a desire to shrink their carbon footprint and minimise their environmental impact. 

Along with updated government-led minimum energy efficiency requirements, green demand is being reflected in new builds and swiftly becoming the expected norm.

We are increasingly seeing approval for thoughtfully-designed, sustainably-focussed villages where residents can feel part of a connected, nature-filled community built to function well into the future.

But some are doing it better than others. Here are six Sydney projects standing out for their sustainability efforts.

MORE: Six exciting sustainable developments coming to Queensland 

Harbourside, Darling Harbour

As Australia's first property company to achieve net carbon positive, Mirvac has ambitious plans for its luxury Harbourside Residences to become one of Australia's most sustainable precincts, targeting a combination of 5- and 6-star Green Star and WELL ratings, as well as a 7-star NatHERS rating.

All-electric apartments will be designed to meet high standards of sustainability and liveability, enhancing health and wellbeing of its residents with passive design features like cross-flow ventilation, balconies, double glazing, energy-efficient appliances and natural sunlight.

Blending environmental responsibility with luxury modern living, the 48-level tower ascends from a lush green base via green roofs with solar farms and 114,000 native plantings, which encourage biodiversity. Picture: realestate.com.au

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The angular, sculptural form of the tower improves thermal comfort for residents, reducing the reliance on heating and cooling systems. The façade also incorporates vertical and horizontal shading elements that offer protection from the sun without restricting the harbour and city views.

The 48-level tower ascends from a base clad in green, where efforts are underway to restore the natural landscape thanks to efforts like 5000sqm of lush green roofs, rooftop solar farms and 114,000 native plantings that provide habitat for birds and insects to support biodiversity.

Harbourside Residences employs regenerative design, and the goal is to send zero waste to landfill by 2030. Price points are yet to be determined.

MORE: Melbourne’s top stamp-duty exempt sustainable apartments and townhomes

Residents at Highforest have a rare opportunity to live alongside Australia’s only metropolitan state forest in a sustainably-geared project. Picture: realestate.com.au

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If forest living is more your speed, Mirvac is also moving ahead with Highforest in West Pennant Hills, which will give residents the opportunity to live alongside Australia’s only metropolitan state forest.

The low-rise project – a mix of three-to five-bedroom apartments and semi-detached and attached homes – will include a high level of social and environmentally-sustainable initiatives including targeting a 6-star Green Star rating.

Norwest Quarter, Norwest

Norwest Quarter by iCIRT-certified developer Mulpha is The Hills District's only zero-carbon precinct to date, providing a ground-breaking model for future residential-retail neighbourhoods.

Once complete, the masterplan will transform over 3.8 hectares of greenfield land into a bustling town village for over 2000 residents, where over 70% of the build centres around green open space. 

The development offers sustainable living through 100% electric apartments with 100% of energy demand coming from solar rooftops, aiming to reduce energy bills for residents by 25%.

The Hills District's only zero-carbon precinct to date, Norwest Quarter will transform over 3.8 hectares of greenfield land into a village for over 2000 residents, where over 70% centres around green space.
Picture: realestate.com.au

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Inside, apartments use efficient showers and taps to reduce water consumption without compromising bathroom and kitchen amenities. The build design also uses non-toxic materials to improve healthy living and promotes a zero-waste lifestyle.

Residents have use of EV car chargers, and the building structure incorporates high performance insulation, energy-efficient double glazing, rainwater storage, and layers of canopied and in-ground landscaping to reduce a heat island effect.

There is also a rooftop pool, lounges and function rooms, bookable work-from-home spaces, sun-drenched gardens and library lobbies. On ground level, a public plaza will be fringed by restaurants, cafes, a market grocer, gym and more, all under 10 minutes' walk to the Norwest Metro station.

One-, two- and three-bed apartments start from $900,000, with estimated completion June 2025.

Midtown MacPark, Macquarie Park 

Fraser's Property is developing Midtown MacPark, a 100% carbon neutral, all-electric urban community with integrated village green where neighbours can connect.

Taking their learnings from Central Park Sydney and Ed.Square, Frasers are designing the masterplanned precinct to be forward thinking with smart design that centres on sustainability and community-centric philosophies.

Enjoying a 6-star Green Star Community rating, the range of apartments and terrace homes are being built using healthy, sustainable materials and designed with environmentally-conscious practices like natural air ventilation and use of solar.

The 100% walkable and bicycle-friendly Midotown community will have a third of the site comprised of parks and open space, alongside tree-lined, pedestrian-friendly streets and pathways. Picture: realestate.com.au

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Water- and energy-efficient fixtures and appliances benefit from a 5-star WELS rating, lowering running costs. Residents will also have use of a car sharing scheme and EV charging, with the Metro only 500 metres away.

The 100% walkable and bicycle-friendly community will have one third of the site comprised of parks and open space, alongside tree-lined, pedestrian-friendly streets and pathways.

The Village Green acts as a central hub for connection, but there are also pocket parks integrated throughout, and a community garden. A 1.29-hectare stretch of native vegetation will also be preserved, with existing vegetation enhanced to create a serene and easily accessed ecological corridor.

Midtown MacPark will also include playgrounds, cafes, a local grocer and convenience stores, as well as a pay-as-you-go commercial pool and gym at your doorstep. For families, there will be a new primary public school and two childcare centres.

One-, two- and three-bed apartments start from $735,000, with the 10-year masterplanned community undergoing various stages of completion.

Argo, Castle Hill

From the same developers as Castle Hill's lauded Astrid and Oriel projects, iCIRT-certified CBD Core are underway on their latest project at Ashford Avenue. Argo offers 65 elegant units across two buildings.

The exclusive development offers a unique lifestyle opportunity for homebuyers, with its beautiful landscaping, architecturally-designed spaces, and proximity to Castle Towers, local parks, and transport links.

Lush landscaping, community spaces, smart tech energy monitoring and proximity to the metro are some of the sustainable features at Argo Castle Hill. Picture: realestate.com.au

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Buildings in the development incorporate high-performance insulation, energy-efficient windows, and LED lighting, with renewable energy sources like solar panels.

The use of recycled, locally sourced, and low-impact materials helps reduce the building's carbon footprint, while green roofs and vertical gardens improve insulation, reduce urban heat, and provide biodiversity benefits.

Inside the residences, ventilation systems enhance air quality and the use of non-toxic paints and materials contribute to healthier indoor environments. Smart tech optimises energy usage and monitors resource consumption, enhancing overall efficiency.

Argo is designed with a focus on health and wellness, offering residents a tranquil yet convenient lifestyle alongside community spaces designed to foster community interaction promote social sustainability.

One-, two- and three-bed apartments start from $690,000, with completion slated for October 2026.

Shawood Homes by Sekisui House, various locations

Shawood – part of leading global builder, Sekisui – brings the best organic design principles and pre-engineered precision to Sydney, with award-winning, energy efficient, architecturally-designed homes.

Sekisui House have a big focus on sustainability and the environment, and has constructed more Net Zero Energy homes than any other companies in the world – more than 76,000 since 2013.

Their collaboration with Shawood has seen the creation of Shinka House, a sustainable design using pioneering building practices that achieves an incredible 8.1 natHERS energy rating. It's Sekisui House's first net-zero-energy home in Australia, and its energy efficiency capacity can offset a household's entire annual energy consumption.

Utilising cutting-edge technology and materials, Shawood homes are incredibly constructed, built to last, highly functional and comfortable, and with design that reduces water consumption and greenhouse emissions by more than 40% below the NSW minimum targets.

Shinka House is an entirely new way to build homes that resets the standard for quality, design and innovative construction, offering consistent high-quality builds made for generations. Picture: realestate.com.au

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The houses use a post and beam construction method enhanced with a proprietary metal joint system, making them incredibly strong, accurately assembled, and structurally sound. The homes also incorporate an advanced cavity wall system that promotes airflow and manages moisture levels, allowing the home to breathe. The increased airflow provides natural cooling in summer and maintains stable comfort all year round.

The exteriors feature a special nano-hydrophilic coating that sheds dust and grime daily. This coating is not only low-maintenance but also extremely heat-resistant.

Inside, residents will enjoy design features like double height voids, open plan living, ducted air conditioning, solar panels with battery and some with EV charging provision.

Shawood homes are currently available at Norman Estates and Bingara Gorge in Gledswood Hills, one of southwest Sydney's most desirable new suburbs, as well as The Gables in northwest Sydney,

Houses start from $1.2 million, with some completed stock already available to view in Gledswood Hills.

Alex & Willow, Crows Nest

Sydney developer PERIFA of Versatile Group has announced an exclusive boutique collection of premium two- and three-bedroom apartments on Sydney’s lower north shore. 

The $100m low-rise development, Alex & Willow, will house just 25 oversized residences across five floors offering an intimate living environment in the heart of Crows Nest village.

Designed by renowned architects Nettleton Tribe with interiors by acclaimed local studio Richards Stanisich, the residences feature sophisticated finishes and generous indoor and outdoor spaces, with the majority of apartments incorporating huge master suites with walk-in robes and ensuites.

Sustainability is another feature of the project, with the gas-free development including energy efficient appliances and fixtures like 6-star WELS rated taps and Miele dishwasher and 4-star WELS rated shower and toilets, LED downlights and a home automation upgrade, with smart lighting, blinds and air conditioning to further reduce energy consumption.

Alex & Willow features a private rooftop garden with stunning district views, with induction cooktops, a centralised electric heat pump hot water system and electric BBQ. The building also uses photovoltaic rooftop solar for common areas and rainwater tanks for rooftop landscape irrigation.

Two- and three-bedroom apartments start from $2 million, with project completion early 2027.

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