HARMONY ACHIEVES SIX ‘LEAF’ NATIONAL ENVIRODEVELOPMENT CERTIFICATION

July 14, 2023

Harmony by AVID Property Group has achieved a South-East Queensland first, receiving six ‘Leaf’ national EnviroDevelopment certification in masterplanned communities from the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA).

A significant achievement for the emerging community, Harmony is the only masterplanned community within South-East Queensland to achieve accreditation across all six ‘Leaves’, which recognises outstanding design and planning across the elements of – Ecosystems, Waste, Energy, Materials, Water and Community.

AVID Property Group General Manager Bruce Harper said it had been a huge achievement receiving a south-east Queensland and Sunshine Coast first in sustainable and environmental design.

“We are very proud Harmony has achieved industry recognition across all six ‘Leaves’ as it highlights our approach to delivering a masterplanned community that incorporates both environmental and sustainability measures,” Mr Harper said.

“The Sunshine Coast is renowned for its natural surrounds and our vision is to create a community that harnesses these attributes and showcases best practice planning and design – and this certification reflects that.

“Future residents at Harmony will benefit from the considered designs, with 70 per cent of lots orientated to maximise solar amenity for residents, and a new stormwater management system implemented throughout to minimise environmental impact and enhance the aesthetics of the community.

“Out of Harmony’s 378 hectares, 100 hectares will be allocated to open space for residents to enjoy, plus there is a strong an emphasis on planting native vegetation to suit the Coast’s climate which will reduce irrigation needs.”

The UDIA’s EnviroDevelopment certification is a scientifically-based assessment scheme which independently reviews development projects to award certification across four or more elements – Ecosystems, Waste, Energy, Materials, Water and Community.

UDIA Queensland CEO Marina Vit said Harmony by AVID Property Group was setting a benchmark for masterplanned communities on the Sunshine Coast.

“It’s a significant achievement for the project to achieve all six elements and sets a new standard in masterplanned development for not only the Sunshine Coast region, but for South-East Queensland,” Ms Vit said.

“The EnviroDevelopment certification is a great example of developers and industry working to create sustainable communities that will benefit not only the environment in the long-term, but future residents as well.”