Merrifield is the largest mixed-use development in Australia to be awarded the full EnviroDevelopment accreditation from the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA).

EnviroDevelopment is a national rating tool which provides independent certification of a development’s performance across a number of sustainability categories.

Merrifield Project Director Matt Planner said that the team is delighted to be awarded full certification across all six areas – water, ecosystems, community, waste, materials and energy.

“This endorsement is a key achievement for us,” said Mr Planner. “As it is a scientifically-based rating system, our purchasers have the confidence that sustainability is inherent in our vision.

“The Merrifield masterplan has been carefully crafted to ensure our ‘live, work, play’ philosophy is delivered. The EnviroDevelopment accreditation demonstrates that we have gone above and beyond the norm.”

Merrifield Assistant Development Manager Luke Mitrione was presented with the award by Victorian Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, The Hon Lily D’Ambrosio at a special event recently.

In order to achieve the accreditation, Merrifield needed to demonstrate key initiatives and practices across the entire Merrifield development, including residential, the city centre and business park.

The activities are diverse and thorough, ranging from a soil recovery program, bicycle parking and community bus service right through to the innovative stormwater harvesting project at Merrifield Business Park.

“Our aim is to not just meet standards but where we can, exceed them,” said Mr Planner. “For example, developments must allocate two percent of residential land to open space. We are proud to deliver over 15 percent of open space throughout Merrifield, which amounts to more than 100 hectares.”

A range of materials are in development to assist purchasers with sustainable practices, both during construction of their new home, as well as after moving in. These will be made available through the Merrifield Sales Centre shortly.

“The aim is to make it easy for Merrifield purchasers to find information and local suppliers,” said Mr Planner.