It was a long time coming, but it seems local consumers are finally heeding expert advice to care for the environment and are now taking steps to boost their green credentials.
And while a range of vendors spruik the latest sustainable products, it can be hard for the average homeowner or business leader to make changes where needed.
In fact, it seems that a number of people from across the community are struggling to turn awareness into action when it comes to green living ideas.
But instead of twiddling your thumbs and worrying about whether the changes you implement will make a genuine difference, it might be a good idea to turn to the experts for advice.
Robin Mellon, executive director – advocacy and international at the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA), told propertyoz.com that ‘going green’ is more than just a design concept or building initiative.
When it comes to sustainability in business it is “about how we run them, how we buy and sell them, how we occupy them” that really matters.
Leading the charge are a variety of major corporations that are looking for ways to not only make workplaces more productive, but also introduce a range of new initiatives that will help set the tone when it comes to green best practice.
For example, retail leaders Westfield have gone to great lengths to make sure that their stores save on energy.
“Westfield is targeting inefficiencies and remedying them, as well as using the skills in their new projects,” said Mr Mellon.
In November last year the GBCA acknowledged the positive work done by the company, by awarding the newly renovated Pitt Street Mall store a 5 Green Star rating.
At the time chief executive of the organisation, Romilly Madew, said: “The Green Star rating for Westfield Sydney is the culmination of many years of hard work and collaboration between our organisations.”
But it wasn’t just environmentalists who were impressed with the new digs, every-day shoppers were also reported to have been ‘wowed’ by the shopping precinct, some of whom may even have been inspired to take some of the company’s ideas and incorporate them into their own dream home.
Yet as with so many things in life the best ideas are often the hardest to put into practice, however, options are available to savvy investors and by comparing home loans, you may find a package that supports your sustainable building dream by making it easier to access finances when you need them most.
