Buyers warned about fake-green homes as sustainablity gains real estate traction

Buyers are being warned to be on red alert for fake-green homes as sustainability gains more traction in real estate.

Developers are increasingly marketing “green design”, but experts say consumers need to look under the hood for “greenwashing”, as some developers exaggerate the environmental benefits of new housing stock.

Off the back of sell-out success of major projects The Commons, Nightingale and Mullum Creek, Melburnians are increasingly looking to invest in eco housing.

But environmentalists say projects softly marketed as “sustainable” are often not always as green as they seem and fail to reach government standards on energy efficiency.

A CSIRO study conducted on 129 new homes last year showed almost half leaked more than they should for their mandated-six star energy rating.

Although projects may achieve high ratings in design stages, a lack of follow-through during construction meant many fell short. The Alternative Technology Association is calling for random audits, compliance programs and penalties for those who fail to fulfil efficiency requirements.

Read Kirsten Robb’s story in today’s Melbourne Age - “Sustainable developments in question as off-the-plan buyers get greenwashed.”