Environmentally sustainable development principles are integral to the Forde masterplan. Inspired by the adjoining Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve, urban planners have created a green suburb, incorporating 39 hectares of open space into the residential neighbourhoods. Eighteen kilometres of hike and bike trails weave their way throughout the community to actively encourage walking and cycling and reduce the suburb’s carbon footprint. Awareness and enjoyment of neighbouring bush reserves will be promoted to the community through a local education program.
Forde will use 40% less potable water than comparable sized communities. This progressive water saving plan includes water efficient landscaping, recycled water irrigation for parklands and an ongoing program for educating and encouraging locals to be water wise.
There is a policy to retain mature trees across the site and a plan to plant an additional 200,000 trees over the life of the project. Forde is also working to develop a community nursery and garden and to assist in preserving endangered local flora.
When you buy a home at Forde you become an unofficial custodian of the surrounding environment.
GreenSmart information for designing your home
Further information can be found at the following sites:
ACT Planning and Land Authority
www.actpla.act.gov.au/topics/design_build/siting/sustainability
A comprehensive resource for sustainable design and building in the ACT.
Home Energy Advice Team
www.heat.net.au/
HEAT is funded by the ACT government to provide free, independent, expert advice on how to improve the energy efficiency of your home. Whether you own or rent, HEAT can suggest ways to make your home more comfortable whilst saving money, energy and the environment.
Think Water ACT Water
www.thinkwater.act.gov.au/more_information/publications.shtml
This website provides information about the ACT and region's future water supply, ACT Government rebate programs and services, and advice to help you make your home, garden, school or business more water efficient.
Your home design guide
www.yourhome.gov.au/
Your Home is a suite of consumer and technical guide materials and tools developed to encourage the design, construction or renovation of homes to be comfortable, healthy and more environmentally sustainable.