A new multi-disciplinary taskforce of building and sustainability players has joined together with the goal to clear up the confusion around greener homes.

Consultancy Australian Living has formed the Sustainable Home Community Education Taskforce with the inaugural meeting held in April 2012.

The taskforce's stated mission is to promote the benefits of building a sustainable home and stimulate an increase in the number of sustainable homes being built across Australia.

Cameron Rosen, managing director of Australian Living says: “Australian Living thrives on the challenges currently being presented across the sustainable home industry.

“There is a lot of great work being done around sustainability at an industry level and many seeds are being planted. We want to bring the community into the picture and take them on a journey of opportunity.”

Last year Australian Living completed a project in Sydney labelled 'a truly sustainable home'.The Rose Bay, Sydney home was designed by Caroline Pidcock from Pidcock Architecture + Sustainability

The aims of the taskforce include developing creative ways to reach the community; increase collaboration and transparency within the industry; inject inspiration into the community; drive the community towards sustainable material choice; and educate the community ‘how to’ make a home truly sustainable.

The taskforce team consists mainly of marketing specialists from the residential industry representing a mixture of large and small companies (including suppliers, architects, project home developers, real estate agents, media and builders), councils, government departments and other community oriented businesses. It also includes environmental advocates from the non-profit sector.

“There is so much noise in the current debate; many people are understandably confused about their environmental choices,” says Anthony Lieberman, marketing manager, Australian Living.

“Providing clarity is a formidable task that requires collaboration. We have pulled together a team of passionate people that bring a variety of expertise to the table. The industry as a whole will be more successful if individual players work together to help the community.”

Environmental campaigner Tanya Ha comments:

“130,000-odd homes are built in Australia each year.

“That’s 130,000 opportunities for developers, individuals and families to build homes that are healthier, that are comfortable to live in year-round and that don’t cost the earth to run.”

“Sustainability is a team sport,” says Ha. “I’m excited to be joining such a diverse group, united by our determination to kick some goals for people and planet. We can achieve so much more when business, government, NGOs and the community work together.”

Moonmoon Sahu from Sekisui House said:

“I am thrilled to be participating in this task force which aims to create positive change in our industry and ultimately for the Australian community.”

“Changing belief systems at the core of the mindset is where the real opportunities lie. This initiative is all about education to allow such transformations to take place.

“As a representative and strong supporter of Sekisui House and it's vision for bringing environmentally friendly housing with a view to long term growth, this task force addresses common challenges and opportunities in education. I am thrilled to contribute and learn via a brilliant initiative and a strong group of participants such as this. Well done Australian Living.”

Willoughby Mayor Pat Reilly said: “Sustainability is a vitally important issue for Willoughby City Council and we are delighted to be working with such an esteemed group in an effort to increase sustainability within resident’s homes.

“Council’s participation in the Taskforce will enable the contribution of our valuable grass roots experience. Our officer’s hands-on experience with the local community gives the Taskforce a great understanding of the issues and motivators our community experiences and what tools our community need to take steps towards sustainable living,” he said.

Taskforce Members include:

  • Kate Kelly, Landcom

  • Nata Mileto, Verosol

  • Karim Muri, Kingspan

  • Sarah Fathinia, Bluescope Lysaght

  • Leanne Croker, Daily Telegraph

  • Eminé Mehmet, Sustainability Thought Leader, Interior Designer, Writer, Speaker

  • Mungo Ryman, NSW Office of Environment and Heritage

  • Angelique Peck, Rylock

  • Katrina Brooks, Mirvac

  • Daniel Kavo, Boral

  • Bob Bornstein, Boral

  • Nicola Faith, Willoughby Council

  • Moonmoon Sahu, Sekisui House

  • Daphna Tal, Australian Living

  • Cameron Rosen, Australian Living

  • Anthony Lieberman, Australian Living

  • Grant Daly, Master Builders Association of New South Wales

  • Tanya Ha, Environmental Campaigner

  • Tessa Nelson

  • Neva Poole, Radio 2UE

  • Lisa Heinze, Sustainability Author

  • Michael Ryan, Active Media Group

  • Sam Crawford, Sam Crawford Architects

  • Karen Erdos, Sam Crawford Architects