Building a sustainable community
National Lifestyle Villages builds sustainable communities
National Lifestyle Villages Green Steps Program
We are the long-term custodians of the land our Villages are located on, and as such, we want to have a positive environmental influence. As such, we are proud to provide an enjoyable and comfortable living environment that retains and attracts local flora and fauna.
What’s more, it’s a smart way to build and saves you money in heating, cooling and water usage.
With this philosophy in mind, since National Lifestyle Villages began, we have implemented a Green Steps Program that includes the following:
Enquire Now1Protecting the landscape
We aim to maintain mature trees, which provide natural shade, enrich the soil and protect the habitat of the local wildlife.
2Better water management
We are waterwise, using water economically, with AAA rated outlets. Our Villages are designed to reduce wasteful surface water run-off, making every drop count through ‘groundwater recharge’ methods that return water to the water-table.
Wherever possible, we use non-drinking water and waste-water to water gardens. We use sub-surface reticulation which cuts down on waste through evaporation and sends the water to where it’s really needed – the roots.
Our ground-staff monitor our water use carefully, check water quality and work hard to maximise the efficiency of our water usage.
3Energy management
The homes in our communities are carefully designed to make them more energy efficient, providing extra warmth from the winter sun and natural ventilation in the summer.
High levels of insulation to all roofs and walls mean less need for heaters and air-conditioners, reducing energy use in the homes while concrete flooring to all new homes helps keep hot air out in summer and warm air in during the winter.
Energy-efficient lighting saves energy, and we embrace the use of alternate energy sources such as solar, wind and other renewable natural resources.
4Waste management
In most of our communities we have invested in Asset Recovery Centres (ARC’s). These are provided as a communal place to deposit and reuse everything that is recyclable, including organic waste.
Community-scale composting using worm farms and chickens provides a valuable use for our organic waste. Where possible, non-organic waste is also recycled.
5Carbon emissions management
Greenhouse Gases (GHG) have an impact on climate change and drive global warming. NLV works hard each year to reduce our environmental footprint and minimise the production of GHGs.
What our lifestylers say
"Tuart Lakes has given us more than we anticipated"
Dave and Lynette
Tuart Lakes Lifestyle Resort Lifestyle Village
Watch Video More Testimonials"I have been the coordinator of the Grubby Gardeners at Bridgewater Lifestyle Village for the past five years"
Kerry C
Kerry C
I have been the coordinator of the Grubby Gardeners at Bridgewater Lifestyle Village for the past five years. I love to garden and in particular, growing vegetables. To me this provides food for the soul, relaxation and the opportunity to be involved with like-minded Lifestylers out in the open air and lovely surroundings with lots of laughter and friendship.
My first involvement in the village’s gardening group was in the middle of 2007 after moving to the village in October 2006. My husband had gone back to full-time work and with time on my hands and
a lifetime interest in gardening and food it was inevitable that I became involved in what was then just a small group that had been allocated a plot on the back fence of the village in which to grow vegetables.
Unfortunately over the next couple of years, and as the village began to grow, we were forced to shift a couple of times before ultimately ending up pretty much back where we began. This all took its toll on the output from the garden but in early 2010 we were settled at last and are now able to pay our way so to speak.
Rian and Rick
Rick and I have just had the grandkids for a week and our feet have barely touched the ground. The kids thought they were in a holiday resort with the beach so close, cafes, restaurants and so many other attractions, all within five minutes walking distance.