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What is Sustainability

The long-term sustainability of the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters is dependent on a healthy environment.

Regulated tree

Sustainability creates and maintains the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in a productive balance, by making sure we have the resources we need to sustain other species and our environment.

While there are multiple definitions of sustainability, these are all based on the simple principle that everything we need for our ongoing survival and well-being depends, either directly or indirectly, on our natural environment and maintaining an ecological balance.

Sustainable development

There are a variety of definitions for sustainable development. A widely-used and accepted international definition is... "development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs" (World Commission on Environment, Bruntland Report 1997).

If you’d like to see how other people have built or renovated energy efficient homes, Sustainable House Day is an annual event showcasing sustainable homes around Australia. You can visit a range of homes to see how sustainability principles can be incorporated and speak to the owners about their experiences building and living in energy efficient properties.

Make your home more sustainable

With lower running costs, more natural light and a healthy living environment, a sustainable home is a pleasure to live in.

For information about the following topics, visit: SA.GOV.AU: Energy Efficiant Home Design

  • planning a new home or renovation
  • insulation and ventilation
  • windows and shading
  • Air conditioning
  • water heater requirements
  • solar photovoltaic systems and battery storage
  • energy efficiency requirements for new homes.


Climate ready homes

Resilient East has a series of resources, tips and offerings to support you to: 

  • keep homes cool in extreme heat, and warm in winter, whilst keeping costs down
  • adapt existing homes to suit a changing climate – refurbish, renovate, and seasonal preparation
  • be smart about energy and water use to reduce costs
  • utilise garden space and choice of outdoor materials
  • design for sustainability
  • live lightly with low impact on the environment and better outcomes for your health and wellbeing
  • connect with neighbours, landlords and public spaces to achieve broader, stronger climate ready outcomes.

Resilient East is a partnership between state and local government organisations in eastern Adelaide.

Visit: Climate Ready Homes

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