Environmental sustainability meets the needs of the present without compromising future generations. It facilitates region-specific population densities, use of renewable resources, conservation and priority use of non-renewable resources, and keeping environmental impact below the level required to allow affected systems to recover and continue to evolve.

The SomerVille Ecovillage has used the results of its in-depth research and permaculture principles to produce an award-winning design which has delivered a significantly reduced development footprint compared to conventional subdivisions.

Central to this is the reduction in reliance on external inputs.  This is achieved by the use of natural resources, such as solar or wind, for power generation and by providing for all water needs from water collected within the property.  Additionally, the land has a large established orchard and ~6ha of land suitable for growing food crops.

Home design and construction are governed by sophisticated but clear building standards that ensure residences will be comfortable to live in year-round with little, if any, auxiliary heating or cooling. All homes will achieve at least a seven star thermal performance rating.

The 12 Permaculture Principles

The SomerVille Ecovillage aims to provide commercial enterprise and employment opportunities to residents. It will have access to a town centre area as well as facilities and amenities to create a vibrant sustainable setting where there are opportunities for people to live and work in close proximity.

Strong Ecovillage projects contain access to a large portion of relevant services, facilities and amenities within the village. This allows members of the community to live within close proximity to employment, retail and services, resulting in reduced car use and carbon emissions.

The SomerVille Ecovillage aims to develop a social and community orientated settlement that delivers a thriving people-based environment, where people live in a settlement that engages and promotes strong community values. SomerVille promotes a development philosophy that encourages community members to actively participate in the visioning, design, planning of a completed Ecovillage, in addition to the participatory governance of the community. This ensures that The SomerVille Ecovillage is created with all of the key ideals and visions of the community, whilst underpinning the long term success of the investment.

The SomerVille Ecovillage contains facilities and spaces that promote the healthy interaction of people and the environment. This includes facilities such as community buildings, amphitheatres, children's playgrounds, quiet spaces, and natural and garden settings that encourage the link between people and nature, all the time respecting privacy, yet promoting healthy community interaction.

All over the world today, people are choosing to re-investigate the idea of community. Many feel that their quality of life has been diminished with the disappearance of village life. Similarly, environmentally conscious people recognise the inefficiencies of unsustainable and individualistic living. The ecovillage provides a viable lifestyle that is all encompassing of the community, environment and economy.

There are a number of personal, community and global benefits to living within an ecovillage. Some of those that can be experienced at SomerVille include:

• A village in which residents can live, work and have access to modern amenities and facilities. Transport and travel needs are reduced and shared village facilities are within close proximity to dwellings.
• A community development that provides the capacity to encourage, establish and support various enterprises and associations.
• Living in a place where business and employment opportunities mean you don't have to spend time in traffic or travelling to work. This is particularly ideal for the self employed and those with vital service and maintenance skills.
• Provision of a rich natural and social environment for children and community members to develop in. A place where relevant and meaningful educational and work practices prevail, and non-material needs and values are enriched.
• Reduced household expenditure by developing a greater control over costs through lower and more sustainable energy and water consumption.
• Living in an environment whereby conservation, a link between people and nature, and maintaining sustainable biodiversity practices are feasible.
• A development that is socially planned and oriented whereby a village centre area, community buildings, businesses, facilities, recreation spaces and natural settings are shared.
• Living in a community where every resident is able to actively contribute to the development, future and vision of the Ecovillage.