(30/4/2019) Revolutionary East Village at Knutsford enhances Freo's sustainability credentials

Fremantle’s reputation as a showcase for sustainable living has been boosted with today’s launch of LandCorp’s trail-blazing East Village at Knutsford development.

The sustainable housing demonstration project launched by Lands Minister Ben Wyatt this morning is being built on a 1.5 hectare former industrial site on Montreal Street in Fremantle.

The 36 homes to be constructed in the project will be powered by 100 per cent renewable energy using roof top solar panels and a shared community battery, supported where necessary with green energy from the grid.

In an Australian first, a village micro-grid will allow residents to generate and share energy with their neighbours using an innovative energy trading platform.

The development’s renewable energy features and solar passive design is expected to cut household energy costs in half.

Mayor Brad Pettitt said Fremantle was delighted to be hosting a project that will become the template for sustainable urban living into the future.

“As a One Planet council the City of Fremantle is absolutely committed to supporting initiatives that promote a way of living that is better for us and better for the planet,” Mayor Pettitt said.

“Our vision for the broader Knutsford precinct, which includes East Village, is for the area to become a world-class example of sustainable urban development.

“This project will demonstrate to the housing industry and the community what is possible when it comes to renewable energy, water efficiency and sustainable design.

“Fremantle is already home to WA’s first One Planet community – WGV at White Gum Valley – so it’s great that LandCorp is continuing to champion innovative approaches to sustainable living.” 

East Village at Knutsford is being developed by LandCorp in partnership with WA-based tech company Power Ledger, Curtin University and the federal government’s Smart Cities and Suburbs initiative.

In addition to the renewable energy technology, every home will be equipped for electric vehicle chargers and there will also be a shared fast EV charging station for residents and guests.

Waterwise initiatives include individual household rainwater tanks plumbed into toilets and washing machines, on-site stormwater capture and recycling and a shared bore to irrigate the precinct’s gardens.

The development will also feature the Legacy Living Laboratory, which will display live data from the project as well as being used as a study space for Curtin University students and a housing prototype to demonstrate alternative building materials.

For more information visit the East Village page on the LandCorp website.