{{ propApi.searchIcon }}
{{ propApi.closeIcon }}
Our industry
Our industry $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Housing industry insights Economics Insights Data & forecasts Tailored research & analysis Advocacy & policy Advocacy Policy priorities Position statements Submissions News & inspiration Industry news Member alerts Media releases HOUSING Online
Business support
Business support $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
For your business Contracts Online Safety systems & solutions HIA SafeScan Member perks Toyota vehicles The Good Guys Commercial Ampol fuel savings See all Industry insurance HIA Insurance Services Construction works insurance Home warranty insurance Tradies & tool insurance Apprentices Why host a HIA apprentice? Hire an apprentice Value for money Support & guidance Contracts & compliance support Building & planning services Australian Standards
Resources & advice
Resources & advice $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Building it right Building codes National Construction Code Australian standards See all Building materials & products Concrete, bricks & walls Getting products approved Use the right products for the job See all Managing your business Dealing with contracts Handling disputes Managing your employees See all Managing your safety Safety rules Working with silica See all Building your business Growing your business Communication for your business See all Other subjects Getting approval to build Sustainable homes See all
Careers & learning
Careers & learning $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
A rewarding career Become an apprentice Apprenticeships on offer How do I apply? Frequently asked questions Study with us Find a course to suit you Qualification courses Learning on demand Professional development courses A job in the industry Get your builder's licence Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Further your career
HIA community
HIA community $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Grow with us Sign me up Become a member Member benefits Mates rates Our podcasts Made To Build Built Different HIA Building Australia Building the Hunter Our initiatives HIA Building Women Charitable Foundation GreenSmart Kitchen, bathroom & design hub Get involved Become an award judge Join a committee Meet our members Partner with us
Awards & events
Awards & events $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Awards program People & Business Awards GreenSmart Australian Housing Awards Awards winners Regional Award winners Australian Housing Award winners 2026 Australian Home of the Year Industry events Events in the next month Economic outlook National Conference Events calendar
HIA shop
HIA shop $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Most popular products National Construction Code Vol 1 & 2 Waterproofing wet areas AS 3740:2021 HIA Guide to Waterproofing HIA Guide to NCC Livable Housing Provisions Top categories Building codes & standards Contracts & documents Guides & manuals Safety products Signage For your business Contracts Online Digital Australian Standards Digital Resource Library Forecasts & data
About Contact Newsroom
$vuetify.icons.faTimes
$vuetify.icons.faMapMarker Set my location Use the field below to update your location
Address
Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location

$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

National sustainable awards highlight decades of excellence for NSW builder

Media release

National sustainable awards highlight decades of excellence for NSW builder

Media release
Blue Eco Homes' Joe Mercieca has been recognised as the 2026 HIA Australian GreenSmart Professional at the 2026 HIA Australian GreenSmart Awards, held in Melbourne on 22 July.

The national honour is his sixth HIA Australian GreenSmart Professional title and contributes to Blue Eco Homes' remarkable tally of sixteen HIA Australian GreenSmart Award wins since the program began.

With more than 40 years in the construction industry, Joe Mercieca has built a reputation as a leader in high-performance residential building through his work with Blue Eco Homes.

Driven by a belief that environmental performance should be measured rather than assumed, Joe champions a fabric-first approach that combines Passivhaus principles, airtight construction, controlled ventilation and climate-responsive design to deliver healthier, more comfortable homes. 

His achievements include delivering Australia’s first Certified Passive House to achieve a BAL-FZ rating, completing seven Passive House homes in the past six years and consistently achieving exceptional airtightness results.

Beyond individual projects, Joe actively contributes to industry advancement through education, advocacy and industry engagement, promoting sustainable building practices that deliver measurable benefits for homeowners and the environment. GreenSmart Professional is partnered by HIA Insurance Services. 

Tasmania’s Zanetto Builders was awarded the highest honour, winning the 2026 HIA Australian GreenSmart Home, partnered by Clipsal by Schneider Electric.

Designed to perform in Tasmania's cool temperate climate, the 287sqm Passive House Classic-certified residence combines contemporary architecture with exceptional building performance. Thoughtfully oriented to capture natural light and expansive views, it features super-insulated timber-framed walls, an R11 roof assembly and a measured airtightness result of 0.5 ACH@50Pa, making it one of the tightest residential buildings ever tested in Tasmania. 

Triple-glazed windows, heat recovery ventilation and an all-electric design work together to minimise energy demand, while rooftop solar and rainwater harvesting further reduce the home's environmental footprint. Carefully selected low-VOC materials also contribute to a healthier indoor environment for its occupants. 

This project was also awarded HIA Australian GreenSmart Custom Built Home, partnered by Bondor.  

HIA Managing Director Jocelyn Martin said the HIA Australian GreenSmart Awards set the benchmark for the latest in environmental design excellence, industry innovation and sustainable building practices. 

“Consumer demand for practical, affordable, smart, connected and durable environmental solutions for residential housing continues to grow. 

“Our commitment to sustainable building outcomes and leading housing innovation has not altered for more than 25 years since the HIA GreenSmart program was introduced. Our members demonstrate that quality building and design, comfort, and on-going value for money can co-exist in a sustainable built environment.

“HIA GreenSmart Awards highlight our members who excel at delivering year-round comfortable homes into the market.

“Each winner and finalist is congratulated for achieving success at a national level,” concluded Ms Martin.

Presented as part of the HIA Future Homes Forum, the HIA Australian GreenSmart Awards brought together builders, designers, manufacturers, suppliers and sustainability leaders from across Australia to celebrate excellence and explore the latest innovations shaping the future of residential construction.

View all winners

Photos of award winners or interviews can be arranged on request.

For more information please contact:

Catherine Lynch

Chief Executive – Communications & Marketing
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
22 Jul
Hunter home building hotspots revealed

“The Hunter region continues to demonstrate the importance of a strong pipeline of residential land and housing approvals, with thirteen local areas meeting HIA’s population and residential building hotspots criteria in 2024/25,” stated HIA Executive Director - Hunter, Craig Jennion.

22 Jul
Tasmanian builders take top titles at HIA Australian GreenSmart Awards

Tasmania punched well above its weight at the 2026 HIA Australian GreenSmart Awards, picking up four national titles at the Melbourne ceremony today.

22 Jul
Victorian builders win two national GreenSmart Awards

Announced on 22 July in Melbourne, the 2026 HIA Australian GreenSmart Awards recognised Victorian builders Shepherd Homes and G.J. Gardner Homes Warragul among the nation’s best in sustainability construction.

22 Jul
WA Sustainable Home recognised among Australia's best

Two Western Australian businesses have been recognised on the national stage, taking out a coveted sustainability award the 2026 HIA Australian GreenSmart Awards, announced on 22 July in Melbourne. This event is proudly partnered by Clipsal by Schneider Electric.