The Kelvin Grove Urban Village is demonstrating best practice in sustainability, creating a model for future developments at less cost to the environment. It is based on the principles of Ecological Sustainable Development, which aims to balance environmental, social and economic issues for long-term sustainability.
Environmental
Every facet of the Village has been planned to reduce impact on the environment. The neighbourhood design of the Village promotes walking, cycling and public transport and reduces the reliance on cars. Its landscaping allows rainwater to percolate through parking areas to replenish the underground water table, and prevents erosion from stormwater. New trees planted along streets and in the parks keep the area green and complement the stands of existing native trees.
Some of the more significant buildings from the original Gona Barracks on the upper parade ground have been re-modelled and are being adapted for re-use for education purposes. Materials from other buildings have been recycled into street furniture and park structures, or have been removed from the site and donated to community groups.
The design guidelines for new developments within the Village demand high standards of environmental sustainability, incorporating measures to reduce energy usage and water consumption. These include ventilation to suit the climate, energy-efficient appliances, solar power, and other methods to conserve water, manage waste and encourage recycling.
The Kelvin Grove Urban Village has been selected as one of the 
champion projects in the Urban Development Institute of Australia and Environmental Protection Agency Sustainable Urban Development Program.
Social
The Kelvin Grove Urban Village promotes social sustainability through:
- the variety of housing types, tenures and market groups.
- its emphasis on community facilities and shared public space.
- the neighbourhood design.
- including Information and Communications Technology to form a 'wired community'.
- the mix of housing with university, retail and other uses.
Economic
The Village promotes economic sustainability through:
- the high quality urban environment created by the location and the extensive infrastructure works undertaken by the Queensland Government and QUT.
- the mix of residential and university communities.
- integrating the new and existing neighbourhoods.
- a robust and adaptable neighbourhood structure.
- building relationships between the university and industry.
- the Creative Industries Precinct Enterprise Centre, providing support to developing businesses in creative industries.
- the Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation for the development and commercialisation of research.
