"When we started out with the Greeny Flat, I wanted to show that it is relatively easy to build an energy-positive, water-conserving, healthy and sustainable home. If it doesn't go any further than that, then we have a great little house. But if it does, then we'll follow it through," Mr Lemann said.

And it sounds as if he will have plenty to follow through. As part of the award ceremony, a short video was shown explaining the Mittagong building's benefits, which includes exporting more than three-and-a-half times more energy to the grid than it imported, and maintaining a comfortable temperature year round with no additional heating or cooling.

"To have that shown to the Minister for Environment and Heritage and for him to know what's possible - that's a good start," Mr Lemann said.

The award is already opening doors, with several policy makers seeking out Mr Lemann at the awards and an increase in the number of people wanting to visit the flat.

"We had lots of really great feedback on the night, and everyone who comes through the flat are super-enthusiastic, so it's very rewarding."

Mr Lemann said it was a good thing that he wasn't allowed to give an acceptance speech on the night as he would have given the audience an ear-bashing.

"I might have said that while we're here congratulating ourselves on how clever and good we are, there are serious problems with Australia's energy policy, building regulations and development planning.

"I would like to see change on a broad scale. Our current housing situation is appalling; we have the biggest, most inefficient houses in the world.

"I would like to see the money that goes into building bigger houses redirected towards building smaller, more sustainable houses," he said.

The Green Globe awards are selected by an independent panel of environmental experts and are considered the leading environmental awards in NSW.

For more information about the Greeny Flat see www.greenyflat.com.au