Apartment developments getting more sustainable: Green Building Council of Australia
Developments across Australia are getting greener.
In the financial year 2022-23, Green Star certifications increased by more than 80 per cent, the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) has announced.
Over 800 certifications were issued across Australia, showing sustainability is on the rise.
Jorge Chapa, Chief Impact Officer at GBCA, said the 2022–23 financial year saw GBCA issue more than 840 Green Star certifications – the highest number since the inception of Green Star,” Chapa said.
“This year we saw an unprecedented number of certifications across a range of projects from universities to the interiors of retail stores, and from industrial precincts to sporting arenas hosting the Women’s FIFA World cup here in Australia.”
Now over 80,000 people live in Green Star rated apartment buildings, while over 890,000 people will live or work in the 70 Green Star-certified communities, including more than 510,000 residents and 380,000 workers and students.
There's an upcoming release of Green Star Fitouts which will help drive circular, healthy, responsible and positive outcomes in commercial space, while a tailored pathway for apartment buildings within Green Star Buildings is also under development.
Chapa emphasised the importance of the relationship between Green Star, industry, and the community.
“2023 was the year of game changers, milestones, and growth for the GBCA, but also for industry who responded to the calls for a more sustainable, resilient, and healthy built environment.”
Sekisui House Australia's West Village precinct in West End is a 6-Star Green Star Community. Their apartments feature tinted windows to reduce heat gain and energy bills, rainwater tanks to create a greywater recycling system, and a 21kW solar PV system to generate renewable entry in the communal areas.
AVJennings are pursuing a 5-Star Green Star Community rating, as well as a 7-Star NatHERS Rating, at their new Brunswick West development, Harvest Square.
The walkable community is fully electric, and features an 18-metre-wide green corridor with productive plantings for the enjoyment of all residents.