Australia’s First Green Star Community Leads Energy Policy Shift

Victoria is in line for its first certified Green Star Home masterplanned community as Australia’s planning ministers converge on the nation’s capital to beef up energy efficiency targets in commercial and residential developments. 

Ingenia Communities has announced it would be the first developer in Australia to commit to the sustainable development of 261 homes.

State and Territory planning ministers are gathering for the National Building Ministers Meeting to flesh out plans, which could include lifting energy efficiency ratings of new homes to seven stars.

The residential sector accounts for almost a quarter of Australia’s electricity use and about 12 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions.

The boosting of energy efficiency targets within a year could impact more than 1 million houses slated for construction over the next three years, and cut thermal energy use by up to a quarter.   

Ingenia chief executive Simon Owen said the homes in the Beveridge community would have a NatHERS rating of 7.5 with passive design, hot water heat pump, heat recovery ventilation, efficient appliances, LED lighting and reticulated recycled water line to reduce water consumption. 

“We are proud to be the first in the sector to commit to a large-scale development of Green Star Homes combined with a Green Star Communities rating,” Owen said.

“This is an important milestone for the group in our aim to be a leader in sustainable development projects. 
 
“We have committed to Green Star as it provides a holistic and robust sustainable design framework for large-scale community and home development.”

▲ Using passive design, electrification and efficient appliances Ingenia has become the first developer to commit to a masterplanned Green Homes Community of more than 260 energy efficient homes.

Ingenia has already started ground work at Beveridge, which is 37km north of Melbourne’s CBD.

The homes will be all electric and connected to a solar, battery-ready micro grid, providing enhanced thermal comfort.  This will result in cheaper energy and water bills, making them more affordable to run, healthier and more comfortable.

“While this step is aligned to our emissions reduction program, it is also an important part of our commitment to residents,” Owen said.
 
“GBCA estimates that utility bills could be reduced by as much as 75 per cent. That is part of the rationale for embracing this opportunity to create sustainable long-term communities and high-quality homes.”

Green Building Council of Australia chief executive Davina Rooney said the Green Star Communities rating focused on environmental, community, governance and innovation around design and initiatives across the development.

“Research has shown that two thirds of home buyers prefer energy-efficient homes, when given a choice,” Rooney said.

“If we want healthy, resilient, positive homes to be within reach for all Australians, it is critical that homes are certified at volume. We commend Ingenia Communities for raising the bar and for their leadership within the residential sector.”

Ingenia Communities Group develops rental and holiday accommodation specifically targeting the seniors market, with more than 100 communities across Australia.