This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
INGENIA Communities is set to deliver an Australian first with its Green Star Home development at Beveridge in Victoria.
The group is the first Australian developer to commit to a master planned community where all 261 homes will achieve a Green Star Homes certification from Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA), in addition to a Green Star Communities rating on the project.
“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. This is an important milestone for the group in our aim to be a leader in sustainable development projects,” said Simon Owen, CEO of Ingenia.
Civil construction works are already underway at the Beveridge development site, which sits around 37km north of the Melbourne CBD and is best known as the birth place of bushranger Ned Kelly.
“We have committed to Green Star as it provides a holistic and robust sustainable design framework for large scale community and home development. We look forward to working with our suppliers and construction partners to deliver this community,” added Owen.
The new homes will incorporate a NatHERS rating of 7.5 design, double-glazed low – e windows, an efficient hot water heat pump, heat recovery ventilation to the entire home, reticulated recycled water line to reduce potable water usage, efficient appliances, and LED lighting.
“Research has shown that two thirds of home buyers prefer energy efficient homes, when given a choice. 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,” said Davina Rooney, CEO of GBCA.
This in addition to the all-electric homes including Ingenia’s solar, battery-ready micro grid, providing enhanced thermal comfort, resulting in lower energy and water bills.
“While this step is aligned to our emissions reduction program, it is also an important part of our commitment to residents,” said Owen.
“GBCA estimates that utility bills could be reduced by as much as 75%. That is part of the rationale for embracing this opportunity to create sustainable long-term communities and high-quality homes.”
