Intelligent, sustainable design and construction and the latest energy-saving appliances are helping retirees living at Stockland’s Selandra Rise Retirement Village in Cranbourne, Victoria, save more than $700 per year on average on their water and energy bills, according to the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA).
The new Selandra Rise development of 202 homes is the first retirement village in Australia to be awarded the GBCA’s 4 Star Green Star certification.
“We’ve worked closely with Stockland for more than a year on the first custom-made Green Star rating tool for an entire retirement village,” says GBCA chielf executive Romilly Madew. “This Green Star rating tool considers the design, construction and ongoing sustainability of homes and the community centre, the practical and effective use of open space and residents’ proximity to shops, medical facilities, bus and rail transport.
Selandra Rise achieved a 4 Star Green Star – Custom Design rating, and is only the second project in Australia to achieve a Green Star – Custom rating. The first was the McDonald’s Kilsyth South restaurant in outer Melbourne.
Stockland Retirement Living chief executive Stephen Bull says the company considered energy, water, waste materials, transport options and the planting of trees that provide summer shade and allow winter sun.
“It all combines to create a better way to live, while reducing the cost of living with lower energy and water bills,” he says. “Our 202 new homes and 12 new apartments at Selandra Rise require less heating and cooling due to the best possible ceiling and wall insulation, high-performance thermal glazing and good home orientation.
“All homes use less water thanks to the use of more efficient reticulation systems, which further improves the village’s environmental performance and sustainability.”
Stockland achieved the rating through:
- 7 star NatHERS energy-rated homes, which maintain a comfortable temperature with less air conditioning and heating
- Highly efficient air conditioning systems
- High-performance glass to maintain constant temperatures
- Use of natural gas for cooking and hot water
- Efficient lighting such as energy-efficient LED lighting and better access to natural sunlight
- Efficient taps and other water fittings
- Recycled water for toilets and gardens
- Home energy meters that help residents understand how much energy they’re using
- High availability of greener travel and public transport options
- Use of construction materials with lower environmental impacts.
As part of the master-planned community, all residents have access to existing and future community facilities, including a neighbourhood shopping centre, anchored by Woolworths, and featuring a modern medical centre.
