Aura leads the nation in sustainable greenfield development
25 July 2017
Stockland’s
Aura community on the
Sunshine Coast has been recognised as the highest
Green Star rated
greenfield masterplanned community in Australia by the
Green Building
Council of Australia (GBCA).
Following an independent assessment, the GBCA has awarded Aura
additional credit points towards its 6 Star Green Star – Communities
rating for high standards in sustainable innovation.
The additional accreditation means Aura now holds the enviable
achievement of being recognised as Australia’s most sustainable
greenfield masterplanned community. Greenfield developments are property
projects created on previously undeveloped land.
Romilly Madew, CEO of the Green Building Council of Australia, announced
the achievement during a special visit to the Sunshine Coast on Monday
(10 July), cementing Aura’s reputation as a world leader in
sustainability and liveability.
Ben Simpson, Regional Manager for Stockland, said the latest recognition
acknowledged Stockland’s commitment to delivering a healthy and
sustainable city designed to meet the highest possible standards for
environmental responsibility.
“As a 6 Star Green Star rated community, Stockland is going to
extraordinary lengths to ensure that Aura continues to set new
benchmarks in sustainable urban design and community development” Mr
Simpson said.
“This acknowledgement from the GBCA is worthy recognition of the work we
have undertaken so far, and demonstrates that we are continuing to lead
the sector in building sustainable master planned communities.”
The GBCA is the leading body for assessing and accrediting green
building design, construction and operational practices.
Its highly-coveted 6 Star Green Star – Communities rating signifies
world leadership in environmental governance, economic and social
sustainability.
“I’ve just returned from the United Kingdom and United States, and I say
with confidence that Australia leads the world when it comes to
sustainable communities, and Aura leads Australia,” Ms Madew said.
“Stockland’s innovative approach at Aura is truly inspiring, and will
deliver sustainable outcomes for people and the natural environment.”
Aura is the first Australian city designed, developed and measured
against the 6 Star rating.
Mark Stephens, Senior Environment and Community Development Manager,
said the additional credits were in recognition for a series of unique
sustainability features.
“Innovation is at the heart of everything we’re doing at Aura to ensure
that we meet our 6 Star Green Star - Communities requirements,” Mr
Stephens said.
“One of our exciting achievements that helped gain the additional points
was being the first greenfield site in Australia to roll out the
installation of ‘International Dark Sky’ compliant LED street lights
which improve energy efficiency by up to 50 per cent.
“We also require all homes to meet ‘cool roof’ standards, with a solar
absorption rating of less than 0.5, to reduce heat in the home and the
heat island effect of the suburb.”
Aura recently won the Project Innovation award at the 2017 Property
Council of Australia/Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation & Excellence
Awards for its world-leading sustainability initiatives and unique
approach to community consultation.
The project is the largest mixed use development ever undertaken under
single ownership in Australia with 700-hectares, or one third of Aura’s
site, set to be rehabilitated and designated for conservation and
environmental protection.
The future city will feature its own Central Park, a 120 hectare
regional park, 10 sporting grounds, parks and playgrounds within walking
distance of every home and more cycling paths than Copenhagen, linking
residential areas to local employment precincts, schools, the city
centre and local neighbourhood retail centres.
--ENDS--
Source: Stockland - www.stockland.com.au
Contact: N/A
External Links: For more information on Aura, visit www.cityofcolour.com or drop into the Aura Sales and Vision Centre at 1 Lukin Terrace, Bells Creek. You can also keep up with the community’s progress on Facebook at www.facebook.com/auraqld .
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