Aura leads the nation in sustainable greenfield development

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.

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.

(L to R) Stockland's Mark Stephens, GBCA's Romily Madew, Stockland's Davina Rooney and GBCA's Karen Jamal at Aura's Pedal Park.