Ingenia Communities today announced it has become the first developer in Australia to commit to a master planned community of 261 homes, all with Green Building Council of Australia’s (GBCA) Green Star Homes certification, at Beveridge, Victoria.

In a further step in the Group’s commitment to the creation of sustainable communities, throughout Australia, Ingenia has committed to also achieving a Green Star – Communities rating on the project.

CEO of Ingenia, Simon Owen said: “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. 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.

Ingenia has already commenced civil construction at Beveridge, 37km north of Melbourne’s CBD. Previously, the commuter belt town was best known as the birthplace of Ned Kelly.

Green Star certified homes at the Beveridge Green Star Community will incorporate NatHERS rating of 7.5 design featuring 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.

The homes will be all electric and have Ingenia’s 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.” said Simon 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.”

Davina Rooney, CEO of GBCA said, “We congratulate Ingenia Communities for taking a major, important step towards Green Star Homes certification for over 260 homes within a Green Star certified community.”

“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.”

The Green Star – Communities rating focusses on the environmental, community, governance, and innovation around design and initiatives that target the broader development and will assist in driving efficiencies and creating a sustainable, long-term investment for the Group.