New Epping is striving for world leadership in sustainable community design by submitting for an accreditation through the Green Star Communities program; an internationally recognised sustainability rating system by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA).

Riverlee is aiming to achieve a Green Star rating of 6 stars – the highest rating in the accreditation system – for New Epping. This rating is exclusively awarded to developments that demonstrate widespread environmental, social and community value. The sustainability consulting team at Stantec worked closely with Riverlee to prepare the application.

Green Star assesses projects on the merit of their capacity to positively impact climate change, enhance the quality of life for communities, restore and protect biodiversity, and contribute to a more sustainable economy. Going beyond the typical sustainability markers, it considers more than just carbon emissions and waste management. The accreditation recognises initiatives that enhance liveability, economic prosperity, safety, and well-being, which are all important and progressive markers of a truly sustainable community.

The submission reflects New Epping’s commitment to environmental regeneration, which has been a primary focus from day one. Through innovative technical engineering and visionary design, the former quarry and landfill site has been remediated to enable the development of a safe and sustainable community comprising residential neighbourhoods, office space, a health and wellness precinct and convenience retail all centred around a green spine.

“Land rehabilitation on this scale is something we’ve rarely seen in Australia or even across the rest of the world. Riverlee has been both committed and curious throughout this process, and it’s been great to support a company whose passion for sustainable design guides its operations. I look forward to following the New Epping journey,” says Stantec’s sustainability project technical lead, Kenneth Yuen.

Within the Green Star Communities tool, the Innovation category encourages developers to go above and beyond to achieve industry excellence in sustainability in the built environment. Innovative approaches to sustainable community design are embedded across the entire masterplan to support residents to live well. The New Epping site has been completely regenerated from a former landfill and quarry, it has been decontaminated and transformed into a safe and dynamic mixed-use precinct.

Other key initiatives include the rehabilitation of the Edgars Creek Reserve to include a 3.2KM nature loop and conservation space for the endangered Growling Grass Frog, along with meaningful Traditional Owner narratives throughout the site.

Safety and walkability are key to site planning, alongside access to amenities and fresh food to support healthy and active lifestyles, whilst diversity of commercial and residential offerings, including affordable housing ensures that New Epping remains accessible for all. Creating a connected and united community is central to New Epping’s vision and is underpinned by a community development plan, including ongoing engagement and activation programming which residents, workers and visitors participate in.

“It’s not about simply designing sustainable buildings. It’s about embedding sustainable principles throughout the entire community. Our Green Star Community ambition demonstrates a significant commitment at New Epping and our approach at Riverlee to create healthy, innovative, and connected communities across Australia,” says Riverlee project director, Ben Rowe.

“Riverlee is proud to lead the way at New Epping and raise the benchmark for sustainable community development to create a community for residents, office workers, health practitioners, visitors and patients with longevity at its core.”

Implementing an externally recognised sustainability framework will ensure New Epping continues on a trajectory of environmental leadership as the precinct evolves and community grows.

Green Star accreditation assessment for New Epping is currently underway with endorsement anticipated mid-2024.

Stay tuned for more information about sustainable initiatives in action at New Epping by registering for updates at newepping.com.au