Ingenia Communities is setting a new standard for sustainable housing with its 262-home community in Beveridge, Victoria, becoming Australia’s first land lease community to achieve a Green Star Homes Designed rating for all home designs.
This milestone marks the first time all homes in a master-planned community have been designed to meet the Green Star Homes Standard set by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA).
John Carfi, CEO of Ingenia, emphasised the project’s industry-wide impact, stating: “This initiative not only delivers sustainable, cost-effective housing for senior Australians but also builds capacity across the construction sector.
“By working closely with GBCA and our partners, we’re setting a benchmark that will help drive the adoption of sustainable design and construction methodologies across Australia.”
The Beveridge development showcases how sustainability can seamlessly integrate with affordability and liveability. Key features of the homes include:
- Solar-powered, fully electric systems
- High-performance insulation
- Heat recovery ventilation
- Thermally-efficient windows
- 7.5-star NatHERS energy rating
These features are expected to reduce grid energy use by 22 per cent and water use by 48 per cent, potentially saving residents over $2,000 annually in utility costs compared to a 30-year-old gas-powered home.
Davina Rooney, CEO of the GBCA, applauded Ingenia’s leadership: “Ingenia is redefining seniors living by delivering homes designed for energy efficiency, health and resilience.
“These homes represent a vision for a sustainable future where comfort, affordability, and climate responsibility come together.”
The community is also targeting a 4-star Green Star Communities rating, featuring an embedded energy network, communal EV charging, and a recycled water system.
Construction has commenced, with the first residents expected to move in by mid-2025.
This groundbreaking project not only sets a new benchmark for sustainable over-50s communities but also demonstrates how Green Star certification can create homes that are better for residents’ wallets, well-being, and the planet.
