The residential development Serrata in Melbourne’s Victoria Harbour has become the third project to be awarded the highest Green Star residential rating from the Green Building Council of Australia.

The 4 Star Green Star - Multi Unit Residential v1 certified rating recognises and rewards residential developments that go 'above and beyond' minimum requirements to reach best practice outcomes in sustainable design.

Paul Shaw, Head of Lend Lease’s Apartments business said: “Serrata sets a new benchmark in sustainable design with a number of features that not only contribute positively to the environment, but reduce the operating costs for the purchaser.”

“The 15 level apartment building is the latest sustainable addition to Victoria Harbour; a precinct that boasts the highest concentration of Green Star rated buildings in Australia. These include The Gauge, which is Australia’s first 6 Star Green Star Office As Built rated building and Convesso, Australia’s most environmentally sustainable luxury residential tower that has a 4 Star Green Star - Multi Unit Residential Pilot Rating. Its twin Concavo is also set to achieve the rating,” said Shaw.

Serrata, known for its bold design and creative urban edge is a joint venture with Japan’s largest home builder, Sekisui House.

Toru Abe, President and Managing Director for Sekisui House Australia Pty Limited said the company believes strongly in the importance of sustainable communities and receiving the green rating was further acknowledgement of their efforts.

“We’re proud to receive this rating with Lend Lease as it shows our dedication to creating environmentally thoughtful developments that will have a positive impact well into the future,” said Mr Abe.

The Victoria Harbour Precinct is working towards Climate Positive (a joint initiative between the Clinton Climate Initiative and the U.S. Green Building Council) certification which aims to set a new global benchmark for leadership in large-scale urban development to minimise environmental impacts.

Serrata’s key sustainability features include:

  • Installation of smart meters in all apartments which allow residents to monitor and manage their energy and water consumption in real time and historical figures, leading to the reduction in usage and costs.
  • Low-E glazing double glazed windows to reduce the use of heaters and air conditioners. The glazing rejects the heat in summer months and retains warmth in winter months.
  • Natural light and ventilation to the corridors which reduce the ongoing operating costs and provide fresh air and natural light to the corridors.
  • A rain water tank for garden irrigation and toilet flushing.
  • Materials chosen with low volatile organic compounds and low formaldehyde resulting in improved indoor air quality by reducing irritations and increasing comfort.
  • A superior acoustic performance that reduces external and inter tenancy noise.
  • Bicycle storage for all dwellings as well as a secure visitor bike storage room with access to local cycle paths.
The central location of Serrata allows residents to take advantage of public transport, local amenity and sustainable travel. Residents are in walking distance to Merchant Street shops including a full line supermarket, cafes and restaurants and the Collins Street tram provides direct access to the CBD and Southern Cross Station.

Construction for Serrata commenced in October 2010 and since launching there has been extensive interest with more than 50 per cent of apartments sold within the first week and more than 90 per cent sold to date. The project is on track for a June 2012 completion date.