Sydney’s fastest-growing neighbourhood has received national recognition as one of Australia’s most sustainable communities.
Green Square town centre in Sydney’s inner south has been awarded a 6 Star Green Star – Communities rating from the Green Building Council of Australia.
The rating recognises the sustainable planning, design, and construction of large-scale development projects across the country, including buildings, offices and community precincts.
Six stars is the highest possible rating, denoting ‘world leadership’ in the areas of governance, liveability, economic prosperity, environment and innovation.
Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the certification recognises 15 years of dedicated work from City staff.
“I am incredibly proud that the City of Sydney has become the first local government in NSW to receive a 6 Star Green Star rating for the Green Square town centre,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Green Square was earmarked for urban renewal by the NSW Government in 1996.
“We set out to make Green Square an exemplary model for sustainable, high density living in Sydney by embedding green infrastructure into our planning.
“Green Square town centre features one of Australia’s largest urban stormwater recycling schemes, as well as tree-lined, low-speed streets and extra-wide footpaths, self-watering raingardens, separated cycleways, and LED street lights.
“We have also invested $540 million to ensure our residents and workers have the infrastructure they need.
“This includes the 5 Star Green Square library and plaza, with its own wastewater system and innovative measures to reduce energy used for cooling, and the future Gunyama Park aquatic and recreation centre, which will be heated and powered by its own locally produced energy system.
“Green Square’s town centre sits at the heart of one of Australia’s biggest urban renewal areas, just 3.5 kilometres from the city centre. When complete, it will be home to around 7,500 residents and 8,600 workers.
Green Square includes:
- Green Square underground library and plaza – awarded a 5 Star Green Star Design rating for its wastewater system and low energy displacement ventilation system within the library bookshelves.
- Gunyama Park aquatic and recreation centre will be the largest pool complex built in Sydney since the 2000 Olympics. The centre will be heated and powered by its own locally produced energy system.
- Green Square community and cultural precinct sits on the former South Sydney Hospital site. It features heritage buildings that have been refurbished.
- Parks – more than 40 parks are being built across the wider Green Square area.
- Stormwater – a new two kilometre underground stormwater drain has significantly reduced the risk of flooding in the town centre, which sits on a floodplain.
- Streets network – hundreds of new street trees, self-watering raingardens, extra-wide footpaths, bronze street furniture, bright LED lights and wayfinding signs are making the area greener, safer and more attractive.
This article was first published in The Fence magazine.