Aussie builders have raised the bar on sustainable construction, building one of the world’s first student accommodations to achieve a coveted 6-Star Green Star rating.
Clocking in at 10,500 square metres, the 14-storey Scape Leicester in Carlton, Victoria, is a powerhouse of sustainable design, set to transform how student accommodation providers design and build purpose-built accommodations.
Scape’s design team collaborated with construction firm Kapitol Group to build the PBSA, which combines 100 per cent renewable energy with smart tech and modern comforts on top of energy-saving features and an eco-friendly design.
The sustainable student home has begun welcoming student residents who educators hope will be inspired by their new sustainable environment as the nation chases a green future in a bid to reach its Net Zero by 2050 carbon goals.
Raising the ceiling on sustainability
While many modern buildings strive for efficiency and sustainability, few achieve the lofty six-star rating awarded by The Green Building Council of Australia, which is only given to those shown to address significant environmental and social challenges.
The rating acts as an internationally recognised benchmark for sustainability, assessing a building’s environmental performance across key areas such as energy efficiency, water conservation, and indoor air quality. Earning a 6-Star Green Star Design & As Built rating signifies ‘World Leadership’ in sustainable construction and design, setting a high standard for the industry to aspire to.
Chris Nunn, Scape Australia’s General Manager for Environment, Social, and Governance, says becoming the first student accommodation to receive the rating was a well-earned recognition of how the construction industry can work alongside sustainability experts to build a greener housing future.
“A 6 Star rating from the Green Building Council of Australia represents world leadership and is reserved for highly efficient buildings fully powered by renewables while addressing a significant number of environmental and social issues and contributing to the community,” he said.
Known for prioritising sustainability, this latest construction isn’t the first time Scape has been globally recognised for its efforts to create a more eco-friendly student accommodation experience.
The student housing provider was previously awarded the Global Sector Leader status by GRESB in 2023 after scoring an impressive 99/100 for sustainability in residential development.
Davina Rooney, CEO of the Green Building Council of Australia, applauded the achievement, noting its benefit for students and the environment.
“Scape’s achievement in delivering this world-leading, all-electric student accommodation sets a new benchmark for sustainability in the sector,” she said.
“It’s a prime example of how we can create spaces that are healthy and comfortable for residents but also contribute to a low-carbon, resilient future.”
