Choosing an apartment to rent or buy can be hard, but it’s one of the most important choices we make. The apartment you choose should improve your wellbeing, lighten your environmental footprint and run efficiently – ideally it will align with your values too. We're making it easier for you to find an apartment just like this. When you see a better apartment* within a Green Star Building, you’ll know it’s efficient, healthier and more responsible.
What is a better apartment in a Green Star Building?
An apartment in a Green Star Building is built to the standard set by the Green Building Council of Australia and assessed against 8 categories essential for the future. Each category plays an essential role to ensure our apartments, and the buildings they’re in, are better for today, and tomorrow.
Whether you’re an owner, renter or property investor, its never been easier to find a better, healthier and more responsible apartment, with Green Star.
Just how is an apartment in a Green Star Building better?
From cleaner air and more natural light, to lower energy bills and more places to build a community – an apartment* in a Green Star Building has many health, lifestyle and environmental benefits.
What are the financial benefits?
For owners and renters, enjoy an apartment that will help save you money, with no gas bills, lower water bills, and lower energy bills thanks to an energy efficient design. For property investors, when it’s time to on sell your apartment you can be confident your energy efficient home is in high demand. Latest research shows that energy-efficient units command a $70,000 premium and generate 6.6% more buyer interest. (15)
What does a better apartment look like?
Nightingale Bowden, South Australia
Designed with sustainability and community connection at its core, Nightingale Bowden has achieved a 5 Star Green Star certification*, representing Australian excellence. Comprised of 36 one- and two-bedroom apartments, Nightingale Bowden is designed as a place for tenants and owners to lay down long term roots. All 36 apartments are all-electric and feature either induction cook tops or electric hotplates in their kitchens. The embedded, green-powered electricity is connected at no extra cost to residents.
Nightingale have delivered an apartment where you can expect:
More efficient
- Quality double glazing to help the building perform well
- Energy efficient heat pump hot water system
- Average 8.2 stars NatHERS rating for thermal performance
Healthier
- All-electric design means no fossil fuels in the home
- Low toxicity internal finishes (including paints, adhesives, sealants, carpets and engineered wood)
- Shared community space and communal garden
- Extensive bicycle storage
- Bright, airy staircases and passageways
- In a walkable area close to public transport links
More responsible
- Solar array on roof
- Low embodied energy materials, including recycled brick
- Green cement reduces co2 emissions by at least 30% compared to ordinary concrete
- Rainwater collection for common area use
Nightingale Bowden, SA, achieved a 5 Star Green Star Design & As Built v1.3 rating and was delivered prior to the development of the Green Star Buildings - Apartments Pathway. It aligns with the intended outcomes of the Pathway.
185 Wharf Street, Brisbane
185 Wharf Street is targeting a 6 Star Green Star rating, representing world leadership in better, healthier and more responsible buildings. These 125 premium-quality, future-ready residences will be set in subtropical gardens and designed to help you live sustainably, with minimal impact on the environment. An apartment in a Green Star Building that has achieved the Apartments Pathway is built to the standard set by the Green Building Council of Australia and assessed against 8 categories essential for the future. Each category plays an essential role to ensure our apartments, and the buildings they’re in, are better for today, and tomorrow.
CBUS are working to deliver apartments where you can expect:
- Year-round comfort: Smarter construction reduces heating and cooling costs, keeping apartment comfortable year-round. (1)
- Cleaner, healthier air: All-electric design means no fossil fuels in the home. Also, reducing the likelihood of asthma by up to 42%. (6)
- Electric vehicle chargers: EV-ready building with hassle-free, convenient charging. (14)
Find out more about 185 Wharf Street.
For developers
If you're a developer, find out more about the Green Star Buildings Apartments Pathway in our industry toolkit (pdf), (2.3MB) or learn more about the Green Star Buildings rating tool.
References
* An apartment that has completed the Green Star Buildings Apartments Pathway
1. https://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design/ventilation-airtightness
2. https://www.energyrating.gov.au/consumer-information/products/lighting
3. https://www.energy.gov.au/households/water-efficiency *Based on Green Star Homes standard
4. Kicking The Gas Habit: How Gas Is Harming Our Health, Climate Council (pdf) (2.6MB)
5. The Value of Higher Efficiency Homes in Victoria, Renew (pdf) (2.2MB) *Calculation based on a Medium sized home based in Melbourne.
6. Kicking The Gas Habit: How Gas Is Harming Our Health, Climate Council (pdf) (2.6MB)
7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14. Green Star Apartments Pathway submission guidelines
9. https://www.yourhome.gov.au/live-adapt/indoor-air-quality
12. https://www.climatechange.environment.nsw.gov.au/impacts-climate-change/built-environment/urban-heat
15. Domain Sustainability in Property Report (pdf) (29.9MB)