3 minute read
Going green in Brisbane
Rockpool Residential Aged Care’s new Carseldine development, located 30 minutes north of Brisbane CBD, is Australia’s first 5 Star Green Star designed aged care home.
Innovation and sustainability have long underpinned Rockpool’s approach to aged care. The 150-bed Carseldine project, which is scheduled to open in mid-2022, underwent rigorous design, construction and operations assessments before achieving the prestigious rating.
Rockpool Residential Aged Care CEO Mel Argent said the decision to attempt the 5 Star Green Star design rating was not taken lightly. Ms Argent said the innovative and green building will deliver long-term benefits to Rockpool’s residents once complete, not just in the comfort and amenity but in the knowledge of their legacy to future generations.
“We went beyond the acoustic requirements outlined in the National Construction Code, which means residents will enjoy a quiet and peaceful environment,” Ms Argent said.
“The design and construction of the building has also factored in the potential impacts of climate change and significant temperature variations.
“There are considerable costs involved, however, the legacy for our residents, staff, the environment and the efficient long-term operating costs easily make the entire project worthwhile,” Ms Argent said.
“To achieve the 5 Star Green Star design rating, every aspect of the Carseldine project must be evaluated.
“Everything is constantly being assessed and measured including energy and water consumption to ensure we meet predetermined targets.
“The Carseldine site will be gas-free, with the electricityonly solution complemented by hundreds of solar panels and several Electric Vehicle Charging Stations on-site.
“We sourced our timber from fully compliant chains of supply and custody, and used recycled materials in the concrete slabs and walls, while the majority of our reinforced steel was made using energy saving techniques.”
“Just because the building and construction materials are green doesn’t mean we’re forgoing any of the creature comforts our residents love.
“Large, spacious, self-contained rooms will provide residents with their own private sanctuary, but with enough space to host and entertain family and friends.
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“Residents will have access to domestic kitchens for supervised cooking, walking tracks, an on-site laundry, landscaped gardens, a cinema, a coffee shop for the local community to share with us, outdoor BBQs, a hair and beauty salon, and a fully equipped wellness and vitality centre.”
Awarded by the Green Building Council of Australia, the 5 Star Green Star rating assesses nine impact areas related to design, construction and operation. • Indoor environment quality. Initiatives that enhance the comfort and wellbeing of occupants by addressing issues such as air quality, thermal comfort and acoustic comfort. • Energy. Reduce overall greenhouse emissions by installing energy management systems, the complete elimination of fossil fuels and generation from alternative sources such as solar panels. • Transport. Facilitate a reduction on the dependency of private car use, as well as to encourage the provision of alternative forms of transportation by providing EV charging points for staff and visitors and a 6-seater electric buggy for transport around the village and environs. • Water. Measures such as the incorporation of water efficient fixtures and the harvesting and re-use of water. • Materials. The selection of low-impact materials throughout the building. • Management. The adoption of practices and processes that support best-practice sustainability outcomes throughout the different phases of a project. • Land use and ecology, Minimise the negative impacts on the ecological value of a site. • Emissions. Assess the environmental impacts and reduce their effect on the atmosphere, watercourse and native animals. • Innovation. Recognise the implementation of innovative practices, processes and strategies that promote sustainability in the built environment.
David McHugh is Director, Clout PR. For more information visit www.rockpoolrac.com
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