Residential precinct targets new sustainability benchmark

Wynyard Quarter residential precinct targets new sustainability benchmark

The path to sustainability is an easier journey if the sustainable behaviours are made easy. That’s the philosophy behind the design of the new residences in Auckland’s Wynyard Quarter development.

The residential precinct is the first large-scale development of its type in New Zealand to target the 7 Homestar environmental rating.

Homestar is an easy-to-understand rating system for homes which recognises healthier, more energy efficient design and construction.

Wynyard Quarter residential developer Willis Bond & Co is the sponsor of an update to the Homestar tool to ensure it is better suited to recognising the sustainability features of apartments. The revised tool will be officially launched by the New Zealand Green Building Council in May.

Waterfront Auckland has specified that the residential development in Wynyard Quarter must meet 7 Homestar requirements. To meet the standard, all new building designs need to be assessed using the tool and then built to achieve at least a 7 Homestar rating.

Willis Bond managing director Mark McGuinness says sustainability will be one of Wynyard Quarter’s defining features.

“We plan to make it New Zealand’s greenest urban precinct where ideas about 21st century sustainability are made real and a new benchmark is set for sustainable residential communities.

“The residences at Wynyard Quarter have been designed to target a minimum 7 Homestar standard. To achieve the rating not only is sustainability embedded in the infrastructure planning and designs, but sustainable behaviours are designed to be easy for residents,” Mr McGuinness says.

New Zealand Green Building Council Chief Executive Alex Cutler says the fact Willis Bond is targeting 7 Homestar on such a large scale sends a strong message to the industry.

“The level of sustainability planned at Wynyard Quarter – a two hectare site with more than 500 homes – shows achieving high environmental standards is both achievable and desirable to consumers.

“We applaud Willis Bond and Waterfront Auckland for making Homestar a requirement in Wynyard Quarter – these will truly be homes of the future; sustainable, healthy and of course liveable.”

Wynyard Quarter sustainability features include:
· Sustainable architecture and urban design with a high standard of thermal protection and sound insulation.

· Resilient design, renewal and rejuvenation of previously under-utilised land to create a mixed use, high density, vibrant area.

· Rainwater harvesting and water efficiency to reduce residents’ consumption of potable water (drinking water) where non-potable water can be used.

· Close-by public transport links and bike parking for residents and visitors.

· Shared hybrid-powered cars available for residents’ use.

· Buildings designed to optimise natural ventilation and lighting.

· Targeting a construction waste reduction of 90 per cent and targeting 80 per cent reduction of demolition waste.

· Environmentally sensitive materials inside and out for long-term durability and low maintenance where possible using recycled or reused materials.

· Ninety-five percent of the lighting will be LED.

· Energy and water efficient fridges, dishwashers, washing machines and dryers provided by the developer or specified by the body corporate.

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