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GHD Design Award for Best Sustainable Development
This award recognises and rewards innovation and encourages the demonstrated application of sustainability practices that reduce a project or existing building’s eco footprint.
The award for Best Sustainable Development is divided into two categories:
- Commercial
- Residential
Eligible entrants will be developments which are less than 5 years old or refurbishments that have been occupied for less than three years, have been completed by 31 December 2023, have been operating for at least one year as at 31 December 2024 and have not previously won the award.
The award is open to members of the Property Council of Australia only. The nominator or owner of the entry must be the member.
Nominations close 11:59pm 26 March 2025
Nominations are only accepted via the online portal
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2025 Commercial Finalists
MacArthur Stage 1 - Comprehensive Cancer & Health Centre - NSW
Nominated by Erilyan Pty Ltd
Owned by Northwest Healthcare Australian Property Limited as trustee for Vital Healthcare Investment Trust
Developed under a unique partnership model , The new 6 Star awarded Comprehensive Cancer and Health Centre, provides patients to access cancer care within the one centre. Future proofed to allow expansion of services, the centre is the first stage in a private health precinct.
Nike at Horizon 3023 by Dexus - VIC
Nominated and owned by Dexus
Nike’s new epicentre for distribution throughout Australia takes sustainability to another level, with the largest swoosh in the world made from solar panels. Setting the standard for industrial development and reminding high carbon user passengers departing Melbourne airport the responsibility we have in creating a greener tomorrow.
One The Esplanade, Perth - WA
Nominated by Brookfield Properties
Owned by Brookfield, Invesco and another institutional owner
One The Esplanade is a 29-level $880 million mixed-use development in Elizabeth Quay. With industry-leading sustainability credentials, it was backed by an innovative Green loan. A showcase in sustainable construction, 7,560 tonnes of embodied carbon were saved during its delivery - equivalent to planting 125,000 trees.
Vicinity Centres - Chadstone Place - VIC
Nominated and owned by Vicinity Centres
In this groundbreaking development environmental sustainability meets economic feasibility and workplace innovation to transform a legacy building into an Australian first Zero Carbon environment, elevating employee experience and delivering exceptional financial and environmental results.
WS2 (Westralia Square, Perth) - WA
Nominated and owned by GDI Property Group
Founded upon adaptive re-use and circularity fundamentals, WS2 showcases commitment to sustainable innovation by delivering commercial and environmental outperformance while meeting evolving tenant needs. WS2 was the first office building in WA to integrate sustainably sourced, cross laminated timber, and on completion the tallest CLT office building Australia-wide.
2025 Residential Finalists
443 Queen St - QLD
Nominated by Cbus Property
443 Queen St is a landmark redefining high-rise living with its groundbreaking ‘breathing building’ concept. Offering natural ventilation and seamless indoor-outdoor living, its 6 Star Green Star design sets new sustainability benchmarks, influences city planning, and shapes Brisbane’s skyline as an enduring legacy of design excellence.
From coffee cups to new roads: 6-star sustainability at North Wilton - NSW
Nominated by Landcom
Landcom’s Panorama at North Wilton sets a sustainability standard for the industry. A 6-star Green Star community, Panorama uses low-carbon materials and processes. Roads, footpaths, and driveways are built with used coffee cups, supporting the circular economy and net zero solutions. The project aims to be carbon neutral.
Upper House - QLD
Nominated by Aria Property Group
Upper House is Queensland’s first 5-Star Greenstar As-Built residential tower, setting new standards for how buildings should be designed, built, and lived in. With sustainability key, it delivers enduring quality, future-proofed technology, and climate resilience, proving the best developments aren’t just built for today, but for generations.
2024 Winner
Quay Quarter Tower (NSW)
- Nominated by Dexus - Quay Quarter Tower
- Owned by Dexus Wholesale Property Fund, Mirvac Wholesale Office Fund & Rest Superannuation
Quay Quarter Tower is a world-first vertical village that redefines the future of work. QQT is recognised as the global leader in sustainable development, rather than demolish and rebuild the 50 Bridge Street skyscraper, the 1976 building was upcycled and expanded to create the a new state-of-the-art tower.
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2023 Winner
Midtown Centre (QLD)
- 155 Charlotte Street and 150 Mary Street, Brisbane, QLD
- Owned by AM Brisbane CBD Investments
- Nominated by AsheMorgan & DMC Projects
Midtown Centre sets a new benchmark in commercial development across architecture, sustainability, innovative design, and construction through merging of two adjoining buildings nearing the end of their economic lives in the Brisbane CBD. An exemplar project of how to repurpose existing underutilised assets into an innovative, relevant and contemporary workplace.
2024 Finalists
38 Albermarle Street - VIC
Nominated by Assemble
Owned by Assemble
38 Albermarle Street, Kensington is Assemble’s pilot purchase pathway project, providing residents opportunity to live sustainable homes while they save to buy them. Residents living in 73 high-quality, 100% electric, passively designed homes can access affordable opt-in embedded renewable energy network while on their journey to home ownership.
6&8 Parramatta Square - NSW
Nominated by Walker Corporation
Owned by Walker Corporation
6&8 Parramatta Square is the largest office tower in Australia by net lettable area, delivered to achieve excellence in sustainability despite its scale. It has achieved a 6-Star Green Star Design and As-Built rating, a 5 Star NABERS Indoor Environment rating, and aims to achieve a WELL Core Bronze rating.
ANMF House - VIC
Nominated by Multiplex Constructions
Owned by Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF)
The ANMF development is an eight-storey hotel sitting proudly opposite the Queen Victoria Market. The ANMF has been built to achieve an outstanding sustainable performance goal — utilising Cross Laminated Timber for the structure in the upper floors to achieve Passive House certification.
Design & Built Environment - WA
Nominated by Curtin University
Owned by Curtin University
Curtin University’s sustainability credentials are celebrated with the new Design and the Built Environment building. It is a thoughtful and beautiful living laboratory that educates future architects and design professionals by showcasing the best of sustainable infrastructure through innovation, services-on-display, and an adaptable, future-proofed design.
Fairwater - NSW
Nominated by Frasers Property Australia
Owned by Frasers Property Australia
Fairwater, Frasers Property Australia’s 38 ha residential development in Blacktown, is NSW’s first 6 star Green Star Communities rating, representing World Leadership. Only a handful of projects have achieved this result nationally. With approximately 801 dwellings, Fairwater is one of Australia’s most progressive and environmentally friendly master planned communities.
Ferrars & York - VIC
Nominated by HIP V. HYPE
Owned by HIP V. HYPE
Carbon neutral in construction and operation, Ferrars & York comprises 22 carbon neutral apartments with an average energy rating of 8.6-stars. Powered by 100% GreenPower, it presents best practice in climate resilient design and construction with consistent air temperatures, better acoustic performance, lower energy bills and a lower carbon footprint.
Industry Lanes - VIC
Nominated by Salta
Owned by Salta and Abacus Group
Industry Lanes is a highly innovative office, retail and education precinct in Richmond achieving 5-Star Green Star, Design & As-Built v1.2, 1-star Fitwel and a Multi-Tenant Base Building v2.0 certification; a first for a mixed-use development in Melbourne. Smart design, energy efficiency and flexible services deliver a future-focused sustainable precinct.
Suburban Land Agency Innovation Precinct - ACT
Nominated by Suburban Land Agency
Owned by Suburban Land Agency
The ACT Government’s Suburban Land Agency Innovation Precinct is a sustainable development and community hub in the greenfield suburb of Whitlam. This all-electric development showcases the latest in sustainability, accessability, low carbon and multi-generational living. It highlights the benefits of climate-wise landscaping and people first placemaking.
Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS), Herston Quarter - QLD
Nominated by Australian Unity
Owned by Australian Unity
Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS) is the first hospital in Australia to receive a 5-Star Green Star rating, creating a new, sustainable model for healthcare assets. STARS is a 182-bed facility in Brisbane, owned by Australian Unity, providing rehabilitation, elective surgery, and endoscopy services delivered by Metro North Health.