The YARDS, a joint venture between Frasers Property Industrial and Aware Real Estate worth $1 billion, has achieved a significant milestone in Australia.
It has become the first industrial estate to receive a Green Star Communities rating from the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA).
This rating, which is the highest possible at 6 stars, is typically awarded to residential, mixed-use commercial, and retail developments.
Located in Kemps Creek, New South Wales, The YARDS is currently under construction and will encompass approximately 400,000 square meters across 77 hectares. It aims to house 14 state-of-the-art facilities upon completion.
The Green Star – Communities rating tool developed by the GBCA evaluates the planning, design, and construction of large-scale development projects. It assesses various aspects such as governance, liveability, economic prosperity, environment, and innovation. The 6 Star Green Star Communities v1.1 rating acknowledges The YARDS’ proposed design and approach throughout the construction and operational phases.
Ian Barter, Managing Director Australia at Frasers Property Industrial said the vision for YARDS is to create a next-generation industrial community centred on sustainability, wellbeing and technology.
“This vision aligns with our long-term sustainability goals as well as our ongoing focus to support the health and wellbeing of our customer’s employees,” he said.
“This latest Green Star achievement is evidence that Frasers Property Industrial is not only achieving its vision – but setting a new standard for industrial in Australia.”
Michelle McNally, CEO Aware Real Estate said the development of The YARDS aligns with the company’s investment strategy of targeting strategic locations around existing and new infrastructure that will drive long-term demand and capital growth.
“We’re pleased to deliver the precinct in partnership with Frasers Property Industrial, and our development partner Altis Property Partners, which have a strong track record in delivering quality projects that allow people and businesses to thrive,” she said.
Davina Rooney, Chief Executive Officer at Green Building Council of Australia said The YARDS is a “world-leading project displaying the future of work, today”.
“The YARDS is a place where sustainability, community and technology intersect to create a neighbourhood that boosts the wellbeing of staff while being well connected,” she said.
“This is the future of industrial and an achievement worth celebrating. We congratulate all involved.”
The recognition highlights initiatives including:
- Healthy and active design for workers with integrated parks, walking tracks and cycle paths within the masterplan
- Common spaces and amenities within and around the precinct which the occupants, customers and community can utilise
- Assessment of climate change risks associated with location, and the approach to embed climate adaptation design initiatives to minimise physical impacts of climate change
- Commitment to certify all industrial facilities within the estate to 6 Star Green Star Design & As-Built v1.3 rating
- Water efficient fittings and fixtures, rainwater harvesting and future-ready infrastructure for recycled water connections
- Minimising urban heat island impacts through landscaped areas and a native bush regeneration zone to support local biodiversity and nature
- Extensive rooftop solar installation and full electrification of the estate to facilitate a seamless transition to fossil fuel-free energy sources in the future.