Step inside Australia’s first 6 Star industrial precinct
The nation’s greenest industrial precinct in Sydney’s Wetherill Park is complete. How has Frasers Property Australia helped tenants slash $1 million a year in energy costs?
Developed in collaboration with joint venture partner Western Sydney Parklands Trust, the 20.4-hectare Horsley Drive Business Park boasts eight 6 Star Green Star ratings – more than any other business park in Australia.
“Over $200 million worth of buildings across 98,461 sqm has been created at Horsley Drive Business Park,” says Frasers Property’s Ian Barter, general manager for commercial and industrial in the north region.
Barter says his team was focused on “delivering direct and tangible benefits to customers by reducing total occupancy costs and operating expenses, while also improving the health and wellbeing of employees”.
Tenants are reaping the benefits of this approach to sustainability, with more than $1 million in annual energy savings already achieved.
According to the Green Building Council of Australia, Green Star-rated buildings use 66 per cent less electricity than average buildings and produce 62 per cent fewer greenhouse gas emissions. They also consume half as much water.
Most Green Star-rated industrial business park facilities across Australia are designed to meet 4 Star benchmarks. Frasers Property estimates that a 15,000-20,000 sqm 4 Star rated facility will deliver annual average energy savings between $1.-$1.75 per sqm when compared with a standard building.
But by investing in targeted initiatives and technology to achieve a 6 Star rating, these savings can increase by 165 per cent over a 10-year term. In some cases, a cash flow positive result for occupants can be achieved from the first year of operation.
Among the features that can contribute to a 6 Star Green Star rating are renewable energy such as solar and geothermal for heating and cooling, rainwater tanks for toilet flushing and landscape irrigation, electric vehicle car changing point and high-efficiency LED Lighting.
“Over 700 jobs have been created during the construction and completion phases,” Barter adds.
Barter says Frasers Property continues to pursue sustainability ratings to demonstrate a commitment to “market leadership”
“This approach is critical to future proofing facilities so they continue to deliver value and remain competitive.’