Sustainable showcase in south west Sydney

Sustainable showcase in south west SydneyA new carbon zero home and a Green Star-rated retirement living village are just two of the sustainable landmarks at Stockland’s new Willowdale residential community in south west Sydney.Willowdale Community Place is a display home that demonstrates how families building their own dream homes can save thousands of dollars every year with energy saving inclusions. The two-storey family home has been designed, built and recently certified to the 8 star NatHERS standard, which means the house is designed to achieve close to net zero emissions through its range of energy-saving and ecologically-sustainable features. Andrew Whitson, CEO Residential at Stockland, says the building is “not a concept house”.”We’re making our communities greener, both in a physical sense with more green, open, public spaces, parks, playgrounds, walking trails and cycleways; and showing customers how they can save money over a lifetime through more energy-efficient home design and construction.”Whitson says all the home’s eco features, fittings and inclusions are commercially available right now.Stockland’s modelling shows that new home owners can expect to recoup that cost in energy savings achieved within five to seven years. “Our aim is make a positive influence on the thousands of customers who build a new home every year, appealing to them at that critical point when they are deciding what to build,” Whitson adds. On completion, Willowdale will comprise around 3,300 homes, a neighbourhood shopping centre anchored by a full-line Coles supermarket and specialty stores. Stockland has also made provision in the masterplan for 25 hectares of parks and playgrounds and the inclusion of a new state primary school. The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) has awarded the Willowdale masterplan with a 6 Star Green Star – Communities rating, which recognises world leadership across a wide range of environmental, economic and social sustainability measures. The GBCA has also awarded the new Willowdale Retirement Village with a 4 Star Green Star rating. Stage one of the retirement village opened in July, and will eventually be home to 266 two- and three-bedroom houses with more than 400 residents.”The new Willowdale Retirement Village offers low-maintenance homes and a fantastic location with new transport infrastructure and easy reach to major motorways,” says Stockland’s CEO for Retirement Living, Stephen Bull.”The community also offers great local amenity including future neighbourhood shops, walking paths, and a playground for the grandkids – all helping to make Willowdale a safe, fun and convenient place to live.” Stockland has also identified a site adjoining the village proposed for a future aged care facility to provide residents with a continuum of care. “We are proud to be building a retirement village that will not only provide retirees with everything they need now, but will also ensure their changing needs are met over time,” Bull concludes.