Disability and retirement living development design ‘greenest’ in SA

The title was awarded to the design plans for Uniting Communities 20-storey $100 million U City build, currently under construction on the corner of Franklin and Pitt streets, by the Green Building Council of Australia for its predicted use of 45 percent less energy and 30 percent less water than a comparable new building.

Green Building Council of Australia Chief Executive Officer Romilly Madew has commended the design as “exemplary”, making note of some key design features such as an embedded electricity network, gas boosted solar hot water and natural cross ventilation throughout all living spaces, which contributed to the “stunning rating”.

“With a design rating of 84.9 out of a possible 100, the U City development represents world leadership in sustainable design and has achieved more Green Star points than any other project in South Australia,” he says.

South Australian Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation Ian Hunter made the announcement about the design’s rating success, and congratulated the community services organisation, saying the rating came after an enormous amount of time and work had been invested in clever design and identifying and sourcing ethical and sustainable elements.

“This goes way beyond Uniting Communities simply providing affordable power and water for occupants,” Minister Hunter explains.

“This is genuine leadership in reducing consumption of natural resources and lowering carbon emissions, and we’re delighted with their passion and commitment.

“Our overall goal is about working towards creating more sustainable buildings and communities across South Australia… we hope U City will now be a great example for others to follow.”

Uniting Communities Chief Executive Simon Schrapel says the acknowledgement of the strength of the sustainable design of U City is only the first step in the ongoing assessment of the building.

“With a mix of specialist accommodation for people living with a disability, commercial spaces, retirement apartments, a function centre, retail and a range of social service offerings, the value of delivering South Australia’s greenest building design is significant and we are extremely proud to have received this honour,” Mr Schrapel says.

“Following the completion of construction, we will then be assessed on what we’ve delivered as distinct from what we have designed.

“We know we have a long way to go, but we are committed to ‘walking the talk’ when it comes to sustainability and I’m confident that after this stellar start and recognition, we will continue to deliver.”

The U City development is scheduled for completion in early 2019.