Convesso wins green star rating

Lend Lease continues to build its environmental credentials in Victoria Harbour with news that it’s latest residential development is the first in Victoria to be awarded a Green Star rating.

The Green Building Council of Australia has awarded a 4 Star Green Star – Multi Unit Residential PILOT rating to Convesso 8 Waterside Place. Convesso will be a twin tower development on the waterfront beyond Dock 5.

Among the key environmental design features which make the residential tower Australia’s greenest high rise residential development are ecoMeters.

Convesso will be one of the first developments in Australia to install the visual display panels which provide occupants with valuable information including live data on electricity usage and cost, water usage and cost, and CO2 emissions generated through electricity use.

This real-time feedback makes occupants aware of usage levels and can help them make informed decisions about reducing their usage or moving to off-peak periods saving money, water and energy.

Vivas Lend Lease Executive Director Hugh Martin said: “From smart metering to storm water collection tanks, energy saving features and alternative transport options on your doorstep, Convesso will empower residents to create a community that strives to set a new benchmark in sustainable living.”

Some of the development’s other key sustainability features include improved indoor environment quality through the use of low or no volatile organic compounds and reduced water usage through the provision of water efficient appliances including dishwashers, washing machines and tap-ware. There will also be a rainwater tank for landscape irrigation.

According to the Green Building Council of Australia’s Green Star Executive Director, Robin Mellon, Convesso is evidence that green design and good architecture can be synonymous.

In addition to its 4 Star Green Star rating, Convesso also achieves an average 8 Star NatHERS (National House Energy Rating Scheme) rating.

This 8 star NatHERS energy rating will result in an approximately 65 per cent reduction in residents’ heating and cooling energy compared with the performance requirements of the Building Code of Australia. This is achieved through high performance facade glazing and insulation to all walls and ceilings, resulting in increased operational energy efficiency and reduced reliance on air conditioning.