Sunshine Plaza has been recognised as Queensland’s most sustainable shopping centre.
The Maroochydore centre claimed the state’s first 5 Star Green Star Design and As Built rating from the Green Building Council of Australia.
Sunshine Plaza, owned by Lendlease’s Australian Prime Property Fund Retail and GPT, was one of only two centres to have been awarded this rating nationally.
The plaza’s recent redevelopment was designed to deliver a word class, sustainable, vibrant shopping and entertainment experience that provided long-term benefits for the community.
The redevelopment included the installation of a 2710-panel, 1.1 Megawatt solar power system that has enabled the centre to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 1700 tonnes, according to Green Star carbon emissions factors.
As a result of sustainability initiatives, the centre has achieved a 5-star NABERS Energy rating, where 3.5 Star is the industry average.
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Some of the centre’s other features include:
- Installation of a Tesla supercharger station capable of charging six vehicles, and end-of-trip facilities for cyclists.
- Energy efficient LED lighting and long-life fluorescent fittings
- Installation of high efficiency water fixtures and fittings and a 232,000-litre rainwater capture system.
- Diversion of more than 95% of construction waste from landfill.
- Use of low volatile organic compounds paints, adhesives sealants and carpets, as well as engineered timber products with low formaldehyde emission.
- High performance glazing and external shading.
- High efficiency mechanical services.
- Design informed by an in-depth climate change risk assessment.
Lendlease is a 1.5C aligned company with a commitment to achieving ‘Net Zero Carbon’ for scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2025 and ‘Absolute Zero Carbon’ across all operations, including the supply chain, by 2040.
Scott Mosely, Managing Director, Investment Management, Lendlease, was delighted the centre was acknowledged.
“It’s a wonderful achievement to have Sunshine Plaza recognised as the most sustainable shopping centre in Queensland and one of only two centres to have received this rating nationally,” he said.
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“Sunshine Plaza’s redevelopment presented an opportunity to make the centre more sustainable and adaptable for climate change – and we’ve achieved that.”
Davina Rooney, CEO, Green Building Council of Australia, lauded the centre.
“Shopping precincts are more than places for groceries, if done right they can provide the community with much needed spaces of engagement and connection,” she said.
“We’re so proud of Lendlease’s achievement in obtaining a 5 Star Green Star Design and As Built rating, it’s a great example of sustainable place-making.”
