Ginninderry, Canberra’s first 6 Star Green Star Community, continues to demonstrate world-leadership in environmental, social and economic sustainability with the project successfully achieving recertification under the Green Building Council of Australia’s Green Star – Communities rating scheme.

Green Star rated projects are required to undertake recertification every five years. This was Ginninderry’s second assessment against best practice benchmarks across governance, liveability, economic prosperity, environment and innovation.

With additional points gained for innovation, sustainability and economic prosperity, Ginninderry secured 84 points, surpassing its original certification score of 81 in 2016.

Today, joint venture partners, Riverview Developments and the Suburban Land Agency welcomed the announcement that Ginninderry had been recertified at the highest rating possible (World Leadership) under the national Green Star – Communities rating system.

Ginninderry Sustainability Manager Jessica Stewart said the 6 Star Green Star – Communities rating recognises the connection between people and place at Ginninderry.

“This rating is a testament that we are delivering Ginninderry’s vision of being a sustainable community of international significance,” says Ms Stewart.

“Sustainability is not a single idea. It’s about investing in conservation and the community to create opportunities for education, employment and innovation. This is achieved through a combination of initiatives throughout the planning, design and construction of Ginninderry. The project’s size, location, and long development timeframe provide a great opportunity to trial various technologies and initiatives.”

Ginninderry, which is bounded by the Murrumbidgee River and Ginninderra Creek, is a leader in water sensitive urban design. Through a network of bioretention swales, wetlands and basins to capture, cleanse, recycle and infiltrate water created on-site, the development aims to retain the integrity of those existing waterways.

New technologies also help householders reduce the amount of energy they use.  Solar panels are mandated for all homes, and Home Eneergy Management Systems are used to help reduce usage while educating residents about how they can save money while living within all-electric homes.

“Our neighbourhoods put people first – through an urban design that allows people to walk and cycle safely through a network of well-designed path and access ways both within Ginninderry and into the broader West Belconnen region. We want more people out of their cars and exploring the wonderful natural environment that we have at Ginninderry,” Ms Stewart said.

Green Building Council of Australia Chief Executive Officer Davina Rooney said Ginninderry’s 6 Star Green Star – Communities rating represented world leadership in the design and delivery of sustainable communities.

“This certification highlights the know-how, technology and collaborative thinking found in Australia – and Ginninderry is certainly a world-class example of why sustainable thinking can deliver more for people, the community and the environment. The project team’s achievement is truly outstanding, especially when we consider a project of Ginninderry’s scale,” Ms Rooney said.

The 6 Star Green Star – Communities rating has been achieved on the back of a range of initiatives integrated into the planning for Ginninderry, including but not limited to:

• Solar energy: All homes have rooftop solar with integrated Home Energy Management Systems, allowing residents to achieve greater control over their energy use.
• Training and Employment: Ginninderry’s award-winning SPARK Training and Employment Program continues to open vocational and employment opportunities to a broad cross-section of the community.
• Transport: The Strathnairn to Kippax bus service provides public transport options to residents from the day they move in, while a shared e-bike system provides another active travel option.
• Cultural Heritage: The Ginninderry Aboriginal Advisory Group plays an active role in interpreting the Indigenous heritage of the area, ensuring it plays a central role in the growing community.

Ginninderry will undergo further recertification in 2026.