Green Funding for Norwest

The Clean Energy Finance Corporation has given an $80 million green loan to Mulpha Australia for Stage 1 of its Norwest Quarter residential development.

Stage 1 of Norwest Quarter will deliver 196 net zero-ready apartments that will consume 50 per cent less electricity from the grid and will be powered by 100 per cent renewable energy with an all-electric and gas-free design.

The CEFC position is being matched by an $80 million green loan from ANZ.

The sustainable apartments will have an average 7-star NatHERS rating, provide residents with significant water savings and make it possible to reduce waste to landfill by more than 50 per cent.

Featuring two main towers designed by award winning Australian Architectural firms Smart Design Studio and Bates Smart, apartments within Norwest Quarter will include energy efficient appliances, LED lighting, induction cooktops, efficient plumbing fixtures and heat pump hot water systems.

These inclusions will reduce residents grid reliance, minimise their carbon footprints and make it possible to reduce household bills by more than 25 per cent a year.

Norwest Quarter forms part of Mulpha’s broader Norwest precinct and will include landscaped open space at ground level to aid in urban heat reduction and more than 3,000 square metres of retail space. Support for electric vehicle charging infrastructure, solar rooftops and the use of low emission building materials will also be included, alongside features that support the circular economy such as recycled water for toilets and onsite organic waste treatment.

CEFC CEO Ian Learmonth said: “Renewables are one of the lowest cost forms of energy and are a great place to cut energy costs and reduce our carbon output.”

“Norwest Quarter is an ambitious development that has innovated by taking a holistic approach to optimise sustainability at every level of the building process. We need to lock in this approach to all new and existing buildings as we target net zero emissions.

“As one of Australia’s first masterplanned urban precincts to incorporate sustainable aspects from the design stage, Norwest Quarter residents will be able to reap the benefits of the buildings and reduce their carbon footprints into the future.

“We all want to cut our energy costs, whether in businesses or at home. By reducing the energy used by our homes, appliances and vehicles and switching to renewables we can make a sustainable change to how energy is used across the towns and cities of Australia.”

Greg Shaw, Mulpha Australia CEO said: “Being able to partner with these financial groups in the delivery of one of Australia’s first ever, zero emission urban precincts is an exciting achievement.

“Norwest Quarter in The Hills Shire of Sydney will be one of Australia’s first urban precinct developments to fully incorporate sustainable design principles from conception through to its construction and long-term performance, resulting in zero carbon living at 25 percent less cost for residents.

“As a major property developer, investor and manager we are committed to sustainable finance and design principles because this is not just good for the environment, it’s good for all our stakeholders being the communities in which we operate, our investors and business partners.”