The YARDS, a $1 billion joint venture by Frasers Property Industrial and Aware Real Estate has set a new benchmark in Australia as the first industrial estate to achieve a Communities rating from the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA). 

Achieving the highest possible 6 Star Green Star Communities v1.1 rating lifts the bar for sustainable and innovative industrial estates, having previously only been awarded to residential, mixed-use commercial and retail precincts.  

Located in Kemps Creek, New South Wales, The YARDS is under construction that will accommodate more than 14 state-of-the-art facilities of approximately 400,000 square metres across 77 hectares. 

The GBCA’s Green Star – Communities rating tool assesses the planning, design and construction of large-scale development projects at a precinct, neighbourhood and/or community scale. It provides a rigorous and holistic rating across five impact categories: Governance, Liveability, Economic Prosperity, Environment and Innovation. The rating recognises the proposed design and approach over the duration of construction and operational period of The YARDS. 

The recognition highlights The YARDS’ commitment to provide community and sustainability initiatives including: 

• Healthy and active design for workers with integrated parks, walking tracks and cycle paths within the masterplan;
• Common spaces and amenities within and around the precinct which the occupants, customers and community can utilise;
• Assessment of climate change risks associated with location, and the approach to embed climate adaptation design initiatives to minimise physical impacts of climate change;
• Commitment to certify all industrial facilities within the estate to 6 Star Green Star Design & As-Built v1.3 rating; 
• Water efficient fittings and fixtures, rainwater harvesting and future-ready infrastructure for recycled water connections;
• Minimising urban heat island impacts through landscaped areas and a native bush regeneration zone to support local biodiversity and nature;
• Extensive rooftop solar installation and full electrification of the estate to facilitate a seamless transition to fossil fuel-free energy sources in the future.

Davina Rooney, Chief Executive Officer at Green Building Council of Australia said: 

“As the first industrial estate in Australia to achieve a 6 Star Green Star Communities certification, The YARDS is a world-leading project displaying the future of work, today. Created by one of our industry's leading innovators - Frasers Property Industrial, in partnership with Aware Real Estate - The YARDS is a place where sustainability, community and technology intersect to create a neighbourhood that boosts the wellbeing of staff while being well connected. This is the future of industrial and an achievement worth celebrating. We congratulate all involved.”

Ian Barter, Managing Director Australia at Frasers Property Industrial said: 

“Frasers Property Industrial has a strong and enduring partnership with the Green Building Council of Australia. We have led the industrial sector’s adoption of Green Star ratings, including the certification of Australia’s first 6 Star Green Star Design & As-built industrial facility.

“We are now proud to now once again lead the way, with the adoption of the Green Star - Communities certification.

“Our vision for The YARDS is to create a next-generation industrial community centred on sustainability, wellbeing and technology. This vision aligns with our long-term sustainability goals as well as our ongoing focus to support the health and wellbeing of our customer’s employees.

“This latest Green Star achievement is evidence that Frasers Property Industrial is not only achieving its vision – but setting a new standard for industrial in Australia.” 

Michelle McNally, CEO Aware Real Estate said: 

“We’re delighted that The YARDS has achieved this rating and set a new standard for industrial developments in Australia. By retrofitting a ratings tool typically used for residential communities, we’ve innovated in a way never seen before at an industrial estate. The development of The YARDS aligns with Aware Real Estate’s investment strategy to target strategic locations around existing and new infrastructure that will drive long-term demand and capital growth. We’re pleased to deliver the precinct in partnership with Frasers Property Industrial, and our development partner Altis Property Partners, which have a strong track record in delivering quality projects that allow people and businesses to thrive. 

“This rating confirms the quality of the buildings and overall estate, as well as the joint venture’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.” 

For The YARDS leasing enquiries, please contact Frasers Property Industrial and Altis Property Partners.