Australia Residential Complex Receives Highest Energy-Efficiency Rating in Country

According to ABC News in Australia, the first five-star energy-efficiency rating has been given to a Sydney apartment complex, the first residential property in the nation to receive the rating.

Project manager Peter Le May told the source creating green building designs, such as the one in Sydney, is a new venture for him and his company. "I'd have to say this is a fairly new model, a fairly adventurous model," he told the news source.

Le May also told the source the project cost nearly $30 million, and has unique water conservation features, including the toilet's water coming from rainfall collected on the roof, as well as 120,000 litres of water stored beneath the home for all plumbing uses.

New South Wales Department of Housing director-general Mike Allen told the source the housing is not only environmentally friendly, but also affordable.

Though the apartment has a five-star energy-efficiency rating, the highest rating for any building in Australia is six stars, and belongs to the Pixel building in Melbourne. The Australian reports the building, which is owned by the construction company Grocon, is completely self-sufficient in energy and water.