Despite the added costs involved, Queensland-based Rockpool Aged Care has opened the nation’s first 5 Star Green Star home in Carseldine, 16km north of Brisbane’s CBD.
The 150-bed Rockpool Carseldine facility underwent rigorous design, construction and operations assessments before achieving the Green Building Council of Australia rating.
“There were considerable costs involved; however, the legacy for our residents, staff, the environment and the efficient long-term operating costs easily made the project worthwhile,” CEO Melissa Argent (pictured) said.
“Everything is constantly being assessed and measured including energy and water consumption to ensure we meet pre-determined targets.
“The Carseldine site is gas-free, with the electricity-only solution complemented by hundreds of solar panels and several electric vehicle charging stations on site.”
She said the five-storey building, which uses recycled materials in the concrete slabs and walls, will deliver long-term benefits to residents.
The home, which features a health centre, a café, hair salon, and uses HomeGuardian technology, offers residential care, respite care, memory support care and palliative care.
Rockpool also owns an aged care home at Morayfield, 45km north of Brisbane’s CBD, and has DA approval for an aged care home at Oxley, 14.8km west of Brisbane’s CBD; construction is also underway at its Pelican Waters home at Caloundra on QLD’s Sunshine Coast.
