6-Star Green Star Success with Scape Leicester

Kapitol’s, recent collaboration with Scape on the Scape Leicester project not only highlights our commitment to sustainability but sets a groundbreaking standard for the student accommodation sector.

Scape Leicester proudly stands as the first Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) in Australia to achieve a 6-Star Green Star Design & As Built (v1.3) rating. This prestigious recognition, awarded by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA), signifies a remarkable commitment to excellence in sustainable design and construction. Kapitol’s proactive involvement with Green Star initiatives from the project outset enabled us to not only meet the intended Green Star credits but also identify and secure additional ones. Our success in elevating our client’s Green Star target from 5 to 6 stars was a result of careful planning, close collaboration with trade partners and consultants, and our proven expertise in attaining Green Star ratings. This achievement reflects our genuine dedication and drive to delivering sustainable outcomes.

What is Green Star?
Green Star is an internationally recognised sustainability rating system that evaluates a building’s environmental performance across various categories, including energy efficiency, water usage, and indoor quality. Achieving a 6-Star Green Star Design & As Built rating means we’ve reached ‘World Leadership’ in sustainable design and construction, setting an example for the industry to follow.

Key Achievements

• Innovative Use of Construction Materials:
  • Achieved a 32.19% reduction in Portland cement, contributing to a lower carbon footprint through optimised concrete mix designs.
  • Utilised 95.45% reclaimed water for concrete mixing, showcasing resource efficiency.
  • Reduced the use of reinforcing steel by 10%, further lowering the embodied energy of the building’s structural elements.
• Responsible Sourcing and Waste Management:
  • Diverted 97% of construction and demolition waste from landfill, setting a benchmark for waste reduction practices.
  • Sourced 100% certified timber, steel, and PVC, ensuring all materials met rigorous sustainability standards.
• Reducing Water Usage and Enhancing Indoor Air Quality:
  • Achieved a 33% reduction in potable water usage, addressing Australia’s critical resource challenges.
  • Incorporated 99.8% low VOC and formaldehyde products to improve indoor air quality for future residents.
• Local Employment and Wellbeing:

80% of subcontractors and workers lived within a 30km radius of the site, minimising travel-related emissions and supporting local economic growth.

What Sets Kapitol Apart
At Kapitol, we prioritise enhancing our workforce’s expertise through comprehensive training in Green Star rating schemes for all staff. We’ve developed a custom-designed Green Star tracking dashboard tailored for each project, ensuring real-time monitoring of progress. Additionally, our dedicated ESG team is on hand to support project teams, reinforcing our commitment to achieving the highest sustainability standards.

The Future of Residential and the Industry
The Scape Leicester project demonstrates how large-scale residential developments can achieve world-leading sustainability outcomes. With this 6-Star Green Star achievement, Scape is setting new standards for Purpose-Built Student Accommodation and high-density residential developments.

Davina Rooney, CEO of the Green Building Council of Australia, acknowledged the collective efforts that led to the Scape Leicester project’s landmark success in sustainable construction.

“Scape’s achievement in delivering this world-leading, all-electric student accommodation sets a new benchmark for sustainability in the sector. It’s a prime example of how we can create spaces that are healthy and comfortable for residents but also contribute to a low-carbon, resilient future,” said Ms Rooney.

This project not only meets the needs of students and the local community but also serves as a blueprint for future developments. As the construction industry continues to face pressures to address climate change and resource scarcity, Scape Leicester stands as an example of how to meet these challenges head-on, delivering buildings that benefit both people and the planet.

As Australia’s demand for sustainable, energy-efficient, and community-focused buildings continues to grow, Kapitol is ready to meet that challenge. By applying the lessons learned from Scape Leicester to future projects, we aim to pave the way for more world-class sustainable buildings and contribute to the nation’s transition to a low-carbon economy.