Eldercare Goodwood has become the first aged care home in South Australia to achieve a prestigious 6 Star Green Star Certification in Building Design and Construction (version 1.3), awarded by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA).
The certification recognises world-leading performance in environmentally sustainable building design and construction.
Green Star is Australia’s trusted sustainability rating tool for the built environment, setting the standard for healthier, more responsible buildings and communities nationwide.
Eldercare Chief Executive Jane Pickering said the organisation was proud to lead the aged care sector with this milestone achievement, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and global best practice.
“Our innovative, sustainable design has been built around our model of care to support the health and wellbeing of a rapidly ageing population who expect to age well, remain connected to community and are environmentally aware,” Pickering said.
“Eldercare is committed to corporate and social responsibility, including reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and this is reflected in the design and construction of our aged care home at Goodwood.”
Opened in February 2025, the $40 million Eldercare Goodwood facility is a high-tech, luxury residential aged care home located in the heart of cosmopolitan Goodwood, Adelaide.
The purpose-built site accommodates up to 100 residents and was designed by Brown Falconer and constructed by Sarah Construction.
Sustainability features are embedded throughout the building’s design and operations. A 100 kW solar photovoltaic system powers the all-electric facility, significantly reducing reliance on external energy sources.
The site also includes a stormwater collection and reuse system for garden irrigation, as well as 150,000 litres of rainwater storage capacity.
Additional environmentally conscious design elements include LED lighting with motion sensors, double-glazed windows, and natural ventilation systems, all contributing to improved energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality.
These initiatives have delivered measurable environmental benefits.
In a single year, Eldercare Goodwood recorded energy savings of more than 300,000 kWh.
This is enough to power approximately 68 average South Australian households.
Water savings exceeded 1,450 kilolitres, equivalent to the annual supply for up to eight households.
Developed by the GBCA, the Green Star rating system has been used to certify thousands of buildings, homes and precincts across Australia.
A 6 Star rating represents the highest level of achievement, recognising excellence in key areas such as energy efficiency, water management, indoor environmental quality, thermal comfort, ventilation and climate resilience.
Eldercare Goodwood’s certification signals a broader shift within the aged care sector toward sustainable, future-focused infrastructure that supports both environmental outcomes and resident wellbeing.
As demand grows for aged care services that align with environmental values, projects like Eldercare Goodwood are setting a new standard for how facilities can deliver high-quality care while reducing their environmental footprint.
