Stantec, a global leader in sustainable design and engineering, has announced its pivotal role in helping New Epping achieve a prestigious 6 Star Green Star Communities rating from the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) — the highest possible accolade under the internationally recognised sustainability framework.
The 6 Star rating, denoting world leadership, positions New Epping among a select group of Victorian developments to reach this milestone.
The certification recognises excellence across governance, liveability, economic prosperity, environment, and innovation — criteria aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and reflecting a holistic approach to community sustainability.
Stantec partnered with Riverlee to develop a robust and measurable sustainability framework, translating the client’s vision into actionable strategies.
The multidisciplinary team provided expertise across water, transport, social impact, and sustainability planning to support the project’s ambitious goals.
“This rating is a testament to the strength of collaboration and the clarity of Riverlee’s sustainability vision,” said Kenneth Yuen, Sustainability Project Technical Lead at Stantec.
“Our role was to help shape that vision into a framework that could be implemented and measured across the life of the development.
“It required deep coordination across disciplines and a shared commitment to pushing boundaries.”
Spanning 51 hectares, New Epping is a benchmark-setting urban regeneration project that transforms a former brownfield site into a vibrant, mixed-use precinct. Stantec’s contributions supported the integration of sustainable water management, transport planning, and community-focused design.
The project achieved a perfect score in the innovation category, with Stantec supporting the recognition of several standout features.
These included advanced passive irrigation systems for urban greening and the integration of Wurundjeri cultural knowledge into the design of the Edgar’s Creek Corridor.
“This is a significant achievement not just for Riverlee, but for sustainable development in Australia,” said Sumari Veal, Team Leader, Water at Stantec.
“Our water team’s efforts in restoring Edgar’s Creek as a flood-resilient green corridor have been instrumental in achieving this rating.”
“New Epping sets a new benchmark for what’s possible when sustainability is embedded from the outset,” said Danielle Cruickshank, Principal Transport Planner at Stantec.
“Our transport team’s development of a Green Travel Plan to prioritise active and public transport has been crucial in supporting the project’s sustainability goals.”
Having helped deliver one of Victoria’s most sustainable communities, Stantec looks forward to seeing New Epping thrive as a model for future developments.
