Sustainability meets luxury: Lessons from Eldercare’s world-leading 6 Star achievement

The aged care landscape is shifting, and Eldercare is leading the charge toward a more sustainable future. In a landmark achievement for the sector, Eldercare Goodwood has officially become the first aged care home in South Australia to be awarded a 6 Star Green Star Certification in Building Design and Construction (version 1.3).

Awarded by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA), this prestigious rating is more than just a badge of honor – it represents “world-leading” performance in building design and construction. For aged care leaders, it serves as a powerful case study in how environmental responsibility can be seamlessly integrated with high-quality clinical care and resident wellbeing.

A commitment to excellence

Eldercare Chief Executive Jane Pickering noted that this milestone reinforces the organisation’s commitment to global best practices. 

“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,” Ms. Pickering said.

The $40 million high-tech site, which opened its doors in February 2025, was designed by Brown Falconer and built by Sarah Constructions. It currently serves as a home for up to 100 residents in the heart of Goodwood, Adelaide.

Practical innovation

The 6 Star rating reflects excellence across several critical areas, including energy efficiency, water management, and indoor environmental quality. Eldercare Goodwood achieved these results through several key features:

• Renewable energy: An all-electric building powered significantly by a 100 kW solar PV system.
• Water conservation: A 150,000L rainwater storage capacity and a stormwater collection system used for garden irrigation.
• Efficient design: LED lighting with motion sensors, double-glazed windows, and natural ventilation to enhance thermal comfort.

The impact of these features is substantial. In just one year, the site saved over 300,000 kWh of electricity, which is enough to power roughly 68 average South Australian households, and saved more than 1,450 kL of water.

Setting the standard

For leaders in aged care, the success at Goodwood demonstrates that reducing greenhouse gas emissions and embracing corporate social responsibility is not only possible but beneficial to the resident experience. A 6 Star rating is the highest level of achievement offered by the GBCA, indicating that the facility is resilient, healthy, and responsible.

As the expectations of residents and their families continue to evolve, so too do the expectations for what’s possible when sustainability and care models work in harmony.