Commonwealth Bank and Oxford Properties Group (Oxford) have signed Australia's first build-to-rent green loan to support the development of Indi Sydney City. The AUD$130 million green loan will contribute to the construction of one of Australia's most sustainable high-rise residential buildings, and the Sydney CBD's first build-to-rent development.
Oxford Properties Group (Oxford) is a leading global real estate investor, asset manager and commercial developer, and is the owner of Indi Sydney City. Delivered and managed by Indi, the development will be a 5 Star Green Star building that will be carbon neutral in operations and the first to achieve a NABERS energy rating for built-to-rent.
To qualify for the Green Loan, Oxford and Indi's owner Investa, collaborated on a Green Financing Framework, which articulates the use and management of proceeds, with borrowings transparently earmarked for eligible green assets. The Framework was developed in line with Green Loan Principles (GLP), accepted as one of the main guidelines for the issuance of Green Loans globally.
Indi Sydney City will be the first project to utilise a Green Loan under this new Green Financing Framework.
The development adopts best practice sustainability outcomes throughout design, construction and operation, such as material choice, onsite renewable generation, rainwater reuse and will achieve a high Basix Energy rating of 30 per cent.
Some of the key sustainability initiatives incorporated in the building's design include:
- Regenerative lifts that capture heat generated by elevators during use and convert it into reusable energy for the building, delivering 20 per cent to 25 per cent improvements to lift energy efficiency.
- High-efficiency central cooling system and tempered air-conditioning which disables cooling and heating in common areas when outdoor conditions are favourable, to provide thermal comfort to occupants.
- Provision of energy and water efficient appliances to all apartments.
- Sub-metering for improved tracking of operational performance.
The 234-apartment build-to-rent development will offer a range of 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom apartments and provide an extensive offering of shared residents amenities and services.
Nellie O'Keeffe, Director Development, Oxford Properties Group said the objective in executing Green Loans through the Green Financing Framework is to finance properties that will deliver positive environmental outcomes.
"Indi Sydney City is a wonderful example of the development and operation of an energy efficient, low-carbon community in action," she explained. "At Oxford Properties, our purpose is to create economic and social value through real estate - safeguarding the future and creating opportunities for our customers, communities, partners and people. The securing of this Green Loan will help us deliver one of the most sustainable places to live in Sydney," she continued.
Margot Black, General Manager, Corporate Sustainability at Investa, said the green loan further re-enforces Investa's leadership position in corporate sustainability and reflects its long-term commitment to transitioning to a low carbon economy.
"Investa has been focused on diversifying its sources of debt and supporting the growth of the sustainable finance market in Australia since the platform closed its first green loan in 2019. The successful development of a Green Financing Framework with Oxford, and the execution of the first green loan for the Indi platform under this Framework, is a significant achievement for all parties. It further re-enforces our leadership position in corporate sustainability and reflects our long-term commitment to transitioning to a low carbon economy," said Ms Black.
Andrew Hinchliff, Group Executive of Institutional Banking & Markets at Commonwealth Bank, said supporting the development of green infrastructure required for the economy of tomorrow was a strategic priority for the bank.
"As our nation grows and evolves, the way Australians live, work and play is changing and people will be seeking new, more flexible modes of living that can put them closer to their jobs. Build-to-rent properties will play a key part in Australia's future, and we're very proud to have been able to help Oxford break new ground with this sustainable development," said Mr Hinchliff.
Michael Thorpe, Managing Director, Future Cities and Networks at Commonwealth Bank, said the use of the green loan structure to fund the development of Indi Sydney City reflected its strong environmental credentials.
"Indi Sydney City has been designed to deliver exceptional sustainability outcomes, so that residents share the views and amenities, as well as the building's energy efficient infrastructure. We're excited to bring the first premium built-to-rent offering to the Sydney residential rental market, and one that's earned Green Loan certification through its strong sustainability credentials and a commitment to drive positive environmental outcomes," said Mr Thorpe.
