Mirvac partners with Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation

Leading integrated property developer, Mirvac, will provide Altona North Primary School with garden and cooking facility improvements, to assist the school in their aim to be part of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation’s nationwide, groundbreaking program by 2022.

Altona North Primary School aims to introduce students in years three and four to the official SAKGF program, encouraging pupils to upskill and transform their food education and habits, joining 2000 schools taking part across Australia.

Mirvac’s support of both SAKGF and Altona North Primary School is underpinned by its commitment to providing innovative sustainability and social initiatives for the local community – a core focus of Mirvac’s vision for The Fabric, a vibrant new masterplanned community located just 1.8 kilometres from the school.

Mirvac’s General Manager for Residential Victoria, Elysa Anderson said, “We’re incredibly excited to bring Stephanie Alexander’s wealth of experience into the fold for The Fabric, driven by our mutual aim to inspire sustainable behaviours, and to help Altona North Primary School in its endeavours to improve its garden facilities and programs. Mirvac is committed to creating a positive legacy for The Fabric and the surrounding community for generations to come.”

The Altona North Primary School facility upgrades will be delivered by Mirvac. The works will coincide with a brand new three-year partnership between SAKGF and The Fabric, which will see the not-for-profit organisation play an integral role in the design and delivery of The Fabric’s planned community garden and kitchen facility which will be delivered on site amongst other sustainable initiatives within the community.

Stephanie Alexander AO, renowned Australian food icon and founder of SAKGF said, “Our purpose is to introduce pleasurable food education to children in their learning years so they can form positive food habits for the rest of their lives. We’re delighted to be working closely with Mirvac to inspire and educate the local community on the long-lasting advantages of being able to take delicious homegrown food from patch to plate.”

Mirvac’s approach to sustainability goes significantly further at The Fabric. The developer is targeting a benchmark of a minimum seven-star NatHERS energy rating across every home – a significant increase on Victoria’s minimum standard of six-star NatHERS energy ratings. This ambitious target will see every home at The Fabric incorporate high-performance double-glazed windows and upgraded wall and roof insulation to improve overall thermal performance. Future residents will benefit from reduced heating and cooling requirements, reduced energy bills and more comfortable living environments.

Mirvac has also partnered with the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to deliver and trial Net Zero Energy homes within The Fabric community. Each of the 49 townhouses within Stage 1 will exceed typical home specifications with market-leading inclusions such as a five-kilowatt peak (5kWp) photovoltaic (PV) solar panels and 10 kilowatt hours (10kWh) of battery storage, smart-home energy monitoring, high-performing LED lighting, heat-pump hot water systems, fully-electric appliances, roof ventilation, efficient reverse-cycle air-conditioning, and provision for an electric vehicle charger in the garage.

It is anticipated that these features will enable future residents to save up to $3000 per annum* on energy bills, as part of this ambitious step by Mirvac to improve its sustainability offering to its residential customers. On behalf of the Australian government, ARENA will provide $784 000 in funding to support this trial.

The Fabric’s 11.5-hectare masterplan is designed to foster a vibrant, connected community with an urban village feel. Centred around the future Patchwork Park, a 4000-square-metre park with generous public green spaces, longterm locals and new residents will be able to call the neighbourhood home from mid-2022.

*Please note: This annual household cost saving is an estimate, based on Mirvac comparisons of Net Zero Energy Homes’ energy-efficient appliances and equipment with standard appliances and equipment.

For more information on The Fabric, please visit thefabric.mirvac.com.