Goodman leads sustainable construction with mass timber dev’t in Victoria

Goodman has initiated construction on a pioneering mass timber unit development at Moorabbin Airport in Mentone, Victoria.

This pilot project marks Goodman’s first venture into mass timber construction in the Asia Pacific region as it explores innovative methods to reduce carbon emissions in its developments, the firm said in a media release.

The project will utilise 7,019 pieces of timber, with all waste from off-site timber manufacturing being recycled.

The timber is sourced from a supplier certified for sustainable forest management, ensuring it does not contribute to forest loss.

According to the company, mass timber construction is expected to reduce the property’s embodied carbon by approximately 24 per cent compared to conventional steel developments, while maintaining strength and structural integrity.

The property will also feature a 400kW rooftop solar system, eight EV charging stations, and smart metering to monitor and manage energy consumption.

These features align with Goodman’s commitment to environmental sustainability, aiming to achieve a 5-star Green Star Buildings rating.

Jason Little, CEO of Goodman Group Australia, stated, “In delivering essential infrastructure for the digital economy, one of our priorities is to trial products and construction methods that are low carbon, resilient, and provide positive outcomes for our customers who are looking to achieve their sustainability objectives.”

He added, “This pilot project is a great example of ways we’re exploring innovation, sustainability, and flexibility.”

The warehouse design includes a timber colonnade, showrooms, and office spaces at the front, with functional warehousing behind the scenes.

The development offers four versatile units ranging from 3,500 to 4,300 square meters, designed to be combined for larger customers such as bulky goods retailers, industrial users, and logistics operators.

Paul Ferguson, CEO of Moorabbin Airport, commented, “We’re actively working to reduce our environmental footprint as set out in the Moorabbin Airport Master Plan.”

He continued, “We’ve installed 1,700kW of solar, rainwater tanks for water capture and recycling, and maintain 2,000 drought-tolerant trees since 2015.”

“The mass timber units demonstrate our commitment to building the long-term value and resilience of Moorabbin Airport as well as providing a stable platform for further growth.”

Construction is expected to be completed by November 2024, generating 175 construction jobs.