The
Bond University Mirvac School of Sustainable Development building on the Gold Coast is the first Australian university to attain 6 Star ‘World Leadership’ status from the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA). It is now regarded as one of the greenest education buildings in the world.
The building was officially opened by Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, the Hon. Julia Gillard MP, on 11 August 2008.
Bond University, Mirvac Design and sustainability partner Arup were part of the project team which achieved the 6 Star Green Star – Education PILOT Certified Rating.
Arup sustainability consultant Henry Anning said the design, construction and operation of the new three storey building reduces the energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by 82% compared to a conventional building.
“The building also generates around 40% of its peak power through solar heating and other initiatives such as energy-saving controls on installed lighting and wind turbines.
“This is a significant project that showcases leading sustainability design and technology. The award of 6 Star Green rating means the building design has achieved world class excellence,” Mr Anning says.
“It’s a particularly impressive achievement given that when the planning and design of the building began in April 2006, there was no rating tool available in the market to guide Bond University’s aim for a ‘world’s best practice’ sustainable building.”
The building design minimises energy consumption through an innovative design that maximises use of natural light and mixed ventilation.
The design also extensively uses recycled materials, including recycled-certified steel and timber, low-emission paints and carpets made from recycled fibres.
A comprehensive water recycling design means that the entire water requirement for landscape irrigation is sourced from rainwater and recycled water collected on site.
“It has been a wonderful opportunity to create a building that sets a new environmental standard for universities throughout the world.
“We would urge other education providers and developers to follow the lead of Bond University and embrace sustainability to help tackle climate change, as well as creating an improved environment for people inside the building,.” Mr Anning said.
According to Mr Anning, Arup has been committed to shaping a better world for many years.
“The sustainability has been one of our core values since the 1960’s,” he said.
“We will continue to set high benchmarks and to pursue innovative sustainable development solutions with relentless initiative.”
Arup has been involved in a number of projects that have taken a world-leading position on sustainability including the recent refurbishment of the heritage building 39 Hunter Street in the Sydney CBD as well as Arup’s pioneering role in the creation of Beijing’s iconic buildings like the National Stadium and the organic structure of the National Aquatics Center (Water Cube).
The Bond University Mirvac School of Sustainable Development is Australia’s first designated tertiary Institute to formally recognise long-term sustainability as integral in urban planning, design, development and strategic asset management.
The design rating is the result of a 12-month submission process Bond University undertook with GBCA as part of their Green Star pilot process for educational buildings, as one of only five education providers nationally chosen to take part.