Newest University of Melbourne building receives highest environmental accolades

The University of Melbourne’s newest building, for the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning (ABP), has been awarded a 6 Star Green Design – Education Design v1 Rating that commends its world leadership in sustainable design and building practices.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Glyn Davis is thrilled to see the environmental credentials of the newest addition to the Parkville campus.

“I’m delighted because it’s a first for the University and a gratifying example of our aspiration to be an environmentally responsible citizen,” said Prof Davis.

This rating is an internationally recognised award, administered by the Green Building Council Australia. It has only been awarded to 12 buildings in Australia.

Professor Tom Kvan, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning, said this structure showcases innovative design elements that are at the global forefront of the industry.

“This award is testament to the quality of the design and construction, and recognises the significant innovation realised in this project,” Prof Kvan said.

“We are especially proud that this will be the University’s first 6 Star Green Star rated building, an exemplar of sustainable architectural design on campus.”

The 6 star rating was achieved due to the high degree of design integration and innovation incorporated into the design process. The ABP building is the first education facility to be awarded the maximum 10 Green Star innovation credits.

Credits were awarded for elements such as integrating the heritage Joseph Reed façade into the new design; eliminating all car parking from the site; and undertaking a whole building, whole of life cycle assessment.

The new building, to open in December this year, is dedicated to housing built environment research and teaching. It will be a demonstration building for sustainable design that enables the testing of emerging technologies, informs users of its environmental performance, and translates the practice of sustainable research into daily experience, research and learning.

The Melbourne School of Design is part of Open House Melbourne on Sunday 27 July  from 10 – 4pm (no bookings required!)

 http://www.openhousemelbourne.org/buildings/university-of-melbourne–architecture–building