The Bond University Mirvac School of Sustainable Development was awarded its 6 Star, or 'World Leadership', status by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) for the design of its recently completed building.
The 6 star Green Star - Education Pilot certified rating is the result of a 12-month submission process Bond University undertook with the GBCA as part of its Green Star pilot process for educational buildings, as one of only five education providers nationally chosen to take part.
The building has been designed to minimise energy consumption through an innovative design that makes maximum use of natural light and mixed mode ventilation. Water tanks, solar heating and a grey water recycling system means it will not rely on South East Queensland's water supply. The building will also generate around 40 per cent of its peak power through solar cells and wind turbines. The design also made extensive use of recycled materials, including recycled-certified steel and timber, low-emission paints and carpets made from recycled fibres.
While the building is estimated to be around 30 per cent more expensive than traditional buildings upfront - at a cost of $11 million - it represents significant cost savings in the long-term.
The in-house Mirvac Design team collaborated with the university and consultant team to develop a design that holistically addressed the principles of world's best practice sustainability.
