Adding to its astounding array of accolades already, Darling Quarter, Commonwealth Bank Place designed by Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp has won the Green Building Award in the United Nations Association of Australia 2013 World Environment Day Awards.

The building met the criteria of being a non-residential building project which demonstrated innovation and initiative in implementing green building practices.

Housing the Commonwealth Bank and developed by Lend Lease, the building and fit-out are capable of achieving a 72% reduction in carbon emissions in operation when compared to the average performance of typical existing office buildings in Australia.

It has an innovative mix of commercial and retail functions along with an integrated public domain.

Classified as a 6 Star Green Star building, it delivers an international excellence benchmark in sustainability.

Judges chose Commonwealth Bank Place as the winner of the award because they saw it as an exceptional project that is transformative in its handling of the workplace, the precinct and its relationship with the urban fabric of Sydney.

“The project has generated urban renewal, bringing a workforce into an area that is now an active precinct for the people who live, visit and work in the southern CBD and Darling Harbour area of Sydney.

“The leap taken by CBA in committing to a new working paradigm, while at the same time delivering on a project with world class social, economic and environmental principles has set this project apart.

“The achievements reflected here have come as a result of significant commitment and preparedness to embrace new ways of doing things by the staff of CBA, the project team tasked with delivery, and the precinct authority.”

For a full list of winners visit the UNAA website.