Image courtesy GBCA
A mixed-use office and affordable housing development located in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley has become the 50th project to receive EnviroDevelopment sustainability accreditation.
Green Square, developed by BHC (formerly Brisbane Housing Company), features two levels of commercial office space, along with 80 studio and one-bedroom apartments across nine levels.
The building features a striking seven storey atrium through the residential levels, which is densely planted to create a green wall effect.
Through its outstanding commitment to environmentally sustainable design, Green Square has today (31 July 2012) been awarded certification in the EnviroDevelopment areas of ecosystems, energy, water and community.
National EnviroDevelopment Manager Kirsty Chessher congratulated BHC for demonstrating that sustainable design could be achieved in affordable projects.
“In the earlier years, sustainable design and features were associated with a premium cost and buyers who could afford to pay more,” Ms Chessher said.
“With innovation and growth in market demand, we are seeing an environmentally sustainable focus emerging across the full spectrum of development styles and costs,” she said.
“Green Square provides accommodation at 20 per cent below the market rate and the residents are also positioned to save in energy and water costs through sustainable features.
“As Green Square demonstrates, the ecological and economical benefits of sustainable design are no longer reserved exclusively for premium priced developments.”
Rainwater harvesting, water efficient tap ware and thoughtful design to minimise the requirement for air-conditioning all contribute toward a lower overall environmental impact.
The development uses 20 per cent less potable water and produces 20 per cent less greenhouse gases than a standard project.
Tenants are encouraged to take full advantage of the potential savings offered by the building’s green design.
Quarterly building management meetings are held to discuss strategies to reduce electricity use and a tenant manual is provided with energy saving tips and hints.
EnviroDevelopment was launched in Brisbane in 2006 as a marketing tool for outstanding developments to communicate their environmental sustainability to consumers.
