The City of Joondalup, which was named the world’s most liveable city in 2011 by the UN-backed Annual International Awards for Liveable Communities, is the first local government in Western Australia to achieve a 4 Star Green Star – Public Building PILOT rating for its new community centre.
The city’s $4 million Currambine Community Centre features a range of environmentally efficient features, including rainwater harvesting, photovoltaic panels, passive solar design, energy-efficient lighting and low water consumption appliances.
Joondalup Mayor Troy Pickard says the prestigious award demonstrates the City’s commitment to setting the benchmarks for local government in West Australia when it comes to environmental sustainability practices.
“Wherever practicable, the City improves the eco-efficiency of its buildings and facilities by implementing environmentally sustainable design principles into the construction, renovation and retrofitting of all building assets,” says Pickard.
“Making small changes within our control is how we can make a measurable contribution to preserving and enhancing our local environment. It’s doing what we can locally to be part of the response to a global issue like environmental sustainability.”
White Private
The city’s design principles include the use of low energy technologies for lighting, heating and cooling appliances and equipment, encouraging water reuse and recycling, selecting sustainable building materials, and reducing the amount of waste created during construction.
GBCA chief executive Romilly Madew says that Green Star-rated buildings like the Currambine Community Centre, designed for higher levels of energy and water efficiency, are cheaper to operate and can save governments thousands each year in energy and water bills.
“This Green Star rating provides the community of Joondalup with independent verification that their new building will save money, reduce consumption of precious resources, and provide a healthy, productive space for the community to enjoy,” says Madew.
Artist’s impression, City of Joondalup
The Fifth Estate
The Currambine Community Centre is expected to be completed by October, and will combine a youth centre, playgroup for small children and parents, an activities room for fitness classes, and a main hall for functions.
