Buildings

Green Star rating

We aim to achieve a 5-star Green Star rating or higher on all significant new developments. The 5-star standard, recognised by the Green Building Council of Australia, is a comprehensive, national, voluntary rating system that evaluates the environmental design and construction of buildings.

Our first Green Star-rated buildings, assessed in the categories of 'Education' and 'Office As Built', make up the new Science and Technology Precinct.

Following completion in 2012, the Precinct will aim to be one of the highest rated green buildings in the Brisbane CBD.

Green buildings

In addition to using rating tools such as Green Star and Nabers, we aim to construct all new buildings and refurbishments holistically through mindful sustainable design and construction methods whereby issues are considered and addressed from the earliest concept stage-well before key design decisions are made.

• The Science and Engineering Centre, scheduled for 2012 completion, will incorporate solar panels into a solar energy research centre. These will generate energy contributing to the building's overall needs.
• Our recently completed Australian Research Centre for Aerospace Aviation (ARCAA) building at the Brisbane Airport, has received an Australian Institute of Building award in the $1 million to $10 million category.

Key processes of holistic design

• Creating a test environment-an energy model-to observe how a building coexists with its surrounding climate.
• Maximising natural light to reduce the need for artificial lighting.
• Considering in detail the patterns of airflow occurring in and around a building to maximise indoor air quality and minimise the aesthetic and physical impact on pedestrians of air intakes and exhausts.
• Identifying recycled products and materials for flooring, furniture, joinery.
• Treating and reusing water storage and greywater.

Holistic builidings at QUT

• Old Government House, one of Queensland's most important heritage sites, located at Garden's Point Campus, has been restored and adapted for use as an art gallery, museum, and function rooms available to the public.
• Kelvin Grove Campus Building 151 was originally a one-teacher school previously used to remind students of our teaching heritage. Rather than being demolished, the building was relocated to the Beenleigh Historical Village.
• The Brown Brick precinct at Gardens Point campus includes structures initially part of the Central Technical College. These buildings have been refurbished for ongoing use by current students and staff.

Furniture recycling

Our Facilities Management department has implemented a furniture store to encourage campus recycling of suitable furniture rather than disposal to landfill.