Minister Campbell officially opens Wollongong’s first green building

The newly constructed building at 77 Market St Wollongong is more than just a new home to Australian Health Management (ahm). The building was designed with green efficiencies in mind and is the first in Wollongong to be awarded 4 Star Green Star certification for office design by the Green Building Council Australia.

At today's official opening of ahm's new headquarters, The Hon. David Campbell MP, Minister for Police and Minister for the Illawarra, said "I'm proud that Wollongong businesses are embracing green initiatives and I congratulate ahm on the high standards they've set in office design and for ensuring green principles were part of the new head office construction."

The new ahm head office boasts an impressive range of features that help distinguish it as a landmark building in Wollongong. 'Green' features include:
- Carbon monoxide monitoring in car parks so ventilation fans only run as needed
- Perimeter office lights that turn off when solar lighting is sufficient
- Facilities for cyclists to encourage reduced reliance on cars as transport to and from work
- Light sensor areas such as lifts and foyer to help reduce energy usage.

As well, a recycling target of 80% was implemented during construction, and existing furniture and other items were donated to Mission Australia and community based radio station VOX FM.

Mike McLeod, ahm Chief Executive Officer said, "Not only is this a landmark building, it signifies the success and growth of ahm and is an important step in meeting our current and future needs as a major employer in the Illawarra region."

ahm employs 315 staff at our Wollongong headquarters and more than 545 in total. ahm covers close to 360,000 people nationally for private health insurance.

Also attending the opening was the family of ahm founder, Roy Johnson, who attended as a tribute to Roy's contribution to the establishment of the fund and its substantial growth since 1971. Noreen Hay, MP and Member for Wollongong was also in attendance.

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Media Contact: Lyn Southon
Phone: 02 4221 8778
Email: media@ahm.com.au