Green buildings for smart communities

Bay View State School
4 Star Green Star - Education Design v1
4 Star Green Star – Education As Built v1

Higher than average school attendance, a culture of caring and environmental responsibility, a parent satisfaction rate of 100 per cent – these are just some of the benefits enjoyed by the school community at Bay View State School in Queensland.

Water tanks, solar panels and clever design encourage staff and students to use less electricity and water.  Interactive meters transform the school into a learning resource by allowing students to observe electricity generation and water use.

“The school’s green design is fostering a broader culture of environmental awareness among both students and staff”, says Bay View’s Principal, Peter Black.

Parent and student satisfaction with Bay View is extraordinarily high. A survey in 2011 found that 100 per cent of parents are happy with the school, a result that would be the envy of any principal anywhere in Australia.

Students enjoy the new healthy environment, too, and are benefitting from its focus on good indoor environment quality. The school recorded an attendance rate of 94 per cent in 2010, three per cent higher than the regional average of 91 per cent.