Green Stars for Defence

Media Release 7 April 2006

The Department of Defence has achieved a first for the Australian property industry, with the awarding of 5 Star Green Star Certified Ratings for both the design and completed construction of the new RAAF Richmond 36/37 Squadron Headquarters.

Defence has ensured that RAAF Richmond 36/37 Squadron Headquarters has been designed and constructed with the potential to be one of the most water efficient and well managed office buildings in Australia.

The building received perfect 100% scores in both the Green Star environmental categories of Water and Management.

This was achieved through the features such as the use of water efficient fixtures and fittings throughout, including waterless urinals; rainwater collection to supplement all toilet flushing demand; the implementation of a Certified Environmental Management Plan (EMP); and the diversion of 87% of construction waste away from landfill.

The Green Building Council of Australia congratulates the Department of Defence on its demonstrated leadership in building green.

"The Green Building Council of Australia recognises the Department's leadership and commitment in achieving sustainable environmental outcomes," said Chief Executive (Acting) Romilly Madew.

"Defence has demonstrated that building green does not have to cost extra, and the influence Defence can have in the property market should not be under-estimated.

"Defence is a big player in the Australian property market - it is the largest asset owner in government, with an estimated gross replacement value of about $15 billion and an annual capital works program of approximately $350 million - so this is a significant achievement which provides real leadership by example for the rest of the industry - and the rest of government."

Other 'green' features of the building include:
 Fresh air is provided at a rate 150% above the Australian Standard requirement;
 The design performs more than 20% better than the 5 Star ABGR energy benchmark;
 25% of parking spaces are for small cars, and cycling facilities are provided for 10% of staff;
 Minimal use of PVC through the use of alternatives;
 More than 65% of timber is recycled, including external cladding and timber flooring; and
 All sewage is treated by the RAAF Richmond's Base wastewater treatment plant and reused for irrigation on RAAF Base.

The Department of Defence is a founding Board member of the Green Building Council of Australia.

Media notes
The design and completed construction of RAAF Richmond 36/37 Squadron Headquarters have been awarded 5 Star Green Star Certified Ratings (out of a maximum of 6 Stars), which recognise 'Australian Excellence'.

The building's design was assessed under the Green Star - Office Design rating tool which was developed to assist designers, developers and owners to design their buildings.

The completed building was assessed under the complementary rating tool Green Star - Office As Built, which provides a means to assess whether the intent and promise of an office building's design is realised by its construction.

The Green Star environmental rating system for buildings is Australia's only national comprehensive environmental rating system for buildings, assessing projects against a comprehensive range of environmental criteria including water, energy, waste, transport, indoor environment quality, management, materials and emissions.

Media contact: Sarah Turner 0416 147 534