Melbourne Convention Centre sets new standard for green innovation

The world's greenest convention centre has set a new standard for green innovation, says the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA).

Speaking at the official opening of the Melbourne Convention Centre (MCC) today, Chair of the GBCA Tony Arnel told the audience that the decision to build green had been a visionary one.

"It was a far-sighted decision to go down the green building path, and one which could only have been achieved through industry co-operation. Together, we've created a world leading facility of which all Australians can be proud, and one which will remain at the leading edge of green design well into the future," Mr Arnel said.

The Melbourne Convention Centre was awarded a 6 Star Green Star rating for its innovative environmental design in 2008, under the Green Star - Convention Centre PILOT rating tool.

6 Star Green Star certification demonstrates 'world leadership', recognising that the MCC has set a new global standard for convention centre design.

"By embracing innovation and working with the GBCA to develop a specific Convention Centre tool, the MCC has captured new markets, and future-proofed its assets against changes in government regulation, market expectations and climate change," Mr Arnel said.

"The Plenary Group must be acknowledged for its vision and commitment to green innovation during the bidding and design process. From the outset, Plenary Group demonstrated its strong commitment to a sustainable future.

"We must also congratulate the Victorian Government for its leadership. By commissioning the development of the Green Star - Convention Centre PILOT tool specifically for this project, the Victorian Government has once again demonstrated its strong commitment to the greening of Melbourne's built environment."

The Melbourne Convention Centre was awarded points for innovation in recognition of its pioneering use of chilled floor slabs in conjunction with displacement ventilation, as well as the installation of a black-water treatment plant in a large public building, and for driving product innovation in the supply of new sustainably harvested timber veneered board.

"The scale of the project has provided the opportunity for the development of new and innovative green solutions," said Mr Arnel.

"Victoria is now proudly home to arguably the greenest convention centre in the world, demonstrating that our state, and indeed Australia, is leading the way in green building," Mr Arnel concluded.

Contact:
Karen Jamal
Communications Manager
Green Building Council of Australia
Phone: 0412 179 135
Email: karen.jamal@gbca.org.au