Green building is not only changing both the built and organic landscape, it also offers to generate a green economy led by green jobs, creating room for what the Green Building Council of Australia’s executive director of advocacy Robin Mellon has aptly labeled ‘green collar’ professionals.
The GBCA has urged the Queensland government to continue their investment in built spaces that provide these jobs, including green schools and hospitals. The push comes in light of the QLD state budget release.
“The Queensland Government has been a long-time supporter of a more efficient, productive and sustainable built environment and has achieved Green Star ratings for a range of projects, including schools, hospitals and offices,” says Mellon. “We applaud this commitment, and call on the Newman Government to commit to Green Star ratings for all the new healthcare and education projects earmarked for funding in the budget, as well as for all new government office projects.”
Mellon adds that the importance of these built spaces is paramount in delivering a sustainable economy.
“In mandating Green Star for all these healthcare projects, the Queensland Government will not only stimulate the economy and provide new ‘green collar’ jobs, but future-proof the state’s healthcare assets by ensuring that they can be operated in the most efficient way possible,” he says.
As a representative for the GBCA, Mellon has called on the QLD government to continue their strong green initiative, taking the next step in the green building evolution that would see green buildings overtake the mainstream industry.
Robin Mellon
“The Queensland Government has already supported the development of six Green Star-rated schools throughout the state, under a public-private partnership model, and we would like to see this continue as a way to achieve better outcomes for students, teachers and the community,” he says. “Greening our schools and hospitals is one of the Green Building Council of Australia’s five advocacy priorities, and we welcome the opportunity to work with the Queensland Government to ensure that Queensland affirms its status as a ‘sustainable state’.”
Queensland has earned a dubious green reputation after the state began a number of renewable energy projects only to see them quashed following changes in the government.
The GBCA’s call to remain true to green development serves as a strong boost of confidence to the state industry, while also holding the state accountable for any future green backpedaling.
