Tasmania has joined the latest frontier in green building, becoming the latest state to obtain certification for its first ever Green Star educational building – the new Medical Science 2 (MS2) Building at the University of Tasmania, which received a 5 Star Green Star Education Design v1 rating by the GBCA.
Green Building Council of Australia chief executive Romilly Madew has applauded the University for its commitment to Green Star certification, citing the building’s positive attributes and the impacts the green building efforts will have on both students and the surrounding environment.
“We are delighted to certify Tasmania’s first green education facility, and applaud the University of Tasmania’s commitment to Green Star certification, which will see a number of other projects achieve Green Star ratings in the future,” she says.
Australian Greens leader Christine Milne reiterated these sentiments, expecting a positive change for both students and the environment.
“This is great news for students, great news for the University of Tasmania, and great news for the climate,” she says. ”A 5 Star Green Star building on campus will save energy, save money, cut pollution and be more pleasant for students to learn in and I congratulate the University for taking this step and playing a leadership role for green buildings and the environment.”
The facilities will cater to more than 1,000 students, in addition to approximately 450 staff and postgraduate students who will use laboratory and office spaces.
In addition to sustainable measures in the design of the structure, energy efficient lighting and an 80,000-litre water tank will take reliance off of traditional power and water needs, with 200 secure bike spaces and shower facilities encouraging a holistically sustainable lifestyle change for both students and staff.
Madew goes on to explain the noted positive impact that Green Star schooling spaces have had on those who use them.
“A range of studies has confirmed that green education facilities can improve the health and learning of students, reduce teacher sick days and turnover, and offer interactive learning about sustainability and the environment,” she says. “We congratulate the University for demonstrating that sustainability in the built environment can be affordable and achievable.”
The accredited building will become one of just five in the country’s southernmost state to be Green Star rated.
