Tonsley a world leader in green design and building practices

The State Government’s Tonsley redevelopment has been recognised as a world leader in environmentally sustainable design and building practices, after being awarded the 6 Star Green Star – Communities certification.

Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis, who will this morning open the new Siemens facility at Tonsley, said the internationally recognised certification, awarded by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA), represents the highest level of leadership and innovation in sustainable design and building practices.

Launched by the Green Building Council of Australia in 2012, Green Star – Communities is Australia’s only national, voluntary, rating system for community and precinct-wide developments.

Mr Koutsantonis said sustainability is the cornerstone of the Tonsley redevelopment with current and planned sustainability features including:

• The adaptive re-use of the Main Assembly Building (MAB) which prevented the loss of approximately 90,000 tonnes of carbon emissions embodied in its original construction. Its rejuvenation has avoided carbon emissions of a scale equivalent to taking 25,000 average cars off the road for one year.
• A public place where water sensitive urban design principles will support sustainability and reduce running costs
• Connected walking and cycling paths for easy access to public transport.
• Communications infrastructure providing connected technology as well as providing a basis for a Smart Grid Energy system to further reduce ongoing energy costs and demonstrate a reduction in carbon emissions.

Chief Executive Officer at the GBCA Romilly Madew said the awarding of the accreditation reflects Tonsley’s outstanding commitment to sustainability.

The GBCA is a national, not-for-profit organisation which is uniquely supported by both industry and government. Its Green Star rating provides independent verification that a building or community project is sustainable.