GBCA-Sydney, AU!

It would only be appropriate for our group to visit the entity that implements the sustainable development initiative in Australia, the Green Building Council of Australia. Robin Mellon, Executive Director of Advocacy, was kind enough to host a presentation at the Council’s headquarters. He went in depth about the Strategic Activities, costs involved, their own office’s sustainable attributes, while wrapping it up with a solid Q & A.
They operate as a member-based non-governmental entity, and since 2002 they’ve grown to become a 60 employee group. They have 900 member organizations as support, along with occasional federal grants and sponsorships. They also offer classes and certification training for additional income. Robin’s vision currently is to widen the standards into communities; away from individual “green” buildings like the market currently produces.
GBCA has 9 “Impact Categories” as part of their rating scale when giving the Star designations. From a tenancy prospective, it is important to keep an eye out for both the rating, and the year build. Since the market dynamics and products available are constantly changing, knowing what year the rating was issued is also equally important.
Costs associated with Green Star rated buildings are as followsL:
4-star rated buildings are generally a +/- 2% premium
5-star buildings coming in at +/- 5%
6-star buildings run generally higher than 5% & are considered “World Leadership” status!
Touching on the actual office space they occupy, he provided the following details:
-Automatic sunlight-sensor blinds
-Fresh air ventilation
-NO hot water heater
-Auto-dimming lights/LED bulbs
-Rainwater collection system (75% of water used is derived from it)
-Interface floor carpet (recycled materials)
-No suspended ceiling
-Carbon Dioxide/CO2 sensors…they automatically transmit fresh air to densely populated portions of the office

Wrapping it up, Robin walked us to the elevator and loaded us all up. Considering how much we’ve all been eating, the elevator beeped due to overcapacity, so Travis and I had to stay back to catch the next ride down!

One last day for the tour, see you all tomorrow Mates!