Brisbane City Council’s CBD headquarters recently became the largest high-rise building in Australia to receive a Five Star Green Rating for its ecologically sustainable development practices.
Brisbane Square, also used by Suncorp, is only the second building in Queensland and one of 18 structures in Australia to receive the Five Star Rating from the Green Building Council of Australia.
Lord Mayor Campbell Newman said it was an honour that Brisbane Square was recognised for following best practice for environmental offices in Australia.
"We are committed to providing a world-class sustainable building that gives back to the environment," Cr Newman said. "Brisbane Square has now joined Council’s other primary office building – Green Square in Fortitude Valley – as the only buildings in the State to receive this environmental accolade."
Stand-out environmental features in Brisbane Square include the building’s use of recycled materials such as goat hair, wool, cotton and hemp and an air filtration system that reduces pollutants in the office tower.
The building will also save 75–85% of mains water consumption.The building will also save 75–85% of mains water consumption by using river water for cooling the air conditioning system, on-site rainwater tanks and a sewer treatment plant that recycles, treats and sterilises waste water.
Cr Newman said the Five Star rating reinforced Council’s commitment to encouraging sustainable practices throughout the city.
"Council also has the $10 million Sustainable Development Grants Program, to encourage developers to build environmentally friendly office spaces," he said.
Suncorp CEO John Mulcahy said he was pleased the building’s features encouraged staff to adopt environmental attitudes.
"An important factor in the Five Star rating is Suncorp’s commitment to reduce car park spots to allow for extra bike racks in the basement," Mr Mulcahy said.
Brisbane Square also has a Four Star-plus rating under the Australia Building Greenhouse Rating scheme.
Does your work place encourage sustainable practices? What are some easy ways to "green" the office?
