Commonwealth Bank Place adds 6 Star Green Star - Performance rating

Office development Commonwealth Bank Place, Darling Quarter, has received a 6 Star Green Star - Performance rating from the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA), adding to its 6 Star Design, As-Built and Interiors certifications. The rating measured the operational performance of the building in nine environmental and social areas to award 81 points — six more than the minimum 6 Star requirement of 75 points.

With 58,000 m² of commercial office space fully occupied by the Commonwealth Bank, Commonwealth Bank Place is said to emit 50% less greenhouse gas emissions and consume 80% less drinking water than the average Australian office building. This is equivalent to taking 680 cars off the road and saving 13 Olympic swimming pools of water per year.

Kylie Rampa, the managing director of property group Lendlease’s Australian Investment Management business, said the new 6 Star rating confirms that Commonwealth Bank Place sets the bar for sustainable buildings and is in line with co-owner Australian Prime Property Fund (APPF) Commercial’s focus on next-generation, highly sustainable commercial assets.

“From an ownership perspective, a better performing building delivers a number of direct economic benefits to stakeholders, including more productive workplaces and precincts which generate greater value,” Rampa said.

“APPF Commercial has a long-standing commitment to sustainability, which is emphasised by buildings that are outperforming on a global scale and a collection of 6 Star certifications that the GBCA classes as ‘Global Leadership’.”

Jennifer Saiz, head of group property for the Commonwealth Bank, added that the Green Star-certified building supports the organisation’s focus on creating innovative ways of working in sustainable buildings.

“We have worked closely with APPF Commercial and Lendlease to ensure this workplace maximises our energy and water efficiency while creating a healthier working environment for our people,” Saiz said.

“Commonwealth Bank Place is not only an environmentally sustainable workplace. Our activity-based working design has also promoted collaboration and flexibility in how we work, which is delivering better outcomes for our customers.”

GBCA Chief Executive Officer Romilly Madew said that as investors look for direction to determine low-carbon and energy-efficient assets, a Green Star rating can help our industry demonstrate transparency and accountability, boost asset value and attract capital.

“This 6 Star Green Star Performance rating for Commonwealth Bank Place confirms that Lendlease’s design and construction intentions have translated into ongoing sustainable operations,” Madew said.