6 Star Green Star rating for Global Change Institute

The University of Queensland’s Global Change Institute (GCI) has been recognised by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) with a 6 Star Green Star - Education Design v1 rating. It is one of three sustainable educational facilities in Queensland to receive such a rating.

Opened in August last year, the GCI advances discovery, implements solutions and advocates responses that meet the challenges presented by climate change, technological innovation and population change. Design and delivery of the $32 million building was a collaborative process involving the university’s Property and Facilities Division, the GCI and Hassell architects.

GCI Director Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg noted that the GCI is a ‘living building’ - a carbon-neutral workplace with features such as natural ventilation, on-site solar panels and rainwater storage to service amenities.

“Many of the building’s features are unique, but equally, there are attributes that could be easily implemented into any new structure,” he said.

“The use of rainwater in the building is a practical example of how we are having a positive impact on the environment and moving from a focus on consumption to contribution.”

Additionally, noted Hassell design team leader Mark Roehrs, the building is “a live research site”, with its systems and operational capability “constantly monitored and adjusted to ensure maximum comfort for the space’s occupants”.

“What we have learned from the design, construction and operation of this building is informing future sustainability projects,” he added.

GBCA Chief Executive Romilly Madew congratulated the university on its achievement, saying the GCI is “not only one of the greenest educational facilities in the state, but is also a healthier, more productive learning environment for students and teachers”.

The GCI was recently ranked 34th in a list of the world’s 50 most impressive environmentally friendly university buildings.