Brisbane’s sustainable airport set to take off

Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) has registered its Property Development Master Plan to achieve a Green Star - Communities PILOT rating: an independent sustainability certification of a community-level project. If it succeeds, the airport will be considered the most sustainable in Australia.

“Brisbane Airport’s property vision is for a sustainable centre for business, industrial, retail and leisure opportunities,” said the Chief Executive of the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA), Romilly Madew.

“A Green Star - Communities rating will provide BAC with independent verification and global recognition for this vision and its commitment to sustainable development.”

The Property Development Master Plan was released in 2012 as a 50-year vision for the land which can be developed around Brisbane Airport - said to be the first of its kind for an Australian airport. To achieve the Green Star rating, it will be assessed against best practice benchmarks for liveability, economic prosperity, environmental sustainability, design excellence, governance and innovation.

Artist's impression of the development.

“Our vision for this plan has always been to create a vibrant centre for commerce, innovation and recreation and an internationally recognised model of sustainable development,” said BAC’s Property General Manager, Renaye Peters.

“A Green Star - Communities rating will help support the notion of the airport as the natural address for companies seeking a reputation for responsible development.

“We welcome the opportunity to be involved in initiatives such as this pilot as it expands upon the environmental sustainability measures already in place, such as use of potable water and reduction in electricity consumption, and will strengthen Brisbane Airport’s reputation as Australia’s green airport.”

In fact, this reputation could become an international one, with Madew claiming the project will “set new benchmarks for airport facilities the world over.”