UNSW HTH achieves highest sustainability rating

UNSW Sydney and Plenary Health have received 6 Stars — under the Green Building Council of Australia’s Green Star Buildings ratings — for the UNSW Health Translation Hub (UNSW HTH), the first building in NSW to attain this level.

The rating represents ‘World Leadership’ in sustainable building design and construction, and recognises the UNSW HTH’s environmental performance, focus on occupant wellbeing and role in advancing the future of health.

The 35,600-square-metre facility was developed by UNSW Sydney and Plenary. It brings together researchers, clinicians, educators, students, industry partners and the community to accelerate the translation of research and education into better health outcomes.

The UNSW HTH was designed around three connected ambitions: a healthy building, healthy occupants and a healthy mission.

As a healthy building, it is fully electric and powered by 100% renewable electricity. It includes a 100-kilowatt rooftop solar photovoltaic system, a high-performance façade, rainwater harvesting and a non-potable water network.

UNSW Health Translation Hub has been awarded 6 Stars under the Green Building Council of Australia’s Green Star Buildings ratings. Photo: UNSW Sydney.

The façade reduces the incidence of solar radiation by approximately 60% while maintaining natural light and views. The building also uses a 100% outside-air HVAC system and low-emission materials to support healthier indoor air quality.

As a place for healthy occupants, the UNSW HTH provides access to natural light, greenery, public open space and flexible environments that support learning, research, collaboration and wellbeing. Its design encourages people to move through and interact with the building, while the 2500-square-metre UNSW Plaza creates a welcoming space for the broader community.

As part of UNSW’s strategic pillar to enable healthy lives, the UNSW HTH brings health education, research, clinical practice, industry and community engagement together in one place, helping to translate discoveries into improved care and better health outcomes.

“The UNSW Health Translation Hub is a healthy building in every sense. It is designed to reduce its environmental impact, support the wellbeing of its occupants and help deliver healthier futures for communities,” said UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Attila Brungs.

“By bringing research, education, health care and industry together, the UNSW HTH is helping to turn knowledge into action and shape the future of health.”

Plenary CEO Paul Crowe said the project demonstrated the value of long-term collaboration between the university, developer, builder, designers and investment partners.

“Achieving a 6-Star Green Star rating is a significant milestone for the UNSW Health Translation Hub and for the broader property and infrastructure sector,” Crowe said. “The building sets a new benchmark for sustainable health and education infrastructure while creating an environment that supports innovation, collaboration and community wellbeing.”

UNSW HTH officially opened in November 2025.

Top image caption: UNSW Health Translation Hub interior. Photo: UNSW Sydney.