The University of Queensland’s Global Change Institute has been recognised with a national award at the 2016 Property Council of Australia / Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation and Excellence Awards.
The University of Queensland was presented with the WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff Award for Best Sustainable Development – New Buildings, on Friday 3 June at a gala event in Sydney.
The Global Change Institute is one of seven RLB projects to win on the night, having provided cost management and quantity surveying services on the project. The RLB project team was led by Queensland Managing Director David Stewart.
Property Council of Australia Chief Executive, Ken Morrison, says the Global Change Institute repositions buildings from consumers to contributors of resources.
‘The judges were impressed by the project team’s ability to deliver a building that works in harmony with the natural environment, and operates as a net zero energy and net zero carbon workplace,’ said Mr Morrison.
A pilot for innovative, sustainable solutions, the building is naturally ventilated, captures its own power through solar panels, and stores up to 60,000 litres of rainwater. An operable sun shading system tracks the sun, while glass louvres naturally ventilate the building almost all year round.
He added, ‘While this building has all the “green bling” – such as a green wall and a bush tucker garden – it is not only self-sustaining, it’s also beautiful and challenges occupants to think about their natural environment in new ways.’
Managing Director of RLB in Queensland, David Stewart, says the building is a fitting home for a team exploring the impacts of climate change, population growth and technological innovation.
‘The Institute acts as a living laboratory and research tool for innovative systems, and breaks new ground in our understanding of how to build sustainability in sub-tropical environments,’ Mr Stewart remarked.
‘RLB is pleased to have provided cost management and quantity surveying services,’ he added.
RLB has partnered with the Property Council of Australia to present the Innovation & Excellence Awards program since its inception in 1982.
The 2016 Property Council of Australia / Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation and Excellence Award winners were announced on Friday 3 June, at a gala dinner at The Star Event Centre in Sydney, attended by over 900 people.
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