A STUDENT residential development at Monash University is the first multi unit residential project in Australia to achieve a Green Star rating for sustainable construction.
The Briggs and Jackomos residences have achieved a Green Star – Multi Unit Residential As Built v1 rating. The residences offer students low-cost housing funded through the National Rental and Affordability Scheme, and are the first Australian university residences to do so.
Green Building Council of Australia chief executive Romilly Madew said the rating is an outstanding achievement.
“Monash University has also demonstrated that sustainability is something that can be affordable and achievable, even on a modest budget,” Madew said.
Designed in conjunction with BVN Architecture, the site comprises two five-storey buildings, each housing 300 students.
Sustainable features on the project include a greywater treatment facility, as well as a 150,000 litre water storage facility which blends greywater and rainwater. Productive garden beds and orchards enable the students to harvest their own food. A 153kw photovoltaic system is the largest residential solar installation in Australia.
Monash University’s manager of environmental sustainability Brett Walters said the university has demonstrated a commitment to achieving Green Star – As Built ratings for new developments.
The University has two new laboratory buildings in the design or construction phase, and is seeking Green Star Design and As Built ratings for both.
Property Review
