Leighton Properties and Leighton Contractors’ Green Square development in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley was again recognised for its world leading environmental initiatives, winning the 2008 Queensland Environmental Protection Agency’s Award for Sustainability in the Built Environment on October 31, 2008.
The EPA prize adds to the list of awards the two companies have received for the world-leading environmentally sustainable design (ESD) and construction of both Green Square’s South and North Towers. Leighton Properties Executive Director Andrew Borger said he was pleased with the recognition for Green Square. “Leighton Properties has really benefited from being early adopters of sustainability initiatives. We were really taking a risk, because no one else was doing it at that time,” Mr Borger said. “When we set out 4.5 years ago to secure and deliver Green Square, awards were the last thing on our mind. This award is a true reflection of people power working in a collaborative way.“
Leighton Contractors Northern Region General Manager Darren Weir said the Green Square development showed how environmentally responsible construction methods could meet every development criteria. “With Green Square we’ve shown how innovations in sustainable building can be included in all aspects of a project – including planning, design, demolition, construction and fit out – while still being on time and budget,’’ Mr Weir said. “We’ve also been recognised by the industry, with major award wins including the National Australian Institute of Building Award for Ecologically Sustainable Development, the Queensland Engineering Excellence Award for Environment and the Queensland Engineering Sustainability Award.’’
Mr Weir said Leighton Contractors would now aim to ‘raise the benchmark’ on its other major Brisbane joint venture project with Leighton Properties – HQ in Fortitude Valley.
Mr Borger said tenants are attracted to the financial and employee benefits of green buildings. “Precincts like Green Square provide tenants healthier and more efficient workplaces while also giving the feel-good benefit of creating a cleaner, greener Brisbane. “Around 3,000 workers at Green Square enjoy facilities such as onsite childcare, cafés, racks and full ‘end of trip’ facilities for cyclists, as well as improved air, light and water usage in the office,” he said.
In addition to last night’s award, Green Square has received the following recognition during design and construction:
Green Square South Tower
· The first project in Queensland to achieve both a 5 Star Green Star – Office Design and Green Star – Office As Built Certified Rating
· The fifth project in Australia to achieve both a Green Star – Office Design and Green Star – Office As Built Certified Rating
Green Square North Tower received the honour of being the first built project in Queensland to achieve a 6 Star Green Star – Office Design Certified Rating.
Both towers feature examples of world’s best practice in terms of generating independent energy. “Through the use of its co-generation facility and other sustainability measures, which is the largest in Australia, Green Square North Tower is able to reduce its greenhouse emissions by 71 per cent compared to existing buildings,” Mr Borger said.
Green Square is leading Fortitude Valley’s emergence as a commercial hub and significant alternative for businesses to Brisbane’s CBD.
For further information contact:
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Andrew Borger
Executive Director and Queensland Manager
Leighton Properties QLD
T: (07) 3370 4700
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