Design & Construction - Our Commitment
In Australia, cities and their regions dominate our national life. Beyond Australia, the story is much the same with cities increasingly accounting for a greater share of the world population. The built environment is the most visible impact humans have on earth. In search for higher levels of comfort and amenity our lifestyles are increasingly built upon high levels of consumption and waste. The Green Building Council of Australia, of which UNSW is a member, has established a set of environmental building rating tools known as “Green Star”. Through the Kensington Master Plan, UNSW has committed to achieve a Five Star or better rating for new buildings and major refurbishments, recognised by the Council as “Australian Excellence”.
Lowy Cancer Research Centre
Lowy Cancer Research Centre
(Image: Lahznimmo + Wilson Architects)
(Image: Lahznimmo + Wilson Architects)
The new Lowy Cancer Research Centre being built in the upper campus is one of UNSW’s buildings aiming for a “5 Green Star” rating. Due for completion in 2009, the Centre will be an Australian first, bringing together childhood and adult cancer research in one site. Housing up to 400 researchers from UNSW and Children’s Cancer Institute Australia (CCIA), the new Centre will be one of the largest dedicated cancer research facilities in the Southern Hemisphere.
One of the key design principles of the building is to ensure the most Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) is achieved. Some of the measures being adopted in the design include:
One of the key design principles of the building is to ensure the most Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) is achieved. Some of the measures being adopted in the design include:
the use of high efficiency double glazing;
elimination of direct sunlight and consequent heat gain in to the building;
provision of movement sensors to ensure lights are on only when spaces are occupied;
highly efficient mechanical plant and equipment;
high value indoor environmental quality with natural light, reduced glare and noise minimisation.
Other measures adopted at the design stage include:
collection of storm water and its redirection to the Village Green to recharge the Botany aquifer;
use of bore water for non-potable uses;
encouraging the use of public transport by providing bicycle parking facilities, change rooms and lockers;
use of recycled materials and fit outs;
use of recycled aggregate in concrete;
recycling of building waste and material cleared from the site.
UNSW is also dedicated to preserving and enhancing green space across the campus. The University is pursuing a target of creating a five percent increase in green space by 2010.