NSW Gov earns five-star rating for sustainable office buildings

The New South Wales Government’s commercial office portfolio has earned Five-Star Green Star rating from Green Building Council of Australia – making NSW the first government agency in Australia to achieve such rating.

Twenty-two buildings across New South Wales Government owned office buildings also ranked first nationally for water efficiency and eighth for energy efficiency according to the NABERS Sustainability Portfolio Index.

These buildings also attained a carbon neutral building certification from Climate Active.

These ratings were achieved by introducing LED lighting, converting gas to electric heating, installing water efficient fittings and fixtures, solar systems and smart meters.

These improvements accounted for a reduction of annual carbon emissions by 1,178 tonnes, energy consumption annually by 37 per cent and water consumption annually by 13.1 per cent.

NSW Minister for Water, Property and Housing, Melinda Pavey said the rating was a reflection of the continued progress made by the state towards sustainability.

“Improving building performance has reduced our greenhouse gas emissions, saved taxpayers around $344,000 in annual portfolio utility bills, as well as encouraged economic growth and local employment through building works,” Ms Pavey said.

Green Building Council of Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, Davina Rooney, congratulated the New South Wales Government on the achievement.

“Achieving Five Star Green Star for a portfolio of 22 assets across NSW represents Australian excellence in building operations, making this is a significant achievement for the NSW Government,” Rooney said.

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