The new Union Station in Melbourne’s south-east is set to become one of the city’s most eco-friendly thanks to green initiatives such as solar power, rainwater collection, and new greenery.
A 70-kilowatt solar panel array on the station’s roof will be one of the largest in the Melbourne metropolitan train network, producing carbon-neutral power and decreasing the demand on the energy grid.
The station will also feature tanks capable of collecting up to 15,000 litres of rainwater from the station canopies. This water will be used for cleaning and in the station’s toilets.
More than 52,000 new trees, shrubs, and grasses will be planted across Surrey Hills and Mont Albert, including a range of native and exotic plant species that have been selected to reduce the need for frequent watering. A mix of established and young trees will be planted to balance the immediate effect of the landscaping with opportunity for growth.
The project team has been minimising on-site greenhouse gas emissions through the use of renewable and alternative energy sources in the construction of the new station, as well as the removal of the two level crossings in Surrey Hills and Mont Albert.
This includes using some of the latest hybrid and fully electric machinery, switching to biodiesel for diesel-operated equipment, and using solar powered lighting towers and site sheds.
Union Station is due to open in 2023.
For more information, visit: www.bigbuild.vic.gov.au
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