As we move into the future, ensuring a balance between human needs and the environment is of the utmost importance.
Understanding the practices of sustainable development will become a necessity for all professionals. Bond University’s Sustainable Development building seeks to embody world’s best sustainable processes, becoming an example for the future and a working laboratory for the eco leaders of tomorrow.
Extensive use of recycled materials, including recycled timber and loose furniture, as well as low-emission paints and environmentally friendly carpet make up Bond University's Sustainable Development building.
Students receive one-on-one mentoring through the Interactive ‘Living Laboratory’ where both students and the community can learn more about the future of development.
The Building is the first in Australia to achieve a 6 Star Green Star – Education PILOT Certified Rating for design by the Green Building Council of Australia.
Energy consumption is minimised through the use of natural light and mixed mode ventilation.
A computer-based control system limits energy consumption by regulating building operations such as motion-activated lighting and air conditioning.
Glazed acoustic screens minimise outdoor noise when the building is in natural ventilation mode. Acoustic partitions and mineral fibre ceiling tiles reduce interior noise. All paints, carpets, sealants and furniture are low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds).
The building at a glance
- First in Australia to achieve a 6 Star Green Star – Education PILOT Certified Rating for design by the Green Building Council of Australia.
- Interactive ‘Living Laboratory’ where students and the community can learn more about the future of development.
- Energy consumption is minimised through the use of natural light and mixed mode ventilation.
- Water tanks and a grey water recycling system means less reliance on the local water supply.
- Extensive use of recycled materials, including recycled timber and loose furniture, as well as low-emission paints and environmentally friendly carpet.
Sustainable Development building awards
| Year | Organisation | Award |
|---|---|---|
2010 | United Nations Association of Australia | World Environment Day Awards 2010: Szencorp Green Building Award. |
2009 | Government of Queensland | Sustainable Industries Award for “Sustainability in the Built Environment” |
2009 | Australian Institute of Architects (QLD) | State Award for “Sustainable Architecture” Award |
2009 | Gold Coast City Council | 2009 Urban Design Awards: Award of Excellence in Urban Design |
2009 | Gold Coast City Council | 2009 Urban Design Awards: People’s Choice Award |
2009 | Gold Coast City Council | 2009 Urban Design Awards: The Sue Robbins Award for Excellence in Urban Design |
2009 | The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors | RICS Global “Award for Sustainability” |
Key features
1. Bio retention basin
This vegetated device captures and naturally filters stormwater runoff through various layers of filter media for a 1 in 20 year flood event.
2. Landscaping
Plants are local, drought-tolerant, natives that don’t require fertilisers or pesticides. Trees cool the micro-climate, provide shade, eliminate wind and maximise natural light.
3. Living laboratory
The Living Laboratory showcases the sustainable design attributes through educational displays, including interactive touch screens.
4. Cyclist facilities
Bicycle racks, showers and storage lockers encourage students and staff to ride to campus, reducing vehicle emissions and promoting a healthy lifestyle.
5. Sun, glass & light
Classrooms and offices are positioned to minimise the impact of direct sun. Window glass, window shadings and the circulation spine reduce the need for air conditioning and artificial lighting by maximising natural ventilation and daylight.
6. Ecological finishes
Glazed acoustic screens minimise outdoor noise when the building is in natural ventilation mode. Acoustic partitions and mineral fibre ceiling tiles reduce interior noise. All paints, carpets, sealants and furniture are low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds).
7. Photovoltaic cells
This rooftop solar system uses the sun’s energy to generate around 27,000 kilowatt-hours per year, which is enough to provide the energy needs for four average homes.
8. Sustainable use of materials
To reduce embodied energy and resource depletion, all reinforcement steel has a post-consumer recycled content of 60%, and all concrete contains 30% of an industrial waste product. All timber is post-consumer re-used or Forest Stewardship Council certified timber.
9. Bio-diesel generator
The Bio-diesel Generator will offset around 65 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions every year.
10. Building management system
This computer-based control system limits energy consumption by regulating building operations such as motion-activated lighting and air conditioning.
11. Weather station
The rooftop Weather Station monitors and records climatic conditions and determines whether the building is in ‘natural ventilation mode.’
12. Lift – regenerative drive
Unlike traditional lifts, the Regenerative Drive Lift feeds excess energy back in to the building’s internal electrical utility where it can be re-used, resulting in a significant overall energy saving.
13. Waste storage
Recyclables can be easily sorted and collected by recycling contractors in the waste storage area, reducing the waste going to landfill.
14. Water efficient fixtures & fittings
Water consumption is reduced through the use of water efficient fixtures and fittings such as dual flush toilets and 4 star fittings.
15. Water management
Rainwater is collected, stored in tanks, and used to flush toilets and irrigate the landscape. Grey water from showers and basins is also treated and re-used for irrigation.
16. Wind turbine
The Wind Turbine harnesses wind energy to rotate a generator and is expected to produce around 50 kilowatt-hours per year. Although Bond University has a low wind velocity, the Wind Turbine is an effective demonstration for education purposes.