Canberra Law Courts Go green

January 14th, 2016

The new law courts, planned for a proper unveiling in 2018, are being designed with a concerted focus on achieving a 5 Star Green Star rating from the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA).

The new ACT Law Courts, with a capital cost of $150 million, are being built to sustain the territory’s needs for the next 50 years, and are set to create some 350 jobs throughout the two year construction phase of the project.

“Some of the environment features in the design include the installation of a 110KW capacity solar photovoltaic array, solar water heating, rainwater harvesting and end of journey facilities for cyclists,” says ACT Attorney-General Simon Corbell, “A new integrated heating and cooling plant arrangement and improved lighting systems will also contribute to the energy efficiency of the new precinct.”

GBCA Chief Executive Officer Romilly Madew has applauded the Territory Government’s plan to achieve a 5 Star Green Star rating for the Law Courts, saying “The ACT Government has made a strong commitment to sustainable schools over many years – and is working with us to achieve Green Star ratings for eight separate schools.

“As the ACT Government works towards carbon neutral operations by 2020, energy efficient, cost-effective buildings play an essential role. A Green Star rating gives ACT taxpayers confidence that the infrastructure they are funding is economically, socially and environmentally sustainable.”

A five star rating will ensure a long-term sustainability of the Law Courts, and will assist the local state government save money as well as future-proof assets and improve the productivity, health and wellbeing of the area on the whole.

Construction on the courts is set to commence in early 2016 with completion flagged for 2018.

ACT Law Courts & Tribunal
courts.act.gov.au

Green Building Council of Australia
gbca.org.au