The greenest convention centre has set a new standard for green innovation, according to Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA). It was a far-sighted decision to go down the green building path, and one which could only have been achieved through industry co-operation.
The Melbourne Convention Centre was awarded a 6 star green star rating for their innovative environmental design in 2008, under the green star - convention centre PILOT rating tool. Six star green rating demonstrates ‘world leadership’, recognising that the MCC has set a new global standard for convention centre design. By embracing innovation and working with the Green Building Council of Australia to develop a specific convention centre tool, the MCC have captured new markets, and future-proofed their assets against changes in government regulation, market expectations and climate change.
The Plenary Group should be acknowledged for their vision and commitment to green innovation during the bidding and design process. From the outset, Plenary Group demonstrated the strong commitment to a sustainable future. Green Building Council of Australia also congratulated the Victorian Government for their leadership. By commissioning the development of the green star - convention centre PILOT tool specifically for this project, the Victorian Government has once again demonstrated their strong commitment to the greening of Melbourne's built environment.
The Melbourne Convention Centre were awarded points for innovation in recognition of their pioneering use of chilled floor slabs in conjunction with displacement ventilation, as well as the installation of a black-water treatment plant in a large public building, and for driving product innovation in the supply of new sustainably harvested timber veneered board.
The scale of the project has provided the opportunity for the development of new and innovative green solutions. Victoria is home to the greenest convention centre, demonstrating that the state and Australia are leading their way in green building.