This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
AUSTRALIAN Unity’s Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS) has lived up its acronym, becoming Australia’s first hospital to achieve a 5 Star Green Star Performance rating.
The 5 Star Green Star Performance rating awarded by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA), recognises excellence in building operations. measures performance across categories including, indoor environment, energy, transport, water, materials, land use & ecology, emissions and innovation.
Hospitals face unique challenges to reduce carbon and waste, GBCA CEO Davina Rooney said STARS shows the market a proof-of-concept healthcare asset with exemplary operations.
“STARS has set a new standard in the Australian health sector for energy and water consumption, thermal insulation and decreased operational emissions. We commend and thank Australian Unity, the operator and the landlord for this leadership and we look forward to seeing how STARS continuously improves its performance while inspiring other health care facilities to do the same,” added Rooney.
Australian Unity assistant fund manager of healthcare property Nicole Plant said the rating is the result of a team effort between Australian Unity, the STARS operator Metro North Health and facility manager Cushman & Wakefield.
“To receive an internationally recognised and independently verified certification for STARS is thanks to Australian Unity and Metro North Health’s close working relationship and our joint commitment to delivering greener, more sustainable healthcare infrastructure for our community. The rating offers a case study in green hospital building and operations for other Australian hospital owners wanting to assess the sustainability of their operations,” said Plant.
Kellie Williams, Environmental Sustainability & Climate Change Manager, Metro North Health, said there is a growing body of evidence concluding that healthier hospitals lead to better patient outcomes, and a safer, more productive and enjoyable place to work.
Simon Ng, Senior Manager of Sustainability at Colliers advised Australian Unity on its submission.
