The 28 finalists for the 18th annual Premier’s Sustainability Awards have been announced, including three in the Built Environment category that recognises excellence and innovation in sustainable building or sustainable construction projects in Victoria.
Each year the Premier’s Sustainability Awards recognise individuals, businesses, government entities and community groups leading the way in implementing sustainable innovation and practices in Victoria.
Sustainability Victoria CEO, Claire Ferres Miles, celebrated the continued growth of the Awards and lauded the quality and innovation of submissions spanning regional and metropolitan Victoria.
“The continued year-on-year growth of the Awards reflects optimism and momentum to achieve Victoria’s commitment to transition to a circular and zero net emissions economy to reduce, re-use and recycle,” Ferres Miles said.
“From volunteer groups dedicating countless hours to large businesses taking action, it is inspiring to see the quality of varied and innovative submissions this year.”
The Premier’s Sustainability Awards 2020 include categories ranging from environmental protection to health and education. Each category was judged by a panel of environmental experts selected for their sustainability and industry expertise.
This year Frasers Property Australia is among the three finalists in the Built Environment category for its Burwood Brickworks Shopping Centre.
According to Frasers Property Australia, the vision for the project was to create the world’s most sustainable retail centre, by seeking global accreditation under the Living Building Challenge™.
This challenge is globally acknowledged as the most advanced measure of sustainability in the built environment today and has resulted in a quality centre that offers a wide range of wellbeing benefits for the people who use it.
Already boasting a 6 Star Green Star Design rating, Burwood Brickworks self-sufficient qualities include 100 per cent renewable energy, 100 per cent repurposed rainwater, 99 per cent of construction waste diverted from landfill, and an impressive 2500 square metre rooftop urban farm revolutionising urban environment agricultural benefits. Tenant education ensured fit-outs met the centre’s strict sustainability requirements.
Mirvac Group is also a finalist in this category, for The House with No Bills.
After extensive research, Mirvac’s fully electric House with No Bills looks just like any other home in the development but uniquely employs multiple sustainability features that enable residents to reduce and potentially eliminate their energy bills.
All appliances installed are selected to be the highest star ratings available at an affordable price. The home also features solar PV and battery system, upgrades of glazing, insulation, LED lighting, zoned air conditioning and heat pump hot water, achieving a 92 per cent energy savings over a year.
The House with No Bills is an innovative initiative which forms part of Mirvac’s ambitious sustainability strategy ‘This Changes Everything’, which aims to drive a more sustainable future for Australians. This strategy focuses on not only reducing environmental impact but also considers social impact.
Another finalist in the Premier’s Sustainability Awards 2020 – Built Environment category is Swinburne University of Technology and Wyndham City Council.
In a Victorian first, Swinburne University collaborated with Wyndham City Council to produce 339 metres of footpath at Geddes Crescent Park in Hoppers Crossing comprised of 2.2 tonnes of recycled kerbside waste plastics and 4.8 tonnes of glass fines, equivalent to 199,000 plastic and glass bottles.
The research project and resulting footpath garnered significant national and international credibility, and it is estimated the approach used resulted in approximately 1700kg of carbon savings compared to utilising traditional materials in a concrete footpath of the same length.
Winners of the Premier’s Sustainability Awards 2020 will be announced during an online ceremony on 16 December.
Premier Daniel Andrews will personally select the winners of the overall awards, the Premier’s Recognition Award and Premier’s Regional Recognition Award, from this year’s list of finalists. The Premier’s Recognition Awards recognise submissions that showcase outstanding innovation in sustainability and demonstrate notable benefits for metropolitan and regional Victoria.
Claire Ferres-Miles added: “The Premier’s Sustainability Awards recognise Victorian businesses, community groups and individuals who are exemplars, leaders in Australia, inspiring us all to work together – to act with impact.”
For more information on the awards and profiles of all finalists, visit www.sustainabilityawards.vic.gov.au.