Union Station’s star continues to rise, awarded the highest sustainability rating – 6-Star Green Star certification by the Green Building Council of Australia.
The rating sees Union Station join the ranks of “world leadership” in building design and construction, scoring highly in the areas of emissions, transport, building materials and innovation.
One of the station’s biggest energy-saving features is the giant 70kW rooftop solar system – one of the largest across the state’s rail network – with capacity to generate 82,000 kWh annually, equivalent to powering more than 8 houses every day.
As well as providing all of the station’s energy needs during the day, the huge solar system has drastically reduced carbon emissions, by 27% in peak demand and by more than two thirds compared with standard buildings. Total energy savings combine to reduce carbon emissions by 109 tonnes a year – equivalent to 49 cars being taken off the road annually.
More than a third of the station’s water usage comes from rainwater captured in 10,000 litre tanks, with water being reused for cleaning and in station bathrooms. The station also scored highly for its water-efficient fixtures and fittings within staff and passenger facilities.
Almost all of the demolition and construction waste materials from works to remove the Union Road and Mont Albert Road level crossings were diverted from landfill through sorting and reuse, including restoring and repurposing the former Mont Albert station building. The majority of materials to build the new premium Union Station were sourced from environmentally-accredited suppliers.
Other ecological innovations to minimise the project’s carbon footprint include a station bike parkiteer and use of drought-resistant native species among 65,000 new plantings throughout the station precinct and surrounding streets.
Level Crossing Removal Project Program Director Steve Brown said the 6-star certification recognised the project team’s commitment to providing the community with a state-of-the-art transport facility that would also positively contribute to its environment.
“Being recognised as a world leader in sustainability is a huge achievement and a reflection of the project team’s innovation and dedication to deliver improved transport infrastructure with lasting environmental benefits,” he said.
