The Metro Tunnel and its 5 new stations are setting a benchmark in sustainable design, earning top-tier recognition from the Green Building Council of Australia and the Infrastructure Sustainability Council.
The 5 new stations, Arden, Parkville, State Library, Town Hall and Anzac, have each achieved an impressive 6 Star Green Star As-Built certification from the Green Building Council of Australia, the highest rating possible under the Green Star framework.
These 6 Star Green Star - Custom certifications highlight the project’s leadership in sustainability practices within the construction industry.
The Metro Tunnel Project as a whole has also received the highest available ratings – known as ‘Leading Ratings’ – from the Infrastructure Sustainability Council for its As-Built construction.
Design and As-Built elements contributing to the high ratings include:
- over 230,000 tonnes of carbon emissions avoided (equivalent to taking over 90,000 passenger vehicles off Melbourne roads for a year)
- Reduction in usage of carbon-intense cement by 52%
- 125kW of solar panels at Arden Station
- regenerative braking on lifts and escalators to capture and reuse energy that would otherwise be lost
- 44% reduction in energy consumption across construction and operation
- rain or stormwater harvesting at each station
- 55% reduction in drinking water demand across construction and operation
- creation of more than 16,500 square metres of new public space
- incorporation of First Nations-led artwork and significant public art at each station
- employment of apprentices and trainees and support for social enterprises.
The Green Star sustainability rating, awarded by the Green Building Council of Australia, is internationally recognised and Australia’s leading rating system for sustainability outcomes from the design and construction of new projects. This comprehensive rating framework evaluates a range of criteria, including management, indoor environment quality, energy, transport, water, materials, land use and ecology, emissions, and innovation.
The IS Rating Scheme is Australia and New Zealand’s only comprehensive rating system for evaluating economic, social and environmental performance of infrastructure projects across planning, design, construction and operational phases.
The Metro Tunnel – the biggest upgrade of Melbourne’s rail network in over 40 years – opened to passengers on 30 November 2025. On its opening day, the Metro Tunnel welcomed over 70,000 passengers through its entrances.