The $32 million building will incorporate a host of green elements to make it a zero-emission facility. The building will generate its own power supply through various solar panels made of transparent glass. Recycled materials will be used in about 30% of the building material. Natural ventilation, grey water recycling and advanced water collection system would be other distinct green elements. The center will also boast the country’s largest solar powered-hydrogen energy supply demonstration project.
Spread over 4,000 square meters of usable floor area across six levels, it will include multipurpose lecture facilities with a capacity for 200 students and 100 offices. Located at Nathan, the centre will be surrounded by Toohey Forest Conservation Park.
The Sir Samuel Griffith Centre has been described as a model for remote communities that are ‘off-grid’ and cannot access power in Australia and across the world. The new centre will bring together environmental scientists, engineers, psychologists, urban planners, health, and legal and business experts to develop cross-disciplinary sustainability solutions.
Funding for the center came from the Federal Government’s Education Investment Fund (Sustainability Round). The center has received about $21 million for building the center.
Griffith University has set up the country’s first environmental school. It is also 6 Star Green Star rated teaching and research building.
