Curtin University has been awarded Australia\u2019s first 5 Star Green Star \u2013 Communities rating by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA).<\/p>\n
Western Australia\u2019s largest university received the rating for its Master Plan, which will see its Bentley Campus developed into a \u2018city of innovation\u2019.<\/p>\n
Green Star \u2013 Communities is one of the world\u2019s first independent, transparent, national schemes designed to assess and certify the sustainability of large-scale master planned development projects.<\/p>\n
Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry said the rating was an important endorsement of the University\u2019s vision to transform its Bentley Campus through urban renewal and sustainable design.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a university we are continually striving to be leaders in research and education and the 5 Star Green Star \u2013 Communities rating validates our ambitions to develop a vibrant urban centre, while achieving our vision to change the world through innovation and excellence,\u201d Professor Terry said.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo be the first project in Australia to receive the rating is a significant achievement.\u201d<\/p>\n
GBCA Chief Executive Officer Romilly Madew said the Curtin University Master Plan was assessed against best practice benchmarks for governance and innovation, design excellence, environmental sustainability, economic prosperity and liveability.<\/p>\n
\u201cA 5 Star Green Star rating signifies \u2018Australian Excellence\u2019, and sets new sustainability benchmarks for Australia\u2019s universities, and provides Curtin University with independent proof that its vision will deliver environmental, economic and social sustainability,\u201d Ms Madew said.<\/p>\n
The Curtin University Master Plan will see 114 hectares of the University\u2019s Bentley Campus transformed through urban regeneration over a 20-year period. It supports an urban economy based on education, business, technology, housing, public transport, the arts and recreation.<\/p>\n
Stage 1 of the Master Plan is underway. As part of Stage 1, Wesfarmers Court \u2013 a dynamic economic and innovative hub \u2013 was opened in December last year and was supported by listed company Wesfarmers.<\/p>\n
For further information on the Curtin Master Plan, visit http:\/\/properties.curtin.edu.au\/whoweare\/masterplan.cfm<\/a><\/p>\n