MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
Today I have been very pleased to open officially the first five-star energy efficiency rated building to be occupied by the Commonwealth Government. The Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) recently moved into its new headquarters at 255 London Circuit, Canberra.
The new premises uses cutting edge environmentally sustainable technology, such as a chilled beam cooling system, stormwater tanks on site for water reuse in bathrooms and an energy efficient automated lighting system.
Extensive use of recycled and low volatile organic compound (VOC) materials throughout the building has lessened the building's ecological impact both during construction and ongoing use.
It is predicted that energy consumption will be 47 percent lower compared with conventional buildings, helping AusAID reduce its CO2 emissions by 586 tonnes a year.
This puts AusAID at the forefront of Australian Government initiatives towards environmental sustainability.
A specially configured crisis centre within the building has the technology to enhance AusAID's ability to effectively manage and respond to humanitarian disasters.
The new AusAID headquarters is a professional building for a professional organisation dedicated to managing the Australian Government's overseas aid program.
Media contacts:
Malcolm Cole (Minister's Office) 02 6277 7500
AusAID Public Affairs 0417 680 590