Powerhouse Parramatta: Green Star
Powerhouse Parramatta is on track to become the first public institution in Australia with a 6 Star Green Star rating under the Green Building Council Australia's new rating tool.
The construction of the new museum, delivered by Infrastructure NSW and head contractor Lendlease has already met exceptional performance standards — distinct for its focus on climate resilience, circular principles and a climate positive roadmap.
A detailed submission by Powerhouse and Lendlease was evaluated by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) across eight categories: responsible, healthy, resilient, positive, places, people, nature and leadership.
During its design assessment Powerhouse Parramatta gained more than 70 points under the GBCA’s Building’s v1 tool across all eight categories, including a commitment to zero carbon emissions in operations when the museum opens, making it Australia’s most sustainable cultural institution.
Powerhouse Parramatta will be a Climate Positive building as outlined by the GBCA — highly energy efficient and operating on 100% renewable electricity.
Future proofing building design against climate change
The Green Star Buildings rating system is designed by Green Building Council Australia to help developers and owners measure the long-term sustainability of new buildings and major refurbishments. Projects targeting a 6 Star rating must meet the GBCA’s Climate Positive Pathway, aligned with recommendations from the United Nation’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to deliver Climate Positive buildings.
Under the GBCA’s Building’s v1 tool, Climate Positive buildings are built with lower upfront emissions and lower carbon materials. Their operations must be fossil fuel free and powered by renewables, use highly efficient energy systems, be built with lower upfront carbon emissions and offset with nature.
