ANZ’s new global headquarters in Melbourne’s Docklands is attracting interest from sustainability experts who have recognised it as a benchmark for green buildings.

The 6 Star Green Star rated ANZ Centre includes a range of innovations to minimise carbon emissions and to support a healthy workplace. 

The building’s environmentally sustainable features include wind turbines, solar panels, a green roof, gas-generated electricity, water recycling, proximity to public transport and bicycle spaces. 

Philip Hopkins’ feature article in the Age discusses the balancing act that takes place when designing a sustainable building to realise both short-term gains in daily running costs and the long-term objective of lengthening the building’s lifecycle.  

The article also highlights some of the benefits of sustainable buildings according to Deakin University senior lecturer Dr Sara Wilkinson who points to research to suggest “sustainable buildings result in a lower rate of staff turnover, higher productivity and less absenteeism for employers - a win, win, win." 

The ANZ Centre is the largest single-tenanted commercial building in the southern hemisphere. It will house 6,500 employees and opened in November 2009.