by Shane Henson — July 10, 2013—Brisbane may soon lay claim to being Australia’s most sustainable airport as it works toward achieving a Green Star—Communities PILOT rating, according to the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA).
The Green Star—Communities PILOT rating was released by the GBCA in June 2012 as an independent, national, voluntary rating tool to drive the development of more sustainable, productive and livable Australian communities. The Green Star—Communities rating tool contains 38 credits across five sustainability categories (plus innovation) for the planning, design and delivery of sustainable communities: governance, design, livability, economic prosperity, environment, and innovation.
“A Green Star—Communities rating will provide BAC with independent verification and global recognition for this vision and its commitment to sustainable development,” says Romilly Madew, chief executive of the GBCA. “This is a significant step not just for Brisbane Airport, but also for the people of Brisbane, who will gain independent proof that their airport delivers environmental, economic and social sustainability not just now, but for decades to come.”
Brisbane Airport is the front door to Queensland and the third largest airport in Australia based on passenger numbers, operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In fiscal year 2011-12, Brisbane Airport welcomed more than 21 million passengers (nearly the entire population of Australia) through its terminals. More than 420 businesses are located at the airport with a combined workforce of more than 19,000 people; the number of workers at the airport is expected to grow to 50,000 by 2029.
