5 May 2017
The St.George Barangaroo branch by RFA Architects is Australia’s first 6-Star Green Star (interiors rating) retail project achieving world leadership recognition in executing sustainable initiatives.
The intention of this branch was to build upon the already established St.George brand and to create a new branch design concept that was sustainable and offered a better environment for their customers and staff.
Over many years, Westpac has developed a strong track record in sustainability. They have a long history of being recognised for their leadership, and in 2014 and 2015 they were assessed as the most sustainable bank globally by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. Westpac’s focus has always been on anticipating emerging environmental challenges for their business and customers, and developing practical products and services in response.
RFA’s design demonstrates that it is achievable to minimise the environmental impact whilst creating a dynamic workplace for staff and customers. It is also proof that retail spaces designed with sustainable initiatives in mind, can boost productivity, attract and retain employees and provide a positive brand experience for customers.
Sustainable elements of the project included the use of building materials with a reduced environmental impact over their entire life cycle, reduced internal air pollutants, reduced water and energy consumption via energy-efficient lighting selection and programmable controls, and innovative options for community usage of the space.
KEY INITIATIVES
PRODUCTS
PAINTS
ECOLOUR, WATER BASED PAINT
CARPETS
IINTERFACEFLOR, URBAN RETREAT AND RETROFIT, CARPET
FLOORING
FORBO FLOORING MARMOLEUM REAL AND SAFESTEP, LINOLEUM AND VINYL FLOORING PRODUCTS
FURNITURE
GECA CERTIFIED LOOSE FURNITURE FOR ALL FURNITURE
PLASTERBOARD
USG BORAL, SOUNDSTOP PLASTERBOARD
Jury Citation
“This fitout project sets a new benchmark in the Australian market, driven hard by the holistic approach taken by developers Lendlease in their delivery of Barangaroo. It also goes beyond efficiency into lifecycle assessment of products and materials as well as social sustainability and education outcomes. An important part of this project is that the building is offered to charity organisations outside of work hours to benefit the community. It continues Westpac’s strong record of sustainable building in Australia.”