A connected healing space designed to improve the experience and outcomes for patients, staff and the environment.
Earlier this year we saw how Green Star Performance continues to display its versatility as a rating tool with Queensland’s Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS) becoming the first hospital to be awarded a 5 Star Green Star Performance v1.2 certification.
The 182-bed Green Star rated hospital represents Australian leadership, and acknowledges STARS’ efficient building operations and innovations. The hospital’s performance excelled in waste management, energy and water efficient systems, with an architectural design that optimises thermal performance and air flow. The project team also paid close attention to land use and ecology, with the protection of environmentally significant surrounding areas.
STARS, the first building completed as part of Australian Unity’s $1.5 billion redevelopment of the Herston Quarter in Brisbane, opened its doors to patients in 2021. This innovative hospital challenges conventional expectations for healthcare facilities and was designed by Hassell and master-planned by Australian Unity in partnership with Metro North Health.
The Green Star rated hospital challenges what we have come to expect from health facilities. Traditionally a hard to abate sector — the design and performance features reflect better long-term care for patients, and a more comfortable, healthy space for staff.
There are a range of studies that have come out in recent years which demonstrate how visible greenery, and outdoor facilities vastly improve the wellbeing of ill patients, their families and caregivers. As part of the Green Star Performance rating, care taken to minimise damage to existing local ecology and restoration of the natural environment where possible, is highly considered - a win for people and the environment.
Environmental considerations were a key part of the design process, these have helped STARS to drive operational efficiency and become the first Australian hospital to achieve a 5 Star Green Star Performance rating, in part due to sustainable design aspects such as:
- Excellent access to public transport
- High-performing thermally glazed full height windows integrated with anodised aluminium panels and sun-shading, maximising natural light, views and connections to landscape while balancing the need for solar control and privacy
- Landscaping including tree canopies and greenery for shade, improved biodiversity and reduction in the urban heat island effect
- Locally sourced manufacturers/suppliers
- Used pre-fabrication and modulation
- Integrated advanced building management controls systems, with real time metering and monitoring, data collation and reporting
- Highly efficient LED lighting and occupancy/scheduling control systems
- Highly efficient water appliances, fittings, fixtures and leak detection systems
- Refrigerant leak detection systems
There are a range of unique challenges facing hospitals in the pursuit of carbon and waste reduction, said Davina Rooney, CEO of GBCA, but STARS offered the Australian market a “proof-of-concept healthcare asset with exemplary operations”.
"STARS has set a new standard in the Australian health sector and we applaud the project team for its vision. This vision has come to life and can be seen in STARS’ efficiencies like reduced energy and water consumption, thermal insulation and, consequently, decreased operational emissions,” explained Ms Rooney.
Kellie Williams, Metro North environmental sustainability and climate change manager, said there was a growing pool of evidence that healthier hospitals lead to far better patient outcomes, whilst also being a safer, more enjoyable and productive place to work.
“Hospital sustainability is key to reducing emissions associated with healthcare and achieving net-zero targets.
“STARS presented an excellent opportunity to embed sustainability into the design from the beginning. The use of responsible materials and thoughtful design contributed to constructing a superior building that meets the high standards of a 5 Star Green Star Performance rating, and simultaneously aligning with the Green Metro North Sustainability Strategy 2021-2026 and our net zero commitments”, said Ms Williams.
Key achievements from the Performance rating include
- Energy - 33.1% improvement over an industry average for greenhouse gas emissions.
- Water - 71.3% improvement over an industry average for water consumption.
- Waste - An improved waste diversion rate of 43% in 2023, up from 37% from the baseline year 2022.
The success of STARS emphasises the growing importance of sustainable practices in healthcare facilities. By integrating energy-efficient systems, effective waste management, inventive architectural designs, and purposeful connectivity to nature, STARS has become a blueprint for sustainable operations of hospitals in Australia.