Australia celebrates sustainability during World Green Building Week 2012

More than 90 nations around the world will unite this week for World Green Building Week.

Now in its third year, World Green Building Week shines a spotlight on the central role that green buildings and communities play in reducing the global carbon footprint and saving money, while also creating jobs, boosting productivity, health and learning, and improving lives.

This year, green building councils in 92 countries, representing more than 30,000 organisations, will participate - hosting events, running campaigns and more.

The Chief Executive of the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA), Romilly Madew, says: “Australia can be proud of its achievements in sustainable building.

“We have eight million square metres of Green Star-certified space around Australia, we’ve trained 40,000 people in the property and construction industry on sustainable building practices and our GBC is the one of the world’s largest and most influential.

“Many Australian companies now have international reputations as sustainability specialists and we are leading the way in terms of green products and innovations.

“In 10 years, we have transformed some segments of the property and construction market - such as commercial offices - and we are making inroads into other markets, with sustainable schools, hospitals, shopping centres, industrial facilities and apartments a reality across Australia.

“World Green Building Week reminds us that sustainable building is not a fad or a fashion - it’s the future, and Australia is at the forefront of this global movement.”

Over the course of the week, the GBCA will host a series of ‘Sustainable Sydney’ walking tours in conjunction with the Better Buildings Partnership. Participants will see for themselves how the Green Star rating system has transformed the city’s footprint and how Sydney’s infrastructure is getting a green makeover, in advance of further tours to be established in other cities around the country. The self-guided walking tour can be viewed at www.gbca.org.au/events/sustainable-sydney-walking-tour/34310.htm.

Madew and her counterpart at the US Green Building Council, Rick Fedrizzi, will be hosting a tweet chat on Tuesday 18 September at 9 am EST. Take part by posting your question or comment on why green buildings make great communities to #greenbuildingweek.

Dozens of GBCA member companies are hosting events and activities - from site tours of Green Star-rated buildings to photo competitions, from seminars to product launches. Find out more at www.gbca.org.au/events/world-green-building-week-2012-industry-events/34242.htm.