Melbourne's 171 Collins Street Wins Prestigious UN Accolade

Charter Hall and Cbus Property’s flagship office building, 171 Collins Street has been awarded one of Australia’s highest environmental honours, receiving the Hanson’s Green Building Award at the United Nations Association of Australia World Environment Day Awards.

Described as ‘revolutionary’ by the Association, the building was recognised for its innovation and initiative in implementing green building practices.

Designed by Bates Smart, 171 Collins Street uses world-leading ESD principles and sustainable design to create a healthier, better quality working environment for its tenants.

It is Victoria’s first PCA Premium Grade building awarded the coveted 6 Star Green Star – Office Design (v2) Certified Rating from the Green Building Council of Australia, representing ‘World Leadership’ in environmentally sustainable design.

The building was recognised for excellence in energy efficiency and control; resource application and management; water efficiency; the use of sustainable materials in design and construction; interior flexibility and environment.

Among its innovative design features is its high performance ceramic frit façade made up of over 250 glass panels.

At the centre of the building is a nine storey atrium, which is clad in a cascading glass veil of more than 720 individual glass panels, which create a kaleidoscopic lighting effect that provides natural light to both the tower and the adjoining historic Mayfair building.

Its construction focused on using recyclable materials including 90 per cent recycled concrete and 90 per cent recycled steel.

Cbus Property and Charter Hall entered into Joint Venture in March 2010 to jointly market, lease and develop the project with a long term strategy to own and manage the building.

The building is now 90 per cent leased with tenants including BHP Billiton, Evans & Partners, VicSuper and McGrathNicol.

Wood Group PSN recently secured a lease in the tower and are scheduled to take occupation late 2014.

The building is also home to Dolce & Gabbana’s first Australian flagship store and renowned chef, Andrew McConnell who has also just commenced trading of his newest restaurant and bar, Supernormal at the building.