Bendigo Law Courts Set Environmental Benchmark with Green Star Rating

The new Bendigo Law Courts deliver justice services to Bendigo and the Loddon Mallee district, showcasing Court Services Victoria's commitment to leading the way in environmentally responsible infrastructure development. The Green Building Council of Australia awarded the Bendigo Law Courts a 6-Star Green Star - Design & As Built v1.2 Certified Rating, representing World Leadership in sustainable design and construction.

Situated in the heart of Bendigo, Victoria, on Dja Dja Wurrung country, the new Bendigo Law Courts complex is a testament to progressive thinking and conscientious design. Being awarded 6-Star Green Star – Design & As Built v1.2 certified rating emphasises the dedication of all stakeholders involved in the project to create a building that meets the highest functionality standards and prioritises the community and environment.

Green Star is an internationally known rating system that evaluates the environmental performance of buildings across various criteria, including energy efficiency, water conservation, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality. Achieving a 6-star rating signifies exceptional performance in all these areas. Out of a possible 100 points, Bendigo Law Courts received 81, which includes indoor air quality, water, energy, materials and emissions, to name a few, scoring well in the innovation category.

One of the standout features of Bendigo Law Courts' sustainability strategy is its innovative design focused on energy efficiency. The complex minimises its carbon footprint by integrating solar panels, efficient HVAC systems, and intelligent lighting controls while optimising operational efficiency. By harnessing renewable energy sources and adopting energy-saving measures. and water conservation, including rainwater harvesting systems, low-flow fixtures, and water-efficient landscaping. The complex reduces its reliance on municipal water supplies and mitigates the impact on local resources.

The material selection process also aided the Bendigo Law Courts in achieving the 6-star rating, opting for materials with low embodied carbon and high recyclability, minimising its environmental footprint while enhancing the durability and longevity of the building.

The project team engaged with the Traditional Owners across design, language and cultural elements, most prominently the representation of Bunjil on the copper façade.

Bendigo Law Courts' Green Star rating is a beacon of sustainability, setting a new standard for environmentally responsible infrastructure.

We are excited to have Bendigo Law Courts join our ever-growing list of Green Star-rated projects at Introba. If you want to learn more about our experience designing high-performance and internationally acclaimed sustainable buildings in Australia, contact Kavita Gusain or David Barker.

Feature Image: Tim Griffiths