First 6-Star Building Unveiled for Regional NSW

The new University of Newcastle’s Q Building has been awarded a six-star Design and As Built Certification by the Green Building Council of Australia. This is the first 6-star rating for any building in regional New South Wales.

The 6-star rating means that the building was not only sustainably designed but also followed robust environmental practices during the construction process. It is the first building within the new Honeysuckle Precinct, set to be constructed in Newcastle over the next 10 years.

Housing the Integrated Innovation Hub, which connects innovators and entrepreneurs to the community, customers, coaching and capital, the University will also focus on communication, media, film and television, events production, sound and music, animation and fine arts.

The structure of the building, a cement core with laminated timber on the outside, is designed to capture carbon rather than release it. The other sustainability-focused features include 104 solar panels, Sage Glass which reflects the heat of sunlight rather than absorbing it, biophilic design delivering benefits for health and wellbeing, rainwater capture, energy and water-efficient fittings, 100$ renewable energy and 96% recycling rate during construction.

The University will open to students at the beginning of Semester 1.