The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) has again been recognised for its environmental attributes, after being named the winner of this year’s prestigious Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Environmental Excellence Award.
The UDIA is the peak body representing all segments of the development industry. A highly respected organisation, the institute has been representing property development in Victoria for over 30 years.
In recognising another accolade for the designers Joint Venture Architects Woods Bagot and NH Architecture, the developers Plenary Group and the builders Brookfield Multiplex, MCEC’s chief executive Leigh Harry said: ‘The UDIA Environmental Excellence Award is the 6th major environmental award for the MCEC over the past 12 months – an amazing achievement and further well-deserved recognition for the architects for the centre’s first class environmental design.’
The UDIA Environmental Excellence Award was presented for the centre’s exceptional environmental features, particularly the use of radiant slab heating and cooling; solar panelling; a black water treatment facility; the use of low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs); an abundance of natural light; and an extensive waste separation program.
Judges praised the centre saying: ‘An environmental and architectural design award of the highest order is appropriate for this state-of-the-art public building.
‘The flagship project is the world’s first convention centre to be awarded a 6-Star Green Star environmental rating, making it one of the most efficient large structures in the world, leading the way in best practice, innovation and sustainability – an outstanding new asset for Melbourne.’
