Bentleigh Secondary School has been named Most Sustainable Educational Institution at the International Green Awards held at London’s Battersea Power Station on Tuesday 21 November.
Suters Architects are proud to have been involved with the school over many years in the redevelopment of their entire campus. Bentleigh Secondary College, located in suburban Melbourne, overcame competition from United Arab Emirates, Canada and the US to win the award.
Suters Architects worked in partnership with the college to design stages 1 and 2 of the school’s redevelopment. Project Leader, John Schout said the award confirms the college’s commitment to sustainability awareness and Suters innovation and leadership in supporting the school in their sustainable design.
‘Strong Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) principles were at the forefront of our collaboration and support for the school’s desire to create not only a sustainable campus but change the behaviours of both students and staff in best practice environmental management,’ said Mr Schout.
‘A new building, a Meditation and Indigenous Cultural Centre, designed entirely of timber is an example of sustainable carbon capture principles and will be completed in 2013.’
‘Key ESD initiatives include shading and natural light, solar panels, water treatment and wetlands and a planned thermal heating and cooling system.’
‘We congratulate the college for receiving this award. Their commitment to educating students about sustainability through teaching and the built environment is outstanding and highly commendable.’
Speaking on ABC Radio National Bill Thomas, Head of Sustainability, Bentleigh Secondary College said ‘the Meditation and Indigenous Centre is a 100 per cent sustainable and 100 per cent renewable building. A lot of people have chipped in to create this wonderful place. Suters Architects delivered all their services pro bono. The whole structure is a true community facility,’
York University (Canada) took Silver and University of Washington (USA) took the Bronze prize in the Most Sustainable Educational Institution award category. The award recognises educational institutions that have striven to increase sustainability awareness amongst children and youth, removing environmental apathy, thus creating informed and responsible citizens.
The UN inspired theme for the 7th International Green Awards was The International Year of Sustainable Energy for All.
