Fiona Nixon, Regional Principal of Woodhead, delivered a presentation on Sustainable Strategies In Healthcare Design yesterday at Bex Asia – Build Eco Xpo 2011, jointly hosted by Australian Trade Commission and Reed Exhibitions.
The presentation centred on the case study of Flinders Medical Centre in Adelaide, where Woodhead was the Architect, Interior Designer and Health Planner. It was the first project in Australia to be certified under the Green Star Healthcare certification. It was awarded a 5 Star Green Star – Healthcare Design v1 Certified Rating from the Green Building Council of Australia which represents “Australian Excellence” in environmentally sustainable design.
Fiona showcased the design elements that helped it achieve its Green Star award, and underscored that sustainable design considerations, as with all other Woodhead projects, were integral to Woodhead’s design approach and not extra elements that had to be added in for the sake of earning accreditation points. The new A$30m South wing has helped the overall facility achieve a 45% improvement on Energy Efficiency, with greenhouse gas reductions equivalent to taking 1400 cars permanently off the road; a 15% reduction in Water consumption, and improved Indoor Environment Quality to maximise natural light, views of nature and air quality. The result is a redeveloped facility that has achieved real cost savings as well as improved patient health outcomes and staff productivity.
An industry networking reception followed the presentation, hosted by Mrs Kirsten Sayers, Australia’s Senior Trade & Investment Commissioner to Singapore and Australia’s Investment Commissioner to ASEAN, and Ms Michelle Lim, Managing Director of Reed Exhibitions. Mr Robin Mellon, Executive Director for Advocacy & International, Green Building Council of Australia, was also present.
The event held at Suntec Convention Centre was well attended by delegates from Australia and ASEAN in the green building sector. Fiona’s sharing on best practices in sustainability design in the architectural / interior design space drew an overwhelming positive response.
