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The Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS) in inner north Brisbane has set a new sustainability standard for Australian hospitals.
The hospital, which is part of the $1.1 billion Herston Quarter development, is the first hospital in Australia to receive a five-star Green Star performance rating by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA).
It is a 182-bed, nine-storey facility that provides specialist rehabilitation, elective surgery, endoscopy and outpatient services to Brisbane residents.
STARS claims to be “one of the largest tertiary specialist rehabilitation centres in the southern hemisphere” and the first public hospital in Australia to be funded by investors in an unlisted property trust.
The hospital has been constructed with energy and water efficient systems, effective waste management, optimal thermal performance and proximity to public transport.
According to Davina Rooney, chief executive officer of the GBCA, the STARS development is proof that hospitals can be constructed in environmentally sustainable ways, despite the unique challenges that these facilities pose.
“STARS has set a new standard in the Australian health sector for energy and water consumption, thermal insulation and decreased operational emissions,” Rooney said.
“We look forward to seeing how STARS continuously improves its performance while inspiring other healthcare facilities to do the same.”
Australian Unity, the operator and landlord of the new hospital, shared their hope that other healthcare facilities with follow in their footsteps.
“The rating offers a case study in green hospital building and operations for other Australian hospital owners wanting to assess the sustainability of their operations,” said Australian Unity’s assistant fund manager for healthcare property trust, Nicole Plant.
Kellie Williams, environmental sustainability and climate change manager at Metro North Health, noted that a sustainable hospital will likely have positive impacts for patients as well as the planet.
“There is a growing body of evidence concluding that healthier hospitals lead to better patient outcomes, and a safer, more productive and enjoyable place to work,” Williams said.
“It’s pleasing to see STARS recognised for its innovative building design and operational excellence, as well as public transport connectivity and a variety of amenities provided across the Herston Quarter precinct,” she said.
“These are features that benefit the city of Brisbane, as well as the clinicians, patients and their families coming through our doors.”
Looking ahead, Australian Unity stated they intend to continue progressing sustainability initiatives across their portfolio, including property-specific net zero transition planning.
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