The Commonwealth Bank of Australia has achieved the highest number of Green Star certifications for a non-property organisation, reaching 30 certifications across its bank branches.
The bank became one of the first users of the Green Building Council of Australia’s Volume Certification Program, and since 2016 has certified 30 branches to a 5 star rating or above.
Green Building Council of Australia CEO, Davina Rooney, said it is a significant achievement which has helped to advance better design and construction outcomes throughout Australia.
“The Commonwealth Bank was one of the first users of Green Star and one of the early adopters of our volume certification program,” Rooney said.
“They have paved the way for other financial institutions, as well as industrial facilities, retail stores and restaurants to achieve volume Green Star certification across a number of projects.”
Executive general manager of the bank’s property and security group, Jennifer Saiz, said Green Star adoption, along with its participation in the Global Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment, puts the bank at the forefront of green leaders worldwide.
“We aim to drive positive change through good business practice and one way we achieve this is through our sustainable branches,” she said.
“We are proud to be the first Australian financial institution to achieve a 5 Star Green Star certification for our retail design standards and we are thrilled that 30 of our branches have now achieved Green Star certification.”
Volume certification allows the certification of a group of projects sharing similar features.
Rooney said more companies are choosing volume certifications as it enables elements of a design to be certified once and then replicated on future projects to achieve a Green Star rating.
“Volume certifications for Green Star are growing rapidly as more companies see the value in reducing costs, future-proofing assets, and helping more people enjoy the many benefits working in a Green Star environment,” Rooney said.
Commonwealth Bank’s office fitouts and bank branches use low chemical paints, Forestry Standard certified timber and water-efficient fixtures and fittings. They have also seen energy cuts of 40 per cent compared with typical branches.