Penrith building at the forefront of sustainable design

A sustainable community centre in Penrith, Sydney has been recognised for its sustainable building practices and innovative green design.

A sustainable community centre in Penrith, Sydney has been recognised for its sustainable building practices and innovative green design.

Equipped with a 20kW PV solar system, geothermal heating and cooling and water-efficient fittings, the Jordan Springs Community Hub recently won the Local Government NSW Excellence in the Environment Award.

Built in partnership with Lendlease, the centre is the first in NSW to be built from cross-laminated timber. It also utilises a geothermal heating and cooling system that is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 50 percent, leading to a reduction of 37 tonnes of CO2 each year.

According to the Penrith City Council, the heating system is so effective that the cost to install it will be paid off through savings in under 10 years.

The building’s 20kW PV solar system is also expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 25 tonnes per year.