St.George’s Barangaroo branch awarded 6 Star Green Star rating

St.George's Barangaroo branch has been awarded a 6 Star Green Star - Interiors rating by Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA), becoming the first retail fit-out in Australia to achieve the 6 Star rating and the first ever bank branch to be rated by the GBCA.

Green Star is an internationally-recognised sustainability rating system for the design, construction and operation of buildings, fit-outs and communities. The St.George Barangaroo branch fit-out was assessed across nine categories and praised for the following sustainable elements:

• Use of building materials with a reduced environmental impact over their entire life cycle
• Reduced internal air pollutants
• Reduced water and energy consumption
• Inclusion of innovative options for community usage of the space.

The GBCA's Chief Executive Officer, Romilly Madew, says the 6 Star Green Star is the highest rating achievable, reflecting 'World Leadership' in sustainable interior fit-outs.

"This outstanding achievement is not just about minimising the bank's environmental footprint - although this is important. International research has found bank branches designed with sustainability in mind are also better places for customers and staff - and can cut costs, boost productivity, attract and retain employees, and provide a positive brand contact for customers," Ms Madew said.

"We applaud St.George's achievement, which sends a signal to the financial services sector that sustainability is a strategic business decision."

St.George Retail General Manager, Ross Miller, says that the certification further demonstrates St.George's focus on innovation to provide employees and customers with a great place to work and bank.

"We know sustainability is something our people and customers really care about and we're delighted our innovative Barangaroo branch is the first bank branch to receive a 6 Star Green Star rating.

"This recognition underscores our commitment to ensuring we operate sustainably to support a healthy, happy and productive workplace for our people and our visiting customers, as well as contributing to better outcomes for our environment," Mr Miller said.

This latest rating builds on Westpac Group's growing list of world leading credentials in this area. The Group's head office at 275 Kent Street has also been awarded a 6 Star Green Star rating, along with the 150 Collins Street, Melbourne site and new corporate office, Tower 2 at Barangaroo. In addition, the Group's office in Singapore was last year awarded a LEED Platinum rating.

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