The $3.4 million Gold Creek Environment Centre, built as part of the Gillard Government’s Building the Education Revolution (BER), has been named as a finalist in this year’s United Nations Association of Australia World Environment Day Awards.

Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Bill Shorten today congratulated the Canberra’s Gold Creek school community, the architects, builders and the ACT Government, which part funded the facility, on the construction of this environmentally sustainable building.

“Gold Creek School have set the standard for environmentally sustainable design,” Mr Shorten said.

“Although the impacts of climate change are global, we know the solutions are local, and that young Australians will need to carry on the work we are doing now to make Australia more environmentally sustainable.”

Local Member for Fraser, Mr Andrew Leigh congratulated everyone involved in the development of this facility and wished the Gold Creek School community all the best in the awards.

“It is wonderful that our schools are encouraging environmental responsibility. By educating and engaging younger generations in this field, we are safeguarding Australia’s future.”

The Gold Creek School environment centre is one of only three school buildings in Australia to have achieved a 6-star rating under the Green Star Education Design IV.

The Centre features photovoltaic panels producing more power than required to run the building. Rainwater and grey water tanks capture water for use in toilets and the irrigation of garden beds and a thermal chimney provides passive cooling during summer.

Systems in the Centre allow students to monitor in real time readings for energy and water use.

Students of Gold Creek School and Holy Spirit Primary School share the Environment Centre along with the library, canteen, gymnasium and artificial sportsground as a great example of the Australian Government’s Local Schools Working Together Program.

The World Environment Day Awards recognise innovative and outstanding environmental programs and initiatives. They are held as part of the United Nations’ World Environment Day (5 June) which this year celebrate the International Year for Sustainable Energy.

The winner will be announced at the United Nations Association of Australia World Environment Day Award Ceremony in Melbourne in 8 June.