The global guide, titled “Financing Transformation: A Guide to Green Building for Green Bonds and Green Loans”, was launched in London in June and aims to help drive the $35 trillion investment needed by 2030 to reach net zero.
“For La Trobe University, being recognised in this global guide clearly demonstrates our leadership in sustainable finance and our commitment to our Net Zero by 2029 program,” said Mark Smith, Chief Operating Officer at La Trobe University.
“Our recently announced Power Purchasing Agreement is another example of how we are dedicated to reducing our emissions and addressing climate change.”
In 2023, La Trobe launched its first Green Bond offering, valued at AUS $175 million, to be used exclusively to fund a diverse range of eligible eco-friendly projects and initiatives in areas such as renewable energy, green buildings, sustainable water and waste management and biodiversity conservation.
Two of the University’s Green Star buildings – and key components of the University’s ambitious plan to transform its Melbourne Campus in Bundoora into a University City of the Future – are featured in the case study; the 6 Star Green Star La Trobe Sports Stadium (pictured) and the 5 Star Green Star North and South Apartments.
Andrew Jennings, Executive Director of the University’s Net Zero program, said that our commitment to Green Star buildings demonstrates how La Trobe offers world-class facilities for our students and community while also prioritising environmental sustainability.
“We take great pride in our ability to develop these innovative facilities while staying true to La Trobe’s core values of sustainability, environmental protection, and our goal of achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2029,” said Andrew.
The guide explains how various building verification and certification standards can be utilised to align with global classifications and bond frameworks, paving the way for the global built environment to achieve a sustainable climate threshold of 1.5°C.
The alliance who developed the guide comprises the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA), who founded the Green Star building rating system; the UK-based Building Research Establishment (BRE); the Singapore Green Building Council (SGBC); the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC); and the Alliance HQE-GBC France.
