School Infrastructure NSW

Waitara Public School upgrade achieves Green Star status

Release date: 17 December 2021

The Waitara Public School Upgrade project has achieved a 4 Star Green Star certification from the Green Building Council of Australia in the Design & As Built v1.2 rating category.  

The Green Star certification applies to the school’s new building delivered as part of the upgrade, opened in mid-2020. Key benefits of the upgrade include a new main entry, 37 new permanent classrooms, a new hall, a new canteen, new staff and administration facilities, and landscaping and play space surrounding the new building. 

The new building features a range of sustainability initiatives to improve the environmental quality and user comfort, such as: 

  • waste diversion and recycling equipment
  • high-quality LED lighting 
  • building mechanical systems that minimise the presence of harmful microbes
  • internal air quality supported via low volatile organic compound paints, adhesives, sealants, carpets, and wood products
  • a large solar panel system, leading to more than 20% reduction in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions (compared to minimum compliance)
  • native plantings and landscaping to improve the ecological value and reduce the heat island effect

The project delivered a 25% reduction in potable water usage compared to standard practice. A significant percentage of the construction materials, including timber, were responsibly sourced or came from a sustainable supply chain. 

Group Director, Technical Services Sonia Auld said that this is the second certification achieved by School Infrastructure NSW, along with the new-build Mainsbridge School. 

“This is a great achievement and should be celebrated by the entire team here at School Infrastructure NSW,” Sonia said.

Take a video tour of the Waitara Public School upgrade to learn more. 

The NSW Government is investing $7.9 billion over the next four years, the largest investment in public education infrastructure in NSW history, continuing its program to deliver 215 new and upgraded schools to support communities across the state.

The Waitara Public School upgrade.
Image: The Waitara Public School upgrade has achieved Green Star status.
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We recognise the Ongoing Custodians of the lands and waterways where we work and live. We pay respect to Elders past and present as ongoing teachers of knowledge, songlines and stories. We strive to ensure every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learner in NSW achieves their potential through education.

We recognise the Ongoing Custodians of the lands and waterways where we work and live. We pay respect to Elders past and present as ongoing teachers of knowledge, songlines and stories. We strive to ensure every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learner in NSW achieves their potential through education.