Published Friday, 16 March, 2007 at 05:22 PM
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
PREMIER WELCOMES ‘GREEN’ SHOPPING HUB TO SPRINGFIELD
Premier Peter Beattie was at Springfield today to officially open stage one of Orion, which once complete will be the largest eco-friendly shopping centre in the world.
Mr Beattie said Orion was an innovative example of how large-scale developments could ‘go green’.
“The $155 million stage one of Orion is a true, new-age development, pioneering world’s best practice in environmental sustainability,” Mr Beattie said.
“Its impressive design has created a water and energy efficient shopping centre.
“Through the use of natural ventilation and air-conditioning, Orion has reduced its demand for power by 42 percent - enough energy to power 500 Qld homes.
“Orion expects to use up to 68 percent less town water than other developments of its size through water recycling and massive rain water tanks.
“Its design, natural lighting and other measures will save 5,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions a year – that’s taking 1,162 cars off the road.
“And even the building process was ‘green’ – using 5,000 tonnes of landfill waste.”
Mr Beattie said the project set an important environmental benchmark for development in Queensland and the world.
“Mirvac has done a magnificent job creating this eco-shopping hub and received a $150,000 ecoBiz Government rebate for its efforts.
“The ecoBiz rebates are designed to encourage businesses to use eco-efficient design and sustainable technology and the Queensland Government will continue to support ‘green’ business.”
Mr Beattie said Orion was a much-needed addition to the rapidly growing Springfield.
“By 2026, Greater Springfield’s population is expected to exceed 143,000 people, with an investment of over $12.7 billion,” Mr Beattie said.
Media contact: 3224 4500
Mr Beattie said Orion was an innovative example of how large-scale developments could ‘go green’.
“The $155 million stage one of Orion is a true, new-age development, pioneering world’s best practice in environmental sustainability,” Mr Beattie said.
“Its impressive design has created a water and energy efficient shopping centre.
“Through the use of natural ventilation and air-conditioning, Orion has reduced its demand for power by 42 percent - enough energy to power 500 Qld homes.
“Orion expects to use up to 68 percent less town water than other developments of its size through water recycling and massive rain water tanks.
“Its design, natural lighting and other measures will save 5,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions a year – that’s taking 1,162 cars off the road.
“And even the building process was ‘green’ – using 5,000 tonnes of landfill waste.”
Mr Beattie said the project set an important environmental benchmark for development in Queensland and the world.
“Mirvac has done a magnificent job creating this eco-shopping hub and received a $150,000 ecoBiz Government rebate for its efforts.
“The ecoBiz rebates are designed to encourage businesses to use eco-efficient design and sustainable technology and the Queensland Government will continue to support ‘green’ business.”
Mr Beattie said Orion was a much-needed addition to the rapidly growing Springfield.
“By 2026, Greater Springfield’s population is expected to exceed 143,000 people, with an investment of over $12.7 billion,” Mr Beattie said.
Media contact: 3224 4500