Robina TAFE vies for sustainable construction world award

TAFE Queensland’s Robina campus on the Gold Coast has been announced as one of three finalists worldwide for a sustainability-focused construction award in the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics 2022 Awards of Excellence. 

The World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnic (WFCP) is an international network of colleges that provides leadership in delivering workforce education for the global economy.

TAFE Queensland’s Robina campus was nominated for its demonstrated commitment to sustainability

Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said selection of the campus as a finalist in the world awards was a tremendous achievement.

“This cements Robina TAFE’s place as Australia’s leading sustainable campus.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s $100 million Equipping TAFE for our Future program has contributed significantly to the fit-out costs of the campus and provides state-of-the-art training facilities to meet the emerging needs of the local community.”

Robina is the first Vocational Education and Training campus in Australia designed from the ground up to be sustainable in building, fit-out, procurement, curriculum, operations and culture. Design and construction practices used to meet sustainability ambitions and reduce greenhouse emissions include:

• designing the base building to a National Australian Built Environment 5-star rating standard
• 250 solar panels providing renewable energy for the campus
• use of recycled materials and ecological finishes
• sensor activated lighting and LED task lighting
• maximising use of performance solar glass
• rainwater-fed automated irrigation system

“It is predicted that each year more than 2000 students will study commercial cookery, hospitality, events, hair and beauty, sport and fitness, health and leisure, information technology, early childhood education and care and English Language studies in the new campus,” Minister Farmer said. 

“Students will learn and practise these skills in an environment connected to the local community through onsite businesses which also double as live training facilities for students and support community and economic sustainability.

“The campus will open its doors to students in July with the first cohort due to graduate in 2023 with not only their qualification but a knowledge and commitment to sustainability," she said.

TAFE Queensland General Manager on the Gold Coast Karen Dickinson said the selection of the Robina campus as a finalist demonstrated TAFE Queensland’s commitment to social and environmental sustainability.

“TAFE Queensland is striving to become Australia’s most sustainable vocational training provider,” Ms Dickinson said.

“Courses taught at the campus will encourage students to reflect on their commitment to sustainability, build awareness of global issues and importantly build the skills required to work in a more sustainable future.

“The development and construction of the building and facilities has provided a solid foundation for the ongoing environmental, economic, social and community sustainability of this campus through creating a greener, healthier and more productive learning and teaching environment,” she said.

TAFE Queensland will be awarded either Gold, Silver or Bronze for the Robina campus entry in the construction category of the WFCP’s 2022 Awards of Excellence when the award results are announced during a ceremony in Spain from 15 to 17 June.

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